Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal Recipe

Are you ready for an instant classic that satisfies all cravings for a hearty, flavorful meal? This timeless classic combines both tender slices of beef with the vibrancy of broccoli florets, all combined and folded into a savory sauce that’s sure to have your taste buds dancing for more. This recipe is a must in your make-ahead freezer meal arsenal, which mixes the convenience of meal prep with the deliciousness of taste. 

The best thing about this recipe is the convenience of being a Freezer friendly meal. With a simple 5 minutes prep on an open weekend day, you can have a freezer meal ready to go during the busy weeks. As a mom of 4, I understand the chaos and the need for stress free evenings. Prepping my meals on the weekend allows my week nights to go over much smoother, than cooking fresh every night. Now, with meals prepped in advance, I have time to enjoy the evenings with my loved ones, and still provide a delicious dinner. 

So, what do you say? Are you willing to take a whip at Raw Freezer Meals? Grab your apron, let’s prep a Beef and Broccoli that will have your family asking for thirds!

Why You’ll Love this Easy Beef and Broccoli Freezer Recipe

• Nostalgic Appeal: For many families, beef and broccoli holds nostalgic memories of shared meals and cherished moments, making it a beloved favorite that never goes out of style.

• Minimal Cooking Skills Needed: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with ease, making it an ideal option for moms and parents who may not be confident in their culinary abilities.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Impress your loved ones with the authentic flavors of this restaurant-quality dish, all made in the comfort of your own kitchen.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prep the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook, making mealtime a breeze for busy moms and parents.
• Customizable Sauce: The savory sauce in this dish can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, whether it’s spicier, sweeter, or more savory, making it a versatile option for the whole family.

Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal Recipe

This timeless classic combines both tender slices of beef with the vibrancy of broccoli florets, all combined and folder together into a savory sauce that's sure to have your taste buds dancing for more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

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• 2-3 lbs Chuck roast
• 1 tbsp Tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup Tamari
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil

Day of Cooking:

• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 2-3 cups Broccoli florets

For Serving:

• 2 cups Rice uncooked
• Green onions chopped

Instructions

 

Prep/Freezer Directions:

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag labeling according to your preferred method.
• Add all ingredients, except day of cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag. *
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, shake to evenly coat, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8 hours.
• Shred beef and stir in fresh broccoli, then cook one additional hour on low.
• Stir, serve over rice, and if desired, garnish with chopped green onions.

Instant Pot Directions:

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, plus ½ cup water. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.  
3. Shred the beef inside the pot, add fresh broccoli, and stir to combine. Close the lid, set to “Keep Warm,” and let the residual heat steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes. If more cooking is needed, use the “Sauté” setting for a few minutes. 
4. Stir, serve over rice, and, if desired, garnish with chopped green onions.

Dietary Adjustments

Make this recipe Gluten-Free: 

 

• Recipe is naturally Gluten-Free

 

Make this recipe Dairy Free:

 

• Recipe is naturally dairy free

Notes

*I do not recommend freezing the broccoli or using frozen broccoli for this recipe, for best results use raw fresh broccoli when cooking.

Keyword Beef and Broccoli, Beef freezer meals, easy freezer meals for new moms, Slow cooker beef recipes

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Equipment needed to prepare a Make-Ahead Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal Recipe

• 2-3 lbs Chuck roast
• 1 tbsp Tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup Tamari
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• Day of Cooking:
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 2-3 cups Broccoli florets
• For Serving:
• 2 cups Rice, uncooked
• Green onions, chopped

How to Make a Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep/Freezer Directions:

1. Prepare a gallon freezer bag labeling according to your preferred method.
2. Add all ingredients, except day of cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag. *
3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, shake to evenly coat, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

1. Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
2. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Shred beef and stir in fresh broccoli, then cook one additional hour on low.
5. Stir, serve over rice, and if desired, garnish with chopped green onions.

What to Pair with your Quick Beef and Broccoli For Busy Families

Sides:

• Garlic Butter Rice
• Sesame Ginger Roasted Carrots
• Asian Cucumber Salad

Desserts:

• Garlic Butter Rice
• Sesame Ginger Roasted Carrots
• Asian Cucumber Salad

Mocktails:

• Virgin Mojito 
• Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
• Pineapple Ginger Sparkler

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• Chuck Roast for Beef Stew Meat: Instead of using chuck roast, you can substitute it with beef stew meat. Simply follow the recipe as directed, adjusting the cooking time if necessary.
• Tapioca Starch for Cornstarch: If you don’t have tapioca starch on hand, you can substitute it with cornstarch. Both starches work well as thickeners for sauces and can withstand freezing without compromising texture.
• Tamari for Soy Sauce: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, but if you prefer or only have regular soy sauce, you can use it instead.

Additions:

• Carrots: Add 1-2 cups of sliced carrots to the beef and broccoli freezer meal for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. 
• Mushrooms: Include 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms to enhance the richness of the dish. Mushrooms add depth of flavor and texture and can be easily incorporated into the freezer meal.
• Ginger: Grate or finely chop 1-2 teaspoons of fresh ginger to add a burst of aromatic warmth to the beef and broccoli dish. Ginger pairs beautifully with garlic and sesame oil.

By incorporating these substitutions and additions, you can customize your Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal to suit your taste preferences while utilizing the ingredients you already have on hand.

How to Reheat and Store Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal

Best way to store Healthy Beef and Broccoli Freezer Prep leftovers?

Storing leftovers correctly is essential for preserving their taste and safety. Begin by letting your leftovers cool to room temperature. After cooling, transfer them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, ensuring minimal air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage. For longer storage, the freezer is an excellent choice. Frozen leftovers can maintain their quality for several months.

How long will Beef and Broccoli last in the fridge?

To ensure the freshness and safety of leftovers, it’s crucial to understand their shelf life in the fridge. Generally, leftovers can remain fresh for 3-5 days when stored appropriately. After cooking, allow the dishes to cool to room temperature, and then transfer them into airtight containers. Proper cooling and sealing minimize the risk of bacterial growth.

Can I freeze Simple Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal for Weeknight dinners?

Yes! We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal. This means prepping the recipe raw, then freezing. When you are ready for the meal, pull it out to thaw, and cook fresh. To prep this recipe as a raw freezer meal, first, label a gallon freezer bag. Then add all ingredients to your gallon bag, except the day of cooking ingredients. Then remove excess air, seal, and freeze for three months.

If you are looking to extend the shelf life of your leftovers by freezing, allow your recipe to cool before storing. Once cooled, consider portioning out your leftovers for easy reheating. Store in a resealable freezer bag or freezer safe glass containers. Store for up to three months.

How to Reheat Delicious Beef and Broccoli Freezer Recipe?

The best way to reheat beef and broccoli leftovers is by using a stovetop. You may also use a microwave to get your recipe hot again, although using the microwave will impact the texture and flavor of your 2nd round more than other methods. To use the stovetop, add a splash of broth/water to your skillet, head over medium heat until heated through.

While using the microwave, heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Easy Beef and Broccoli Freezer Meal FAQs

Other Asian Inspired Recipes You’ll Love!

• Asian Beef Short Ribs Freezer Meal 
• General Tso Chicken Freezer Meal 
• Korean Beef Freezer Meal 
• Honey Sesame Chicken Freezer Meal 
• Mango Curry Chicken Freezer Meal

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Beef and Broccoli turned out!