Description
A simple, budget-friendly slow cooker recipe that transforms affordable chuck roast and frozen broccoli into a tender, savory meal with a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2–3 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry and slice it into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
- Place the sliced beef into the bottom of a 4-to-6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let sit for 15 minutes if time permits.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours).
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen broccoli florets on top of the beef.
- In a small cup, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Replace the lid and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Turn off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For best texture, add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to prevent mushiness. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. If using fresh broccoli, add it in the last 20-30 minutes. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. The beef should be sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serve hot over steam
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, slow cooker dinner, beef and broccoli recipe, easy weeknight dinner, cheap family meals, slow cooker beef, copycat beef and broccoli