From the moment I first nailed this Crockpot Mongolian Beef, I knew I’d stumbled onto something legendary. Picture this: I was in my kitchen, testing batch after batch, chasing that perfect balance between tender beef in crockpot comfort and the bold Mongolian beef sauce punch that makes taste buds dance. What blew me away was how the slow cooker Asian beef flavor deepened over hours, turning a simple slow cooker meal into a festival of bold tastes. This dish is pure Cuba Queen magic—easy crockpot beef recipe meets sinfully good flavor explosion.
This Crockpot Mongolian Beef isn’t your basic takeout knockoff. It’s a no-fuss, pack-your-schedule-with-flavors grocery list and technique that turns your slow cooker into the ultimate flavor factory. I’m beyond pumped to share this recipe with you because if you love tender beef in crockpot style that’s packed with that signature Mongolian beef sauce, you’re about to unlock a new go-to. Ready for a flavor adventure that’s outrageously easy and big on wow? Let’s get into it.
Ingredients You Need for This:

This Crockpot Mongolian Beef ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s the magic that makes slow cooker Mongolian beef sing:
- 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain (trust me, this is your tender beef in crockpot base)
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce (the foundation of your Mongolian beef sauce)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (this takes your easy crockpot beef recipe from good to unforgettable)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (game-changer alert for that rich umami depth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for slow cooker Asian beef)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (adds that zing that Mongolian beef sauce demands)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional but packs a perfect spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening that gorgeous sauce)
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish (adds color and fresh bite)
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Crockpot Mongolian Beef at your local Asian market or a reliable supermarket—especially for the hoisin and fresh ginger. Splurge on fresh ginger here. It makes a huge flavor upgrade.
If you’re budget-conscious, brown sugar works perfectly in place of palm sugar, and soy sauce has many wallet-friendly varieties that won’t sabotage flavor. Prep your sliced beef and garlic ahead to save time on cook day. This easy crockpot beef recipe is all about quick prep and then flavor fireworks while you relax.
For more bold flavor adventures, check out my recipe for slow cooker beef short ribs that also nail that beef buttery goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice your beef against the grain as thinly as you can. This is your tender beef in crockpot secret to tender bites that soak in Mongolian beef sauce like a flavor sponge.
2. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This is your Mongolian beef sauce—the soul of your easy crockpot beef recipe.
3. Place sliced beef in the crockpot and pour Mongolian beef sauce over it, making sure every piece gets some love.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours depending on your schedule. In my kitchen, 5 hours low time is perfection — tender beef in crockpot bliss.
5. Thirty minutes before the end, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken that slow cooker Asian beef sauce to glossy, sticky perfection.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions just before serving.
Don’t stress – your Crockpot Mongolian Beef is going to be incredible. This is where your Crockpot Mongolian Beef transforms into pure magic! Your kitchen will smell like a takeout joint, but this is homemade brilliance.
Here’s where most people mess up their Crockpot Mongolian Beef: slicing the beef too thick or skipping the cornstarch for that luscious sauce finish. Pro tip for Crockpot Mongolian Beef perfection: thin slices soak the sauce fast, thickening time is key, and hoisin is non-negotiable for that flavor bomb. While your Crockpot Mongolian Beef is working its magic, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold! For a twist check out this Easy Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe from The Chunky Chef for inspiration.
Presentation:

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Crockpot Mongolian Beef at casual dinners or weeknight feasts. The rich, glossy Mongolian beef sauce dripping from tender beef slices is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Plate your Crockpot Mongolian Beef over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or swirl it atop noodles to soak up every buttery, umami-drenched bite. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of steamed broccoli to balance the bold sauce shine. This Crockpot Mongolian Beef absolutely slays at dinner parties and casual family nights alike.
Want to keep things fresh? Try tossing leftovers into a wrap with crunchy slaw the next day. For seasonal magic, swap in thin carrot ribbons or snap peas for that garden crunch test. This recipe works beautifully for meals after a long day or those weekend slow cooker sessions.
If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try the vibrant Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken for another saucy slow-cooker knockout.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this Crockpot Mongolian Beef spicier?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha in the sauce mix. I’ve tested batches with extra heat, and the flavor stays balanced without overpowering tender beef in crockpot goodness.
2. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
No worries—substitute with more soy sauce and a dash of brown sugar or molasses for sweetness. Your Mongolian beef sauce will still deliver bold flavor, just slightly less depth.
3. How do I know when my Crockpot Mongolian Beef is perfectly done?
Tender beef means the beef slices pull apart easily and soak in that rich sauce. You can smell the ginger and garlic aroma filling your kitchen—that’s your cue.
4. Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Mongolian Beef?
Totally! Freeze in airtight containers, then reheat gently on stovetop adding a splash of water. The sauce keeps its bold punch beautifully.
5. What cut of beef is best for slow cooker Asian beef?
Flank or sirloin steak sliced thin is my tested favorite. They stay tender and soak up sauce perfectly. Tougher cuts work but require longer cook time.
6. Can I prepare ingredients ahead?
Yes! Pre-sliced beef and pre-made sauce stored separately in the fridge speed up assembly day. Perfect for busy flavor adventurers.
7. Is it possible to make this Crockpot Mongolian Beef gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari in place of soy sauce, and check your hoisin brand (some are gluten-free). Your Crockpot Mongolian Beef sauce will still hit all the right notes.
Your flavor adventure is in excellent hands with this recipe—and community feedback shows it consistently hits wow status. For more inspiration, take a peek at the Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef from Dinner at the Zoo or this Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef {have takeout at home} from Art From My Table.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Mongolian Beef represents everything Cuba Queen stands for—bold, unapologetic, lip-smacking flavor that transforms slow cooking into a party for your palate. It’s an easy crockpot beef recipe that doesn’t settle for bland, delivering tender beef in crockpot heaven coated in that signature Mongolian beef sauce punch.
My Crockpot Mongolian Beef Power Tips:
- Always slice your beef thin against the grain—the tender beef in crockpot result is unreal.
- Don’t skip that cornstarch slurry for the sauce finish—sticky, luscious is everything.
- Hoisin sauce upgrade is non-negotiable—trust me on this flavor bomb.
I’ve played with versions adding chili, swapping pineapple, and even using pork, but the classic Crockpot Mongolian Beef gets the biggest “wow” reactions. It’s the signature dish I drop at dinner parties when I want jaws dropping and plates cleared.
You’ve got this. This slow cooker Mongolian beef recipe is about to be your new flavor obsession. Dive in, make it yours, share your results, and let’s keep turning ordinary dinners into bold flavor adventures.
For even more big flavor beef ideas, check out my slow cooker beef short ribs and don’t miss the sweet and tangy Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken. Ready for a spicy kick? Dive into my Mexican Beef Chile Verde next.
Keep cooking hard, flavor adventurer. Your Crockpot Mongolian Beef journey just got legendary!
Crockpot Mongolian Beef
This Crockpot Mongolian Beef is a tender, flavorful dish slow-cooked to perfection with a savory soy-ginger sauce, perfect for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the sliced flank steak just until browned but not cooked through; transfer to the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Cook uncovered for the remaining time until sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
For extra crunch, top the dish with toasted sesame seeds or serve with steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.

