If you’re craving a delicious, tender meal, look no further! My slow cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is easy to make and full of flavor. With just a few main ingredients, you can create a dish that warms hearts and fills stomachs. Imagine tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a sweet savory sauce all bubbling away while you go about your day. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
For this dish, I like to use beef stew meat. This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and juicy over time. Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. The red bell pepper brings sweetness and a pop of flavor. Together, these ingredients create a savory base.
Sauce Ingredients
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
The sauce is the star of this recipe. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Honey gives the dish a sweet touch. Rice vinegar adds a nice tang. Sesame oil brings a rich, nutty flavor. Garlic and ginger boost taste and aroma. Together, these ingredients create a wonderful teriyaki sauce.
Optional Garnishes
– Sesame seeds
– Green onions, sliced
For a beautiful finish, I love to add sesame seeds and green onions. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Green onions bring freshness and color. These garnishes make the dish look and taste even better. Plus, they are easy to add before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, we need to make the teriyaki sauce. In your slow cooker, mix these ingredients:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Stir until everything blends well. Next, add the beef stew meat to the slow cooker. Make sure to coat the beef fully with the sauce. This step is key for great flavor.
Cooking Instructions
You can cook on low or high. If you choose low, set your slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours. For high, it’s 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low gives you more tender beef. Check for tenderness near the end of cooking. The beef should be soft and easy to pull apart.
Final Preparation
About 30 minutes before you serve, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Stir them in well. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook for another 30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
When it’s ready, serve the teriyaki beef and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. For a nice touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds crunch and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Slow Cooker Tips
To get even cooking, cut your beef into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook through evenly. Place the beef in the slow cooker first, then cover it with the sauce. This technique makes sure each piece is coated and tender. For the best texture, always cook on low for six to eight hours. High heat works too, but the meat might not be as tender.
Flavor Enhancement
You can boost flavor by adding spices. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Garlic and ginger already give great taste, but fresh herbs can add more depth. If your dish needs more sweetness, add a bit more honey. For saltiness, adjust the soy sauce to your liking. Always taste before serving.
Cooking Technique Tips
If you want to mix things up, you can use a stovetop or oven. For stovetop cooking, use a heavy pot on low heat. You can also roast the beef and veggies in the oven. Cooking times vary by meat cut. For tougher cuts, like chuck, you’ll need longer cooking times. Always check for tenderness before serving.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily swap out the beef in this recipe. Try using chicken for a lighter dish. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. If you want a plant-based option, tofu is great. Just press the tofu to remove extra water and cut it into cubes. You can also add more veggies. Think about snap peas, carrots, or bok choy. Mix it up to fit your taste.
Sauce Variations
For those who need gluten-free options, tamari is a perfect choice. It tastes similar to soy sauce but is gluten-free. You can also reduce the honey to make a low-sugar sauce. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. This will give your dish an exciting kick. Experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki with a twist of orange or pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor, while white rice is mild and fluffy. Quinoa is a great protein-rich alternative. You can also use noodles for a fun twist. To make it special, serve the dish in bowls and top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds a nice crunch and color. Enjoy your meal with chopsticks for a true Asian dining experience!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store your Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Freezing is best for longer storage.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a microwave or stove. If using a microwave, warm it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. On the stove, heat over low. This helps keep the meat tender and the veggies crisp. Add a splash of water if it looks dry.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your leftovers last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or changes in color. If you see these, it’s best to toss it out. Always prioritize safety with food.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just keep in mind that it will change the cooking time. If you use frozen beef, cook it on high for about 4-5 hours or on low for about 8-9 hours. This will help ensure the beef gets tender while fully cooking through.
How do I make it spicier?
To add some heat, you can include chili flakes or chopped fresh chili. You can also stir in hot sauce like sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right level of spice for your taste.
Is Teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Teriyaki sauce is not always gluten-free. It often contains soy sauce, which has wheat. However, you can use tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Always check the labels to ensure your sauces fit your dietary needs.
This post covered how to make a flavorful beef stir-fry. You learned about key ingredients like beef stew meat, broccoli, and a savory sauce. I shared tips for slow cooking, spice adjustments, and serving ideas.
In closing, feel confident to experiment with the recipe. You can swap ingredients and enhance flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy creating your own perfect dish!



