If you have been craving a flavorful, tender, and simple-to-make Asian-inspired dish, I am thrilled to share this Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe with you. This dish takes the classic beloved flavors of Mongolian beef and transforms them into a comforting slow cooker meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste. The combination of sweet soy glaze, tender flank steak, and the delightful bite of fresh green onions makes this recipe a total crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to add to your weeknight dinner rotation immediately.

The dish shows many small pieces of dark brown meat covered in a shiny, thick sauce with visible bits of garlic or spices. Bright green slices of chili or green onion are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the rich brown meat. The food is served in a white bowl with a smooth texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. The close-up makes the sauce look glossy and the meat tender. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how easily accessible and straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the delicious, rich flavor and perfect texture you crave. From the tender flank steak to the fragrant ginger and the caramel-like brown sugar, every component brings something special.

Flank steak (1.5 lbs): Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and the perfect bite.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Creates a light coating on the beef and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp): Adds a fragrant, nutty depth that complements the savory sauce.
Minced garlic (1 tsp): Provides that essential aromatic punch common in Mongolian dishes.
Minced ginger (1 tsp): Brings warmth and a slight zing to balance sweetness.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The salty backbone that enhances umami without overpowering.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Offers sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce for that signature sticky glaze.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce and ensures the beef cooks gently and stays moist.
Green onions (1/2 cup, sliced): Adds fresh crunch and color as a lively garnish.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain—this technique is key to ensuring your beef turns out tender and easy to bite into once cooked. Toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bowl, lightly coating each piece to help create a glossy, thickened sauce later.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce. This mixture is where the magic happens, as the brown sugar balances the savory soy sauce and the aromatics bring intrigue.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Pour your expertly mixed sauce over the cornstarch-coated beef in the slow cooker. Then add the white parts of the sliced green onions, which mellow and sweeten as they cook. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is meltingly tender and your sauce has thickened to a luscious glaze. If you like, stir gently halfway through cooking to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Finish and Serve Your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Once the cooking time is up, stir in the green parts of your sliced green onions to add a fresh and vibrant crunch. Serve your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef over steaming rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every last bit of that irresistible sauce. You’re just moments away from enjoying a truly satisfying dish!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sprinkled on top bring a crisp texture and a pop of color that brightens the rich, saucy beef. For an extra touch, toasted sesame seeds or a few red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and a touch of toasty flavor.

Side Dishes

The sweet-savory richness of Mongolian beef pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or stir-fried snap peas to add fresh greens and balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a colorful, edible bowl. Or turn it into a Mongolian beef lettuce wrap by spooning it into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld version perfect for casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mongolian beef stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to save this deliciousness for longer, freeze the cooled beef in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the beef, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin sliced thinly. Just be mindful of cooking times as some cuts may require slight adjustments.

Is it necessary to coat the beef in cornstarch?

Yes, coating the beef lightly in cornstarch helps create that signature silky texture and thickens the sauce perfectly, binding it to the meat for a luscious finish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for a gluten-sensitive diet. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How long should I cook the beef in the slow cooker?

On low, 4 to 6 hours is perfect to achieve tender beef and a thickened sauce. On high, 2 to 3 hours works but keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking to add color and nutrition without compromising tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and special about this Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe that makes it more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the hands-off cooking process to the melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly balanced flavors, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and watch this humble slow cooker recipe become a shining star at your dinner table!

Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe