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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef (Easy Takeout Fakeout!)

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If you’ve ever craved the sweet, savory, and slightly sticky Mongolian beef from your favorite takeout spot, you’re going to love this recipe! This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you just want a fuss-free meal that feels special.

bowl of cooked beef on a bowl of rice

Serve it over a bowl of fluffy white rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option, and dinner is ready to go!

With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender beef and bold flavors that taste even better than takeout. And the best part? You don’t need a wok or fancy equipment.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

  • It’s better than takeout – You control the ingredients and flavor. There is no refined sugar and vegetables could be added if desired!
  • Set it and forget it – The slow cooker does the heavy lifting. For those busy evenings or lazy weekends.
  • Family-friendly – A meal that kids and adults will love.
  • Budget-friendly – Flank steak stretches beautifully in this recipe.
  • Make-Ahead and freeze – Keep one in the freezer for super busy evenings!
chopsticks holding a small piece of meat

Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef

  • Slice it thinly! Cutting beef against the grain makes it tender.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch. It thickens the sauce and gives it that silky texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness. Like it less sweet? Reduce the honey to ¼ cup.
  • Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for a kick.

👉 Here you could link to your Ingredient Substitutions page for ideas on swapping soy sauce or sugar.

What to Serve Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef With:

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two bowls with rice and cooked beef slices covered in sesame seeds and green onions

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors get even richer the next day!

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bowl of rice topped with cooked beef, sesame seeds and green onions
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Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Make tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef at home! Easy, better than takeout, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, dinner, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs. flank steak
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1 scallion
  • ½ cup reduced salt soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Thinly cut the flank steak against the grain, and then dice. Put the steak in a bowl.
    sliced meat on a cutting board
  2. Season flank steak with salt and pepper to taste, and coat with cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
    meat coated in cornstarch
  3. Mince your ginger and garlic.
  4. At the bottom of the slow cooker, add the olive oil and then add the steak.
    add oil to instant pot
  5. Then add the garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce and water. Mix until well combined.
    all ingredients in a instant pot
  6. Turn the slow cooker on 2.5 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Then stir when done cooking.
  7. Slice the scallion.
  8. Garnish the Mongolian beef with scallions and sesame seeds and serve over rice.
    bowl of cooked beef on a bowl of rice

Now Give It a Try!

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. It’s easy, comforting, and feels like a treat without the takeout price tag. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a family favorite.

Try it this week and let me know—would you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies?

What cut of beef is best for Mongolian beef?

Flank steak is the most popular choice because it’s lean, flavorful, and becomes tender when sliced thin and slow cooked. You can also use skirt steak or sirloin if flank steak isn’t available.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free option like tamari or coconut aminos, and you’re good to go.

Can I cook Mongolian Beef without a slow cooker?

Definitely. You can make it on the stovetop by searing the beef first, then simmering everything together in a large skillet for 20–25 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is tender.

How do I make this recipe less sweet?

Mongolian beef traditionally has a sweet-savory flavor. To reduce sweetness, simply cut back on the brown sugar or replace some of it with honey or maple syrup for a more subtle taste.

Can I freeze Mongolian beef?

Yes! Once cooled, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve Mongolian beef with besides rice?

Noodles, quinoa, or steamed vegetables are great options. Try serving it with broccoli or snap peas for a takeout-style meal at home.

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By on September 29th, 2025

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