Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delicious, tender dish packed with bold, savory flavors that come together with minimal effort. This easy recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal perfect for busy weeknights. With just a slow cooker and a few smart tricks, you’ll have tender slices of beef smothered in a rich, sweet-savory sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy this classic takeout favorite at home without all the fuss, this quick and easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe is sure to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Just combine ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work for hands-free convenience.
• Rich, authentic flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and savory makes every bite crave-worthy.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the tender beef and flavorful sauce, making it a dinner winner.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust ingredients for dietary needs or preferences.
• Great for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, ideal for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These simple components come together seamlessly to create a rich sauce and tender beef that feels special without complicated prep.

• Beef sirloin or flank steak: Lean and thinly sliced, it cooks quickly and stays tender in the slow cooker.
• Soy sauce: Adds that essential salty umami base for the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Brings sweetness and depth, creating a perfect balance with the soy sauce.
• Fresh garlic and ginger: Provide aromatic punch and a hint of spicy warmth.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating.
• Vegetable oil: For searing beef quickly to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
• Green onions: Added at the end for freshness and a pop of vibrant color.
• Water or beef broth: Creates the perfect liquid to tenderize the meat and meld the sauce flavors.

Variations for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is how easily you can customize it. Whether you need to swap ingredients, adjust heat levels, or add veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully to your tastes.

• Add heat: Include red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian twist: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan to keep the sauce vibrant and tasty.
• Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
• Less sugar: Use coconut sugar or reduce the amount of brown sugar for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-friendly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Begin by slicing your beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips against the grain; this ensures tenderness. Quickly sear the strips in a hot skillet with a little vegetable oil for about 1-2 minutes per side to lock in the juices and add flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water or beef broth. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating the rich, savory sauce that will envelop your beef.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared beef into your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Cover and set to cook on low for 2-3 hours, or high for about 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 15 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency that coats every bite perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and a burst of color. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

• Don’t skip searing: It seals in the flavor and prevents the beef from becoming bland.
• Slice beef thinly: Thinner strips cook faster and stay tender throughout slow cooking.
• Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the sauce’s flavor beyond bottled versions.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar based on your preference.
• Check sauce thickness: Add cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid over-thickening.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Garnishes

Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a few thinly sliced red chili peppers for heat and color contrast.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a heartier meal, consider serving with garlic sautéed greens or simple stir-fried vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the beef over crispy waffle fries for a fun twist or wrap it in warm lettuce leaves as a handheld dish. You can also use it as a filling for savory pancakes or bao buns for an Asian-inspired treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The beef continues to soak up the flavorful sauce, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef freezes very well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or even chuck work well, but be mindful of cooking times as tougher cuts may need longer to become tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s naturally gluten-free if you substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives.

Can I make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the sauce to increase the heat level to your liking.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

It’s excellent over steamed rice, noodles, or paired with stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?

On low, it typically takes 2 to 3 hours; on high, 1 to 1.5 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model and beef cut thickness.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is the perfect recipe to turn busy nights into flavorful moments without stress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you get a tender, savory meal that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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