Helen, I steam broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave when I'm in a hurry (the dogs get vegetables in with their dry food, and they love the cruciferous veggies). But for myself I prefer them in a basket steamer in a pot over water. There is a consistency difference (though either way will turn them to mush if you leave it cooking too long.)

I make a distinction between what I put in with a beef pot roast and what I put into beef stew, with the basics in both (beef, onions, carrots, potatoes). The stew can have other things like parsnip, and for a green accent, broccoli (added very near the end).