Comfort Food Recipes

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients

I make this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef on days when I want dinner to cook itself. It fits right into easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients, and I lean on it when I crave 3 ingredient crockpot recipes, 3 hour crockpot recipes, 5 ingredient recipes, best crockpot recipes, all day crock pot recipes, and easy crockpot recipes that do not ask much from me. The beef turns tender and rich after hours in the slow cooker. I slice it thin, toss it with garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then let the heat do the rest. The kitchen fills with a deep sweet scent that makes everyone peek in and ask when we can eat. I smile and say soon, then sneak a taste from the spoon. We spoon that glossy beef over warm rice and watch the sauce soak in. Each bite feels cozy and full. I like that the steps stay simple and the flavors feel bold. Some nights call for big effort. Other nights call for this dish. I know which one I pick when the day runs long.

Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
  • 4) How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
  • 5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
  • 6) Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
  • 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
  • 9) Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

I cook this dish when I need comfort fast. The beef turns tender. The sauce turns thick and glossy. You get bold flavor with very little work. That is why I count it among my favorite easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients.

We use simple pantry staples. Soy sauce. Brown sugar. Garlic. Ginger. Each one pulls its weight. When they simmer together for hours, they create deep flavor that tastes like you worked all day in the kitchen.

If you want a no stress dinner that still feels special, this recipe delivers. It fits busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and meal prep plans. I rely on it often, and it never lets me down.

2) Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Hi, I am Lila, and this is one of the recipes I share on Lila Cooks at https://www.lilacooks.com. I love meals that cook themselves. This one sits right at the top of my list of easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients. In fact, when I think about easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients, this is the first dish that pops into my head.

I started making this on a cold weeknight. I had flank steak in the fridge and zero energy left. I tossed everything into the slow cooker and hoped for the best. Hours later, the smell filled the house. Sweet. Savory. Rich. My family hovered near the kitchen like they were waiting for tickets to a show.

This recipe fits right in with 3 ingredient crockpot recipes when you strip it down, yet it feels special enough for guests. It works for 3 hour crockpot recipes on high. It belongs with 5 ingredient recipes that save dinner. I even call it one of my best crockpot recipes and one of those all day crock pot recipes that make life easier. If you search for easy crockpot recipes for beginners or simple slow cooker beef dinners for family nights, you will land right here.

3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Flank Steak
I slice the beef thin across the grain. That small step makes each bite tender. Flank steak works best here. It holds flavor well and turns soft after slow cooking.

Soy Sauce
Soy sauce builds the base. It brings salt and depth. I use low sodium so I can control the final taste. The sauce soaks into the beef and creates that classic dark glaze.

Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the sauce thicken. When it melts into the soy sauce, it forms a sticky coating that clings to every slice of beef.

Garlic and Ginger
Fresh garlic and grated ginger add warmth and aroma. When they cook for hours, they mellow out and blend into the sauce.

Beef Broth
A small splash of broth keeps everything juicy. It prevents the sauce from turning too thick too soon.

Cornstarch Slurry
Cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce at the end. I stir it in and watch the liquid turn glossy.

Green Onions
Sliced green onions add freshness on top. They cut through the richness and make the dish pop.

4) How to Make Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Step 1
Place the sliced flank steak into the slow cooker. Spread it out so the pieces do not clump together.

Step 2
In a bowl stir soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the beef. Cover with the lid.

Step 3
Cook on low for about four to five hours. The beef will soften and soak up the sauce.

Step 4
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for about twenty more minutes. The sauce will thicken and turn shiny.

Step 5
Spoon the beef over warm rice. Sprinkle green onions on top. Take a bite and try not to smile. I never manage that part.

5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slice the beef thin. Thick slices stay chewy. Thin slices soak up flavor and turn tender.

Do not skip the cornstarch step. That final simmer gives you the thick sauce everyone expects. If it looks too thin, give it a few more minutes.

If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. I toss in a small pinch when I want a little kick. Serve it with rice or even noodles. Keep it simple. That is the beauty of easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients.

6) Making Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Ahead of Time

This dish works well for meal prep. I cook a batch on Sunday and portion it into containers. The flavor deepens as it sits in the fridge.

When I reheat it, I add a small splash of broth or water. That keeps the sauce smooth. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

If you plan to freeze it, let it cool first. Store it in airtight containers. It reheats well and still tastes rich and satisfying days later.

7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to four days.

I like to keep rice separate from the beef. That way the rice does not soak up all the sauce overnight.

When you reheat it, stir gently and heat until warmed through. The sauce will loosen again and coat the beef just like day one.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients

I make this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef on days when I want dinner to cook itself. It fits right into easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients, and I lean on it when I crave 3 ingredient crockpot recipes, 3 hour crockpot recipes, 5 ingredient recipes, best crockpot recipes, all day crock pot recipes, and easy crockpot recipes that do not ask much from me. The beef turns tender and rich after hours in the slow cooker. I slice it thin, toss it with garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then let the heat do the rest. The kitchen fills with a deep sweet scent that makes everyone peek in and ask when we can eat. I smile and say soon, then sneak a taste from the spoon. We spoon that glossy beef over warm rice and watch the sauce soak in. Each bite feels cozy and full. I like that the steps stay simple and the flavors feel bold. Some nights call for big effort. Other nights call for this dish. I know which one I pick when the day runs long.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 hours
Total Time5 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: 3 hour crockpot recipes, 3 ingredient crockpot recipes, 5 ingredient recipes, all day crock pot recipes, best crockpot recipes, easy crockpot recipes, easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 1 1 2 pounds flank steak sliced thin
  • 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Place sliced flank steak into the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl stir soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the beef and cover with the lid.
  4. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the beef feels tender.
  5. In a small bowl mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
  6. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for 20 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Sprinkle with green onions and serve over warm rice.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size 1 portion. Calories 420. Sugar 18 g. Sodium 780 mg. Fat 14 g. Saturated Fat 4 g. Carbohydrates 35 g. Fiber 1 g. Protein 32 g. Cholesterol 68 mg.

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