Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 4-1/4 hours

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Mar. 18, 2023
This slow-cooker Mongolian beef uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. It's easier than getting takeout! Set your Crock-Pot on high for two to three hours to whip it up even quicker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound beef flank steak, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups hot cooked rice
  • 5 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Sesame seeds, optional

Directions

  1. In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine first 8 ingredients. Add beef and toss to coat. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until meat is tender.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into beef. Cook, covered, on high until sauce is thickened, 15-30 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice. Sprinkle with green onions and, if desired, sesame seeds.

Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef Tips

Why is it called Mongolian beef?

Mongolian beef got its name from a stir-fry dish from Taiwan. The actual recipe itself isn't from traditional Mongolian cuisine; it's named after the "Mongolian barbecue" cooking style.

What spices are used in Mongolian beef?

Mongolian beef uses spices like garlic, salt and red pepper flakes and are mixed together with sauces like hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil. Some recipes incorporate other spices and sauces like oyster sauce, Sriracha and pepper.

What other variations can I use in this recipe?

Try substituting flank steak for sirloin steak or make a Mongolian chicken recipe if you're not a red meat fan. You can also beef up this dish by adding fresh stir-fry veggies like red peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli or any other veggies that you'd prefer. To kick up the heat, add some spicy red chili peppers. For gluten-free eaters, omit the soy sauce and use coconut aminos instead.

What can you serve with Mongolian beef?

Besides rice, you can serve Mongolian beef with a veggie side like roasted pumpkin and Brussels sprouts, Shiitake salad with sesame-ginger vinaigrette or a spicy cucumber salad.

How do you store Mongolian beef?

You can store Mongolian beef in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you'd like to enjoy your Mongolian beef for longer, you can freeze Mongolian beef for up to 3-4 months in an airtight container. Follow our freezer tips to ensure your Mongolian beef comes out just as fresh!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 329 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.