1. Prepare the Sauce: Combining the Flavorful Ingredients

1. Whisk Together: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beef consommé (or broth), low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.

2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Layering for Tenderness

1. Layer Beef: Lay the thinly sliced beef strips in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring the beef strips are evenly coated.

3. Slow Cook the Beef: Achieving Tenderness and Flavor Infusion

1. Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
2. Cooking Time: Cook on low for about 6 hours.
   • Note: The recipe author notes that her beef was ready at 5 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the beef slices.
   • Check for Doneness: The beef is done when it’s very tender and easily pierced with a fork. You don’t want to cook the beef too long in this recipe, or it will start to shred. You want it to remain in strips.

4. Thicken the Sauce: Creating a Glossy Finish

1. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: About an hour before the beef is done, take ¼ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and transfer it to a small bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch until it’s completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
2. Add Slurry to Slow Cooker: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Add the Broccoli: A Touch of Freshness

1. Incorporate Broccoli: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, add the frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine them with the sauce and beef.
   • Tip: Adding the broccoli towards the end prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.

6. Finish Cooking: Bringing it All Together

1. Continue Cooking: Continue to cook, covered, for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and heated through and the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve and Enjoy: A Delicious and Effortless Meal

1. Serve over Rice: Serve the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli hot, spooned over a bed of cooked white rice, brown rice, or your favorite grain.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Slow Cooker Success

• Beef Tough:
  • Problem: The beef is tough and chewy.
  • Solutions: Make sure you’re using a suitable cut of beef, like chuck roast. Ensure it is cooked long enough.
• Sauce Too Thin:
  • Problem: The sauce is too watery.
  • Solutions: Make sure to use the cornstarch slurry as directed. You can also simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes after removing the beef to allow it to reduce further.
• Broccoli Mushy:
  • Problem: The broccoli is overcooked and mushy.
  • Solutions: Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. You can also steam or stir-fry the broccoli separately and add it to the dish just before serving.
• Beef Shredding:
  • Problem: The beef is shredding when you don’t want it to.
  • Solution: Cook for less time. The recipe author states her beef was ready at 5 hours, not the 6 that are listed in the directions.