Deliciously Easy Crockpot Mongolian Beef for Busy Weeknights

I still remember the first time I made Crockpot Mongolian Beef—how the rich, soy-infused aroma filled the kitchen and got everyone’s stomachs growling before dinner was even ready. It was one of those chilly weekday evenings when I desperately needed a meal that was easy yet satisfying, and this slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe came to my rescue. There’s something heartwarming about having tender Mongolian beef slow cooker magic cooking away, letting me focus on homework, work emails, and getting the kids ready for bed. This Crockpot Mongolian Beef quickly became my go-to for busy weeknights, and honestly, it turned into a family favorite faster than I could say “crockpot beef with soy sauce.”

For me, Crockpot Mongolian Beef is all about that slow-cooked Asian beef flavor packed with sweetness, savoriness, and a touch of garlic and ginger. But I’ll admit, it wasn’t an instant win. My first attempt had the beef a little tough, and the sauce was more watery than glossy. After tweaking the timing and sauce ingredients, I finally nailed it—and learned a trick or two about how to get that perfect tender Mongolian beef slow cooker texture without any fuss. If you’re someone who’s struggled to find the right easy Mongolian beef recipe, you’re definitely not alone. You’ll love how this Crockpot Mongolian Beef fits right into a hectic family life but still leaves time for those lovely Sunday dinners when the family gathers around the table.

There’s something special about sharing this meal—my kids even ask for it when they have friends over, and I love knowing I can serve something homemade that’s both delicious and easy. If you want to bring a little of that slow cooker Mongolian beef comfort into your kitchen with minimal effort, stick around. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about making this Crockpot Mongolian Beef work for your family. Plus, if you love this type of recipe, you might also enjoy some other favorites like Crockpot Marry Me Chicken or Onion Beef Fried Rice for some variety in your weekly rotation.

Ingredients

To make the best Crockpot Mongolian Beef, having the right ingredients on hand is key. Here’s what I always use when whipping up this tender Mongolian beef slow cooker delight:

  • 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain (this cut is perfect for tender Crockpot Mongolian Beef)
  • ½ cup low sodium soy sauce (I trust this as the backbone for crockpot beef with soy sauce flavor)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (adds that classic sweet touch essential to slow cooked Asian beef)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce at the end)
  • ¼ cup water (to mix with cornstarch)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to brown the beef before slow cooking—I usually skip this step on busy days to save time)
Ingredients laid out for Crockpot Mongolian Beef including flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onions

When I first started buying ingredients for Crockpot Mongolian Beef, I learned that flank steak can be found affordably at most grocery stores if you check the meat aisle early in the week. If you want to save a bit, shopping for soy sauce in larger bottles at an Asian market tends to be more budget-friendly. Also, I keep a small container of minced garlic in the fridge to save prep time on hectic days when making Crockpot Mongolian Beef quickly is a must.

Here’s a little kitchen wisdom I picked up from my mom: slice that steak thin but don’t overdo it—if your beef pieces are too small, they lose moisture during slow cooking and end up less tender. For busy families, using pre-minced ginger and garlic works wonders to speed things up, especially if you want to whip up Crockpot Mongolian Beef on short notice. Finally, if you have leftover sliced flank steak, store it tightly sealed in the fridge and use it within 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

If you’re curious to brush up on slow cooker Mongolian beef ingredients or different soy sauce tips, this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef guide from Dinner at the Zoo has some great insights to check out.

How to Make Crockpot Mongolian Beef – Step-by-Step

Alright, now it’s time to get cooking! Making Crockpot Mongolian Beef is surprisingly easy, and I’m here with you every step of the way:

  1. Prep the beef: Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain. This keeps the beef tender when slow cooked. Don’t stress if your slices aren’t perfect—the Crockpot Mongolian Beef will still be delicious. Tip: I wash my hands right after to avoid that sticky sugar-ginger-ginger smell lingering too long.
  2. Create the sauce: In a big mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This mixture is the heart of the crockpot beef with soy sauce flavor that everyone will love.
  3. Add the beef to the slow cooker: Toss the sliced beef in the sauce to coat as evenly as you can, then pour everything into the slow cooker. I like to let it sit for 5 minutes at room temperature if I’m ahead of time—it helps the flavors start mingling early.
  4. Slow cooking: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours. I usually find 5 hours hits the sweet spot for tender Mongolian beef slow cooker perfection—long enough for that melt-in-your-mouth texture but not so long it turns mushy. If you’re in a rush, the high setting for 2-3 hours works but the texture changes slightly.
  5. Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot Mongolian beef. This step thickens your sauce into that irresistible glaze everyone enjoys. Don’t skip this or your Crockpot Mongolian Beef might end up a little watery!
  6. Final touches: Taste the sauce and add a little more soy sauce or sugar depending on your family’s preference. Add green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

I’ve learned the hard way to avoid lifting the lid repeatedly during cooking—each peek lets out heat and can extend your cooking time. Be patient; the smell fills the whole house, and that’s the best hint your Crockpot Mongolian Beef is cooking nicely! While it simmers away, I usually get started on sides or sneak a quick peek at this easy slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe for some ideas on tweaks.

