Crockpot Mongolian Beef

Crockpot Mongolian Beef is a slow-cooker version of the popular Chinese-American takeout favorite, delivering all the bold, savory-sweet flavors with minimal effort. This dish features tender strips of beef simmered low and slow in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. As it cooks, the beef becomes incredibly soft and flavorful, soaking up every bit of the glossy, caramelized sauce. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends, Crockpot Mongolian Beef offers the convenience of hands-off cooking while still tasting like a restaurant-quality meal made at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s unbelievably easy yet packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. There’s no standing over a stove, no complicated steps—just set it and forget it. The sauce thickens beautifully and coats the beef perfectly, making every bite satisfying, comforting, and crave-worthy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines convenience with incredible taste. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you want a comforting, takeout-style meal without ordering out. Crockpot Mongolian Beef is versatile, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy savory-sweet flavors and slow-cooked comfort food, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per Serving: ~390 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Chinese-American / Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Thickening (Optional):

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

For Garnish:

• 3–4 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Beef:
Slice the beef thinly against the grain. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

3. Add to Crockpot:
Place the coated beef into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef and toss gently to combine.

4. Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the beef is tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Finish:
Add sliced green onions, stir gently, and allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot over steamed white rice or jasmine rice
• Pair with fried rice or lo mein noodles
• Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy
• Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds

Recipe Tips

• Always slice beef against the grain for tenderness
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent over-salting
• Don’t overcook on HIGH—beef may dry out
• Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer less sweetness
• Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture

Variations

1. Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add chili garlic sauce or extra red pepper flakes
2. Mongolian Chicken: Substitute beef with chicken thighs or breasts
3. Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of beef
4. Low-Sugar Version: Reduce brown sugar or use coconut sugar
5. Extra Veggie Version: Add bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last hour

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked Mongolian Beef for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave; add a splash of water if needed

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving spoon or tongs

Conclusion

Crockpot Mongolian Beef is the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and bold flavor. With tender beef, a rich savory-sweet sauce, and minimal prep, it’s an ideal slow-cooker meal for busy days or relaxed family dinners. Easy to customize and universally loved, this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor straight from your crockpot—making it a must-try for any home cook.