If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor. Well, look no further than our Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal! This dish is a true winner, boasting all the bold flavors of traditional Mongolian Beef with the added bonus of being a freezer-friendly option.
You know that you have a hectic day ahead of you, from PTA meetings, to kids basketball drop offs, to sitting down with your elementary student and working through their math, you know you do not have time to cook dinner after work. Now Imagine, all you have to do is reach into your freezer and pull out a bag of prepped Mongolian Beef. Pop it in your slow cooker, set the time, and go on with your day.
Within minutes of getting home, your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling beef and fragrant spices. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when cooking from scratch feels like a daunting task. Plus, knowing that you have a stash of make-ahead meals ready to go gives you peace of mind and more time to focus on what truly matters—quality time with your loved ones.
Ready to join me in the kitchen and discover the magic of freezer meals? In this blog post, we’ll walk through the simple steps of preparing and freezing Mongolian Beef together. Let’s make mealtime hassle-free and delicious!
Why you’ll love this Convenient Make-Ahead Mongolian Beef
- Stress-Free Weekends: Spend less time cooking on weekends by enjoying freezer meals that require minimal effort to prepare.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal without the guilt of ordering takeout.
- Impressive Entertaining: Wow guests with a gourmet-quality meal that requires minimal effort on your part.
- Simplified Grocery Shopping: Stock up on ingredients for freezer meals during your weekly grocery run to streamline meal prep throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the savory-sweet flavors of Mongolian Beef, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- 1 Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 2-3 lbs Flank steak
- 1 tbsp Tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup Tamari
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Ground ginger
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 bunch Green onions chopped
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, label according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible
- Shake evenly to coat, then freeze for up to three months.
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Remove from slow cooker, slice against the grain, and serve. Optional: Top with chopped green onions.
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 1/2 cup water, into the instant pot.
- Set to High Pressure for 30 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Remove from Instant Pot, slice against the grain, and serve. Optional: Top with chopped green onions.
Equipment needed to make Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef
- 1 Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- 1 Gallon freezer bag
Ingredients for your Mongolian Beef
- 2-3 lbs flank steak
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1⁄2 cup tamari
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp salt
- For Serving:
- chopped green onions
How to make a Mongolian Beef
Prep/freezer directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, label according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible
- Shake evenly to coat, then freeze for up to three months.
Slow cooker directions:
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Remove from slow cooker, slice against the grain, and serve. Optional: Top with chopped green onions.
Instant Pot directions:
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 1/2 cup water, into the instant pot.
- Set to High Pressure for 30 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Remove from Instant Pot, slice against the grain, and serve. Optional: Top with chopped green onions.
What to pair with your Delicious Mongolian Beef
Sides:
- Garlic Sesame broccoli
- Fried Rice
- Asian Cucumber Salad
Desserts:
- Coconut Mango Sticky Rice
- