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Healthy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

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This healthy slow cooker beef and broccoli with garlic sauce delivers fork-tender beef, bright green broccoli, and a glossy, garlicky sauce without MSG or weird additives. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout but is made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 6 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef against the grain: Place flank steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up, then cut into ¼-inch thick strips across the grain, about 2 inches long.
  2. Sear the beef in batches: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the beef strips in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker. Repeat with remaining beef.
  3. Make the sauce base: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until sugar dissolves. Pour over beef in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours: Cover and cook on low heat. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Turn slow cooker to high. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir gently. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Cook the broccoli: While sauce thickens, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking.
  8. Combine and serve: Gently stir blanched broccoli into the slow cooker. Let heat through for 5 minutes. Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For the most tender beef, slice against the grain and do not skip the searing step. Add broccoli at the very end to keep it crisp-tender. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a low-carb/keto version, substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol and serve over cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, healthy beef and broccoli, garlic sauce, Chinese takeout, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option, keto option

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/healthy-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-with-garlic-sauce/