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Ultimate Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef for Busy Weeknights

Ultimate Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef for Busy Weeknights
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Enjoy a hassle-free and flavorful dinner with the Ultimate Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef for Busy Weeknights. This recipe features tender thinly sliced beef slow-cooked in a rich, sweet-savory Mongolian sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Minimal prep time combined with slow cooking ensures maximum flavor and convenience, perfect for busy evenings. Serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a versatile, family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 1.5 pounds thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin

Sauce

  • ¾ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (reduce for low sodium option)
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ cup water or beef broth

Additional Ingredients

  • 4 green onions, chopped (for cooking and topping)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (to make slurry)

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or fresh chili (to spice it up)
  • Sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas (for vegetable boost)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice your beef thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. This helps the beef cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce during slow cooking.
  2. Create the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and water or beef broth. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely to form the sweet-savory Mongolian sauce base.
  3. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Arrange the beef slices evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, then sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added flavor and aroma.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened. Stir once halfway through cooking to distribute flavors evenly.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker and leave uncovered to cook until the sauce reaches a beautiful glossy thickness.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly and against the grain for optimal tenderness.
  • Do not skip the cornstarch slurry for a glossy, sticky sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger to enhance the depth of flavor.
  • Consider using a slow cooker liner to reduce cleanup and prevent sticking.
  • Stick to recommended cooking times to avoid drying out the beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Mongolian beef, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, gluten free, beef recipe, sweet and savory, busy nights

Find it online: https://withnora.com/ultimate-slow-cooker-mongolian-beef-for-busy-weeknights/