If yours ever comes out a bit too sweet or salty, remember it’s easy to fix with a splash of water or a little brown sugar tossed in at the end. This is one of those forgiving slow cooked Asian beef dishes where you can mess with the sauce ingredients to match your family’s taste buds over time.

Serving

Plated Crockpot Mongolian Beef served with steamed rice and garnished with green onions

Now let’s talk about serving this Crockpot Mongolian Beef! For us, it’s a meal that the whole family looks forward to. The kids love when I serve this over steamed jasmine rice because the sauce soaks into the grains perfectly. Sometimes I swap rice for cauliflower rice when we’re watching carbs—it’s a nice lighter take but still holds that tender Mongolian beef slow cooker flavor.

I love pairing Crockpot Mongolian Beef with crisp steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness. On colder evenings, I throw in some steamed carrots or snap peas to the table, adding color and crunch everyone enjoys.

This dish is perfect for weekday dinners but also shines on casual gatherings where I want to impress with minimal effort. It’s been on my menu for holiday leftovers, too—the next day, I turn it into Mississippi Beef and Noodles for variety, which is always a hit with guests.

When plating, sprinkle those fresh green onions generously and add a few toasted sesame seeds if you have them. Presentation doesn’t have to be fancy for Crockpot Mongolian Beef—sometimes, family dinners are all about the cozy, home-cooked feel.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they reheat beautifully and make great filling for wraps or even a quick stir-fry addition. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the tender Mongolian beef slow cooker juices intact.

I’ve found that guests often ask for this recipe after dinner parties because of its simple ingredients and bold flavor. If you want some fresh serving inspiration, this 7 hour slow cooked Mongolian beef over basmati rice post is full of great ideas to try next time.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Crockpot Mongolian Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is my favorite for tender Mongolian beef slow cooker results, stew meat or sirloin strips also work well. Just remember tougher cuts may need longer cooking to get tender.
2. Is it okay to freeze Crockpot Mongolian Beef leftovers?
Yes! I divide leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep that slow cooked Asian beef goodness.
3. How can I make Crockpot Mongolian Beef less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar or add a splash of rice vinegar to balance it out. I often tweak it based on what the family prefers—this easy Mongolian beef recipe is very forgiving.
4. What if my Crockpot Mongolian Beef sauce is too thin?
Mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker 20-30 minutes before serving. It thickens up beautifully. Trust me, I’ve learned this trick from multiple kitchen mishaps!
5. Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, you can. I sometimes skip this step on busy days. The beef still gets tender and flavorful but browning adds depth, so if you have time, give it a quick sear.
6. How long should I cook Crockpot Mongolian Beef for best results?
Low and slow is best. Around 5 hours on low gets you that dream tender Mongolian beef slow cooker texture. High setting can be tempting but be careful not to overcook.
7. Are there vegetarian alternatives for Crockpot Mongolian Beef?
For sure! Some readers love subbing mushrooms or seitan with similar sauce. The slow cooker Mongolian beef flavors translate well with some creativity. You can find more tips over at Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef – Dinner at the Zoo.

You know what I do when my Crockpot Mongolian Beef tastes a bit off? I invite neighbors over—it disappears fast, and everyone asks for the recipe! It’s a great crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or friends.

My Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Mongolian Beef recipe has a truly special place in my heart and my family dinner routine. Through years of trial and error, I’ve honed this into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—the kind that comforts after a long day but feels a little fancy too. If you want some Pro Tips:

  • Always slice your beef thin against the grain to keep that perfect tender Mongolian beef slow cooker texture.
  • Never skip thickening the sauce at the end; it transforms crockpot beef with soy sauce into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
  • Feel free to tweak the sugar and soy sauce balance to suit your family’s taste buds—this easy Mongolian beef recipe is all about personalization.

I’ve also experimented with a few variations—adding a pinch of chili flakes for some kick, tossing in sliced bell peppers for extra color, or even switching up the sugar for honey in fall; everyone in my house has their favorite version of Crockpot Mongolian Beef, depending on the mood and occasion.

If this slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe sounds like it could become yours, I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own. Cooking is about bringing comfort and joy to your table, and I hope this Crockpot Mongolian Beef does just that for you and your family.

Remember, if you love this kind of slow cooked Asian beef, don’t forget to check out Onion Beef Fried Rice or Mississippi Beef and Noodles for more hearty meals. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious dinners ahead filled with lots of love and Crockpot Mongolian Beef!

This friendly guide has the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity, so don’t hesitate to bookmark or share it with a friend who needs an easy, family-friendly dinner idea with all the slow cooked Asian beef goodness packed into every bite.

Print

Crockpot Mongolian Beef

This Crockpot Mongolian Beef is a tender, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring juicy beef strips simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Zoubida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and quickly sear for 1-2 minutes until browned but not cooked through. Transfer beef to the crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
  4. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
  5. Stir the slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Cook uncovered on high for an additional 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over steamed rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, add steamed broccoli or snap peas during the last hour of cooking to make it a complete meal.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!