Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli

Yum!

Well, it's been a while since I've posted a recipe, hasn't it? I've made this for the family a few times now and it's definitely a new addition to my repertoire. Don't you just love it when something new gets added to the mix? :)

When the girls get home from school and smell what's cooking, they get really excited about this one. Funny, because they've never cared for this dish at any Chinese restaurant. In fact, they don't even really like beef! Other than beef jerky, of course. :)

But this is different. The slow cooker makes the meat super tender and the sauce is delectable and slightly sweet.

What's not to love, right? Plus, it's packed full of my favorite vegetable: BROCCOLI.

I also love this dish because it's a one pot meal. No side dishes, salads, or extra veggies. Just pile it on top of your favorite rice!

And Costco makes it even easier with their big bags of organic brown and white rice in the freezer section.

Give it a try! I promise, it's better than take-out!

Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli
serves 4-5

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds flank steak (this makes the meat more shredded at the end) or sirloin steaks (more intact pieces and equally tender) slice meat in pieces about 1/4 in. thick.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup beef broth
• ⅔ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 4-5 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons corn starch + 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1. Add steak, salt, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours.
2. About 20 minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker. In a small bowl whisk corn starch and water until dissolved. Add to slow cooker and stir. Cover and allow to cook another 20-25 minutes.
3. Just before serving, place broccoli in a large bowl, fill with ½ inch of water. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain, stir broccoli into slow cooker, and serve.

Notes:
For a bit of a spicy kick, add a full 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes!

Additional options: sesame seeds, water chestnuts, other veggies, or even cashews.

Recipe adapted from mother thyme