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Lighter Crockpot Beef and Broccoli with Rice

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A lighter take on classic beef and broccoli, made in the crockpot with tender flank steak, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce. This easy 30-minute prep recipe delivers takeout-style flavor without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick). Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to crockpot.
  3. Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to crockpot on top of beef.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and onions. Stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to crockpot. Stir gently and replace lid.
  7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Push beef and broccoli to one side, pour slurry into sauce, and stir. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Cook rice according to package directions (start when adding broccoli).
  9. Serve beef and broccoli over rice, spoon extra sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Searing the beef adds depth of flavor (Maillard reaction). Add broccoli only in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt. Store beef and broccoli separately from rice for best texture. Flavors improve overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, crockpot, slow cooker, lighter, healthy, weeknight dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/lighter-crockpot-beef-and-broccoli-with-rice-easy-30-minute-recipe/