Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: Amazing 2-Hour Meal

Slow cooker Mongolian beef has become my go-to for busy weeknights, and I’m so excited to share this simple slow cooker beef recipe with you! I still remember the first time I tried making it; I was a bit nervous about getting the sauce just right, but the aroma of garlic and ginger filling my kitchen was absolutely incredible. This easy slow cooker Mongolian beef delivers that perfect sweet and savory balance with incredibly tender beef that practically melts in your mouth. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

This dish is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with:

• The incredible sweet and savory flavor that coats every bite.
• Its super-quick 15-minute prep time, perfect for busy evenings.
• The tender slow cooker beef recipe that guarantees melt-in-your-mouth results.
• It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• This slow cooker beef recipe is wonderfully family-friendly, even picky eaters love it!
• It’s a healthier alternative to takeout, packed with lean protein.
• Enjoy a truly tender slow cooker beef recipe that’s foolproof.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious slow cooker beef recipe. I find that having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for this tender slow cooker beef recipe:

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak – I like to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch – This helps create that signature thick and glossy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil – Adds a lovely nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Essential for that classic Asian flavor.
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger – Together with the garlic, this forms the flavor base for our slow cooker beef with garlic and ginger.
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce – This is the backbone of the savory sauce, providing that crucial umami.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar – Balances the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect sweet and savory slow cooker beef.
• 1/2 cup water – Helps to thin the sauce and ensure everything cooks evenly.
• 1/2 cup green onions – For a fresh, vibrant garnish right before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Learning how to make Mongolian beef in a slow cooker is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering! This recipe is designed for ease, so don’t worry if you’re new to slow cooking. You’ll achieve that perfect tender and flavorful sauce with minimal effort.

1. Step 1: Start by preparing your beef. In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with the 1/4 cup cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for creating that signature thick, glossy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.
2. Step 2: Now, it’s time to assemble everything in your slow cooker. Add the cornstarch-coated beef to the insert. Then, pour in the 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water.
3. Step 3: Gently stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker. Make sure the beef is well-coated with the sauce mixture. This is the magic happening right before your eyes as you learn how to make Mongolian beef in a slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and how thinly you sliced the beef. You’re looking for the beef to be incredibly tender and the sauce to be thick and savory.
5. Step 5: Once the beef is tender, stir in the 1/2 cup green onions just before serving. This adds a fresh, bright finish to your delicious crock pot Mongolian beef. Serve this amazing dish over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Want to elevate your slow cooker beef recipe? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned that make all the difference for this tender slow cooker beef recipe.

• Always slice your flank steak against the grain. This is the key to ensuring your beef is incredibly tender, not tough.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch coating! It’s essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
• For an even richer flavor, consider lightly browning the cornstarch-coated beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Taste and adjust the sauce towards the end of cooking. You might want a little more brown sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

The absolute secret to an authentic Mongolian beef slow cooker experience is slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This breaks down the tough muscle fibers, ensuring your beef is incredibly tender and flavorful. I learned this from a friend who runs a popular Asian food stall!

Can I make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the ingredients and combine them in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. This makes it a truly fantastic make ahead slow cooker beef option for busy weeks.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

The most common mistake is slicing the beef with the grain, which is why my slow cooker Mongolian beef is always tender. Also, avoid overcooking; check the beef at the lower end of the time range. If your sauce isn’t thick enough, you can always thicken it with a cornstarch slurry at the end.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Once your delicious slow cooker Mongolian beef is ready, the possibilities for serving are endless! This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy crock pot beef with Asian flavors that’s both comforting and exciting.

• The classic pairing is steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up that incredible sweet and savory sauce perfectly.
• For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or your favorite noodles, like lo mein or udon.
• Consider adding some steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add color, crunch, and extra nutrients to your meal.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

This slow cooker beef recipe is flavorful and satisfying. Here are the approximate nutritional details per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your crock pot Mongolian beef.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

One of the best things about this simple slow cooker beef recipe is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious slow cooker Mongolian beef has cooled down a bit, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating is just as easy! For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. This makes it a convenient option to have a tasty meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

What is Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

Slow cooker Mongolian beef is a delicious Chinese-American dish featuring thinly sliced beef cooked in a slow cooker with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. It’s a fantastic way to achieve tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort compared to traditional stir-frying methods.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe?

While flank steak is ideal for this mongolian beef recipe for slow cooker because of its tenderness when sliced correctly, you can also use sirloin steak or even chuck roast if sliced thinly against the grain. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the cut and thickness.

Why is my Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef always tough?

The most common reason for tough beef in a slow cooker is slicing the meat with the grain instead of against it. Always slice your beef very thinly, against the grain, before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking; check for tenderness at the lower end of the suggested cooking time to prevent the beef from drying out and becoming tough.

How much liquid should I use in my Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef?

For this recipe, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce create the perfect balance for the sauce. You want enough liquid to create a flavorful sauce that coats the beef, but not so much that it becomes watery. The cornstarch will help thicken it beautifully as it cooks.

Variations of Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic slow cooker Mongolian beef, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! These variations let you tailor this beloved dish to your preferences, whether you’re aiming for a lighter meal or exploring different flavor profiles. It’s amazing how versatile this Chinese slow cooker beef can be!

• Healthy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: For a lighter version, swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute or a touch of honey. You can also reduce the soy sauce by using a “less sodium” variety and add extra broth or water. Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef No Browning: If you’re short on time or just want to simplify, you can skip the browning step entirely. Just toss the cornstarch-coated beef straight into the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. The sauce will still thicken beautifully!
• Sweet and Savory Slow Cooker Beef: Amp up the sweetness by adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup along with the brown sugar. For a bit more savory depth, a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce can add complexity to your sweet and savory slow cooker beef.
• Spicy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture. You can also add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

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