Okay, so picture this: It’s Tuesday night, you’re *exhausted*, and the last thing you wanna do is spend hours in the kitchen. Am I right? That’s where my slow cooker swoops in to save the day… again! And this Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s seriously a lifesaver.
I’ve always been a sucker for those yummy Asian-inspired flavors, and this recipe? It nails it! The beef gets sooo tender in the slow cooker, and that ginger sesame sauce is just… *chef’s kiss*. Plus, the whole house smells amazing while it’s cooking. Trust me, this Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli will become your new weeknight go-to. I know it’s become one of mine!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed with this recipe. Why? Lemme tell ya:
Effortless Weeknight Dinner
Pop everything in the slow cooker, press start, and walk away! It practically cooks itself. I mean, who doesn’t love that?!
Authentic Asian-Inspired Taste
The ginger, sesame, and soy sauce? They’re like a flavor party in your mouth! It’s seriously like takeout, but way better (and healthier!).
Tender Beef and Crisp Broccoli
The beef is fall-apart tender, and the broccoli still has a little bite. It’s all about that texture, baby!
Minimal Prep Time
Seriously, it takes like, 10 minutes to toss everything together. I’m all about quick and easy, and this recipe totally delivers.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli. Don’t skimp – each ingredient plays a super important role in the final flavor. And hey, low-sodium is the name of the game, so we can load up on flavor without all the salt!
- 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cubed. Trust me, chuck roast is the way to go!
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Fresh is key here, people!
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced. I like a lot of garlic, but you can adjust to your taste.
- 1 cup low-sodium beef stock. Gotta keep that sodium in check!
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce. Again, low-sodium is our friend.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed. Make sure it’s packed, not just loosely scooped!
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. This adds that perfect zing!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This is how we thicken that yummy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water. For making a slurry with the cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. This stuff is liquid gold!
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional). For a little kick!
- 10 ounces steam-in-bag broccoli florets. I love the steam-in-bag for convenience!
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced. For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds. Adds a nutty crunch!
- Cooked rice, for serving. I usually go for brown rice, but whatever floats your boat!
How To Make Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Okay, so here’s the fun part – actually making this amazing Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!
Preparing the Beef
This step is totally optional, but I really recommend it: browning the beef! I know, I know, it adds a little extra time, but trust me, it’s worth it. Just toss the cubed beef in a skillet with a little cooking oil (I like avocado oil) over medium-high heat. Brown it on all sides – don’t worry about cooking it through. This gives the beef a richer, deeper flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. Plus, it looks prettier! If you’re *really* short on time, skip it, but you’ll be missing out!
Slow Cooking the Beef
Now, dump that browned beef (or unbrowned, if you’re skipping the browning) into your slow cooker. Add the grated ginger, sliced garlic, beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Give it all a good stir so everything’s nicely combined. Now, for the magic: cover that slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef is ready when it’s fall-apart tender. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting!
Thickening the Sauce
Alright, the beef is tender, but the sauce is a little thin, right? No problem! Turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until it’s smooth – no lumps allowed! This is your cornstarch slurry. Stir in the sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Pour that slurry into the slow cooker and stir it in. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened up nicely. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get *too* thick!
Adding the Broccoli
Okay, almost there! Steam your broccoli according to the package directions. I love those steam-in-bag ones because they’re just so easy. Once the broccoli’s steamed, gently stir it and the sliced green onions into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli – you want it to still have a little bit of a bite!
Serving the Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Woohoo, you did it! Now it’s time to eat! Serve that delicious Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli over cooked rice. Sprinkle those sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch and a pretty garnish. And there you have it – a super easy, super flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Wanna take your Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for getting it perfect every time:
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
Okay, so I always use chuck roast for this recipe, and there’s a reason! It’s got great marbling, which means it gets super tender and flavorful in the slow cooker. Plus, it’s usually pretty budget-friendly! You *could* use another cut, but trust me, chuck roast is the way to go.
Adjusting the Sauce
The sauce is pretty perfect as is (if I do say so myself!), but feel free to tweak it to your liking. If you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Taste as you go and adjust until it’s just right!
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
This is super important! Nobody likes mushy broccoli. That’s why you add it at the very end. Just a few minutes in the slow cooker is all it needs to heat through. You want it to be tender-crisp, not a soggy mess!
Variations on Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli, and you’re loving it, right? But what if you wanna mix things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few fun variations to try:
Spicy Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Want to add some heat? I got you! Just toss in a little extra red pepper flakes when you add the cornstarch slurry. Or, for a real kick, drizzle in some sriracha at the end. Just be careful – a little goes a long way!
Adding Vegetables
Broccoli’s great, but why stop there? Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) would be awesome in this. Or how about some sliced carrots? Snow peas would add a nice crunch, too! Just toss ’em in with the broccoli at the end.
Using Different Protein
Not a beef fan? No worries! You can totally make this with chicken or pork instead. Just use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or a pork shoulder, and adjust the cooking time as needed. It’ll be just as delicious, I promise!
Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Alright, you’ve got a delicious pot of Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli, now what do you serve it with? Here are a couple of my go-to suggestions!
Classic Pairings
Seriously, you can’t go wrong with rice! White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice… they all work great. Quinoa is another awesome option if you’re feeling a little healthier. Or, for something different, try serving it over noodles! Lo mein noodles would be amazing!
Vegetable Sides
Want to add even *more* veggies to your meal? Steamed greens like bok choy or spinach are always a good choice. Or, keep it simple with a fresh, crunchy salad. A little side of edamame is never a bad idea either!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Got questions about making this amazing Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Okay, so fresh broccoli is definitely my preference, but frozen will totally work in a pinch! Just make sure you don’t add it to the slow cooker frozen – it’ll get mushy. Thaw it first, and then add it during the last few minutes of cooking, just like you would with fresh broccoli. Easy peasy!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli is even *better* the next day! Just cook it as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Boom! Dinner’s ready!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are your friend! Just pop any leftover Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Perfect for lunch or another easy dinner!
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yep, you sure can! Honey is a great substitute for brown sugar in this recipe. Just use the same amount (1/4 cup), and you’re good to go. It’ll give the sauce a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious! You could also use maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch (smart move!) but have some leftovers. Here’s the lowdown on keeping that Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli fresh and delicious!
Storing Leftovers
Super simple! Just let the beef and broccoli cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. Into the fridge it goes! It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ve got options! You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works great too! Just heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and warm. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Heads up! Nutrition info can change depending on the brands and ingredients you use, so this is just a general estimate, okay?
Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Alright, that’s it! You just made some seriously delicious Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef & Broccoli! I really hope you love it as much as I do. If you give it a try, please come back and leave a comment and rating! I’d love to hear what you think and any tweaks you made. Thanks so much for trying my recipe!
Print
Delicious Slow Cooker Ginger Sesame Beef: Just 10 Mins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Enjoy tender beef and broccoli in a flavorful ginger sesame sauce. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cubed
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef stock
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 10 ounces steam-in-bag broccoli florets
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Brown beef in skillet with cooking oil (optional).
- Combine beef, ginger, garlic, stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Turn slow cooker to high. Whisk cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour into slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Steam broccoli.
- Stir broccoli and green onions into beef.
- Top with sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Notes
- Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 535kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1041mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 156mg