I’ve got a great recipe to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Beef and Broccoli in the slow cooker is a super easy way to make this great dinner. But I’ve got a few fun facts to share first.

Did you know the Lunar (or Chinese) New Year is the single most important holiday in China but it is celebrated by more than 20% of the world’s population. It marks the transition between Chinese Zodiac signs. The Chinese Zodiac signs change from year-to-year rather than month-to-month as in the Western Zodiac. It always begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February. In 2021, the first day of the Lunar New Year will be Friday, the 12th of February. It will be the Year of the Ox.

What can you expect from people born in the Year of the Ox. According to “zodiacsigns-horoscope.com”, The Chinese astrology Ox is diligent, long-suffering and conventional. The side that most people see is very placid and reassuring. The Ox does not pretend to be something he is not. However, underneath the calm waves sits a temper that can be destructive when set off. It is never a good idea to tease or torment an Ox. You will regret it.

What Chinese Zodiac sign are you? My husband is an Ox…but I am a rabbit.

I hope you enjoy this slow cooker version of Beef Broccoli. It’s easy and colorful and makes a great dinner.

Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli

This tasty beef broccoli recipe can be pulled together quickly for a fast and easy weeknight meal. To avoid mushy vegetables, don’t add them until 15 to 20 minutes before this dish is done cooking. The frozen broccoli doesn’t need to be defrosted prior to cooking, so feel free to add them directly from the bag into your slow cooker. Actual cooking times will varying by individual unit, so be sure to watch closely the first time you prepare this recipe to achieve desired results. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 3-7 hours Serves: 4-6

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Servings

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1½ lbs. beef stew meat cut into chunks 1½ c. beef stock
3-4 cloves garlic finely minced
½ c. gluten-free soy sauce
1 T. honey
2 T. toasted sesame oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 T. arrowroot
1 14- oz. bag frozen broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper cut in short, thin strips
3 c. brown rice cooked
1 T. toasted sesame seeds optional

Tip: Adding the vegetables 15-20 minutes before done cooking will yield crisp-tender results. Cook longer for softer veggies.

Instructions

Directions:

Add beef stew chunks to 5 or 6-quart slow cooker crock.
In a medium glass or other non-reactive bowl, whisk beef stock, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to combine. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Pour mixture on top of beef. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
To create a thicker sauce, create a slurry by combing 2 tablespoons of arrowroot with ¼ cup of liquid from the slow cooker. Set aside.
15-20 minutes before done cooking, remove lid and stir in the arrowroot slurry, then the frozen broccoli and red bell pepper. Cover and finish cooking.
Serve immediately with cooked brown rice and a drizzle of sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with some toasted sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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