The scent of tender, savory beef simmering away in the slow cooker fills my kitchen with such warmth that it feels like a hug. If you’re dreaming of a hearty meal that demands minimal effort, look no further than Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also offers the convenience of hands-off cooking, turning busy weeknights into something special. I love how the savory sauce envelops the beef, making it a comforting solution that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, meaning you can savor those delightful flavors again the next day without lifting a finger. Are you ready to dive into a bowl of this deliciousness?

Why is Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef a Must-Try?

Effortless Cooking: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a meal that feels gourmet.

Savory Deliciousness: The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with tender beef, delivering an unforgettable flavor explosion.

Time-Saving Wonder: Set it and forget it! This dish fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with ease.

Versatile Pairing: Serve it over rice or alongside roasted veggies for a well-rounded dinner. For extra flavor, try it with a side of Greek Lemon Rice.

Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest of eaters won’t resist the allure of this delightful dish, making it a guaranteed hit.

Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a cozy evening!

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Ingredients

For the Beef
• Beef chuck roast – perfect for slow cooking, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Soy sauce – the base of our savory sauce, adding a rich, umami kick.
• Brown sugar – provides that sweet balance to the savory flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
• Garlic – fresh cloves give a fragrant depth to the sauce that’s irresistible.
• Ginger – fresh or ground adds a warm zest that complements the beef nicely.

For the Sauce
• Beef broth – the liquid that helps simmer the flavors together, making the sauce even richer.
• Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy finish we love.
• Red pepper flakes – sprinkle in for a hint of heat, making the dish even more exciting.

For Serving
• Cooked rice – a cozy blanket for the beef, soaking up that glorious sauce for maximum enjoyment.
• Green onions – sliced on top adds freshness and a lovely crunch to each bite.

With these Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef ingredients, you’ll elevate your home-cooked dinner into a masterpiece!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, avocado oil, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until well blended. This aromatic sauce serves as the backbone of your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, infusing rich flavors. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the meat, allowing the ingredients to marry for a moment.

Step 2: Coat Meat
Take the sliced flank steak and place it in a large zipper bag along with cornstarch. Seal the bag, then shake it vigorously until the beef is evenly coated. This cornstarch coating tenderizes the meat and helps to thicken the sauce as it cooks. Visualize the steak pieces glistening with the cornstarch, ready for the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add the coated flank steak, diced onion, and shredded carrots. The combination of these ingredients will create a colorful base, bursting with flavor. Stir gently to mix them together, ensuring that the vegetables intersperse with the meat, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef.

Step 4: Cook
Pour the prepared sauce over the steak and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure everything is coated in the luscious sauce. Secure the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Check that the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, indicated by the meat being tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and prepare to serve your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve this delectable dish over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the sauce to soak up for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can slice the flank steak and coat it with cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance—this not only saves time but also helps tenderize the meat. Additionally, the sauce can be mixed together and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep the coated meat and sauce separate until you’re ready to cook to maintain quality. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the steak and vegetables to the slow cooker, pour the sauce over, and let it do the magic. In no time, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal waiting for you!

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Variations

Customize your dish with these delightful twists that enhance flavor and texture, making each serving special!

Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers in the last hour for added nutrition and a colorful presentation. Fresh veggies create a lovely contrast both in flavor and texture.
Chicken Twist: Substitute flank steak with chicken breast for a lighter, yet equally flavorful option. This change brings a lovely mildness that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. It’s an easy swap that keeps all the wonderful flavors intact while catering to dietary needs.
Spicy Kick: For a bolder flavor, toss in sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. You can dial up the heat to tantalize your taste buds—just don’t overdo it!
Tropical Flair: Add pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sweet, tropical twist. This addition will brighten up the dish with juicy pops of flavor.
Rice Choices: Serve over fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice instead of plain white for a delicious twist. Both options complement the dish with their fragrant notes.
Additional Garnish: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an aromatic finish. They add brightness and a refreshing touch that elevates your dish.
Thickened Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in more cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 20 minutes of cooking. This creates a silky texture that clings beautifully to your beef.

Explore and enjoy the versatility of this family-favorite dish! For more delicious inspiration, pair your meal with Greek Lemon Rice or try adding a protein-packed side like Caramelized Pulled Beef for a well-rounded dinner. Happy cooking!

What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

The heartwarming aroma of slow-cooked beef beckons for delightful companions to create a memorable meal experience.

Steamed White Rice: This classic base soaks up the rich sauce, enhancing each flavorful bite and providing a comforting texture.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds a fresh crunch and elevates your dining experience.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky notes of freshly baked bread offer a delightful contrast to the savory beef, perfect for mopping up sauce.
Cucumber Salad: A crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar brings a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the Mongolian beef.
Peanut Noodles: These silky noodles add an interesting twist, creating a delightful textural contrast that pairs beautifully with the dish.
Chilled Chardonnay: This wine’s crispness complements the dish’s savory flavors while enhancing the overall dining experience on cozy evenings.

Bringing together these delicious sides, you can create an inviting spread that will make your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef the star of the dinner table!

Storage Tips for Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the beef remains juicy and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Airtight Guidance: Always leave a little space in the container when freezing to allow for expansion, keeping your Mongolian beef fresh and delicious!

Expert Tips for Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Choosing the Right Cut: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use chuck roast for a richer flavor.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Flavor Boost: Browning the meat briefly in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker can enhance the overall flavor of your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef.
Vegetable Additions: Don’t hesitate to toss in broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition. Just add them during the last hour of cooking!
Spice Adjustments: Control the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes; start with a little and add more if you like it spicier.
Storage Made Easy: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe FAQs

What type of beef is best for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Absolutely! For this Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, flank steak is the go-to choice because of its tenderness when cooked slowly. However, you can also use beef chuck roast if you want a richer flavor, as it becomes wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth tender during the cooking process.

How should I store leftovers?
Very simple! Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just add a splash of water and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I freeze Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?
Yes, you can! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a tightly sealed freezer bag or container. It will be safe in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water if necessary to keep the sauce from drying out.

What if my sauce is too thin?
If you find that your sauce needs thickening, don’t worry! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking and allow it to thicken, which will give you that perfect glossy finish.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re making this for someone with dietary restrictions, you can use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free. Additionally, if anyone in your household has a soy allergy, consider using coconut aminos as a flavorful alternative.

How do I choose ripe vegetables for this dish?
When selecting carrots and onions, look for firm and vibrant options. Carrots should be crisp without dark spots or wilting, while onions should feel heavy for their size and have shiny, taut skin. Fresh ingredients significantly enhance the flavors of your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!