Last week, I shared the Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs, inspired by what my sister always ordered whenever we got Chinese takeout or went to our favorite little corner spot in Castro Valley, Sunflower. I can still remember the owner Mae chatting with us at one of the 8 small tables inside. This week’s recipe is the dish my dad and I ordered every single time: Beef and Broccoli.
I actually have a version in my Eat What You Love cookbook that readers have loved for years, but while it’s technically “easy,” it still requires standing over a hot wok or skillet and cooking the beef in batches. That kind of cooking just doesn’t fit this season of life for me right now. Between double headers, late practices, and nights where everyone walks in hungry at different times, I wanted a version that could mostly take care of itself while we were out running kids around.
This slow cooker version gives you all of those savory takeout flavors, tender beef, glossy sauce, and crisp broccoli, but with far less hands-on cooking at dinnertime. Prep it ahead, let it cook while life happens, then finish it in just a few minutes when you get home.
Good news - Mayhem is almost over, everyone.
Unfortunately, our kids are in school until June 10, so around here we’re going to enter “Maycember: The Extended Cut.” Or maybe “Junecember.” Jury’s still out.
Just this week alone, SIX completely unexpected school events magically appeared on our calendar. Spirit days, end-of-year things, performances, award ceremonies… honestly it feels like the schools are just making up activities for sport at this point. So that’s been fun.
See you next week for another recipe!
Xo Danielle
In case you missed them!
If your weeks have been feeling stretched thin, this is for you. Everything is simple, realistic, and family-friendly.
This is recipe 4 of 6 of my Double Header Dinner Series. Inner Circle Members will get all 6 meals, plus the full meal plan, prep day game plan, and grocery list at the end of the series!
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Serves 6
Scroll down for a printable recipe PDF, ingredient substitutions, and other tips!
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