Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Who needs take-out? This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with yummy veggies and spices. It's simple to make at home – perfect for busy weeknights and fancy weekend dinners alike!

When we were younger, the husband and We used to rely on tasty, fast Chinese food takeout meals for busy weeknight dinners. It was so simple… almost too simple.

Now with two older kids and the general cost of everything going up, eating out has become much more expensive. So, We've learned to make some of the most popular Chinese American dishes at home, like shrimp and chicken fried rice, kung pao chicken, and homemade wonton soup.

And We've added this simple slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe to that list. It's so simple!

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🌟 Why this recipe works

Who needs take-out, when we can stay in and whip up restaurant-style meals with little effort, and in no make-up and sweats? Here are more reasons why you'll want to add this dish to your regular rotation!

Much cheaper than ordering take-out: Take-out is expensive these days! And often, by the time you get it home or it's delivered, it's simply not as good. This recipe is budget-friendly and tasty!

Simple-to-find ingredients: You can get all the ingredients at your local supermarket. No need to run around to specialty stores or search online.

Simple to make: This recipe uses the slow cooker. So once you assemble all the ingredients, you simply pop them in and let the slow cooker do its work!

Packed with vegetables: Made with fresh carrots and bell peppers, this dish provides a generous helping of colorful and tasty veggies.

🛒 Ingredient notes

Flank steak – This cut is typically used to make Mongolian beef, and it's usually more affordable than many others. But you could also skirt or sirloin if you prefer.
Cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce.
Olive oil: To help brown the ingredients in the slow cooker and help prevent them from sticking.
Soy sauce: This gives the dish deep umami flavor.
Brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness and richness to the sauce.
Garlic: For deeper aromatic flavor.
Ginger: This provides some mild spiciness.
Shredded carrot: For texture and a bit of added sweetness.
Red bell pepper: Also for texture and color.
Sliced green onion: As garnish.
Sesame seeds: Also as garnish.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

Here's how to make this dish with some step-by-step photos. You'll find the full ingredients and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

In a large ziplock bag, toss sliced flank steak with cornstarch until the beef is coated.
Then add the beef to the slow cooker.

Add the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, carrots, and red bell pepper.
Also pour in a half cup of water.

Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and done.
Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve on a bed of rice.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

What cut of beef should We use in Mongolian beef?

The most common cut is flank steak. It's often less expensive than other cuts. And cooking it in the slow cooker helps ensure tenderness instead of it being tough. However, other cuts like sirloin steak, skirt, and even New York strip also work well.

What's the difference between Mongolian beef vs Szechuan beef?

One of the biggest differences is the level of spice. Szechuan beef has more spiciness and heat due to the use of Szechuan peppercorns, whereas Mongolian beef tends to be milder and sweeter.

What's the difference between Mongolian beef vs Hunan beef?

Mongolian beef has a slightly sweeter, more garlicky flavor profile than Hunan beef. Plus, Hunan beef also tends to be spicier, as it uses chili peppers in the preparation. But in general, it's milder than Szechuan beef.

🍽 Serving ideas

The most common way to serve Mongolian beef is on a bed of warm rice. It would go great with this instant pot Basmati rice or garlic rice.

You can also serve it alongside other Chinese food dishes for a family-style meal. Try it with pork and shrimp wontons, air fryer crab rangoon, or tasty cashew chicken.

🍷 🥂 What wine pairs with Mongolian beef?

mongolian beef with rice and bottle of red wine

Chinese food is traditionally paired with Riesling and other bright, lively white wines, as the natural acidity can help cut through some of the richness of the sauce.

With non-spicy Chinese food dishes, We also like to go for fruity red wines like a slightly fuller-bodied Pinot Noir.

Many aged Oregon Pinot Noirs are full of bold bright berries that blend beautifully with the richness of the flank steak. The mild acidity in the wine is also simply bright enough to help bring out the Asian sauce and spices.

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:

Slow cooker – This large 6-quart stockpot is great for making pasta.

🛍️ SHOP the favorite kitchen tools & equipment

More Asian-inspired recipes

Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you truly loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!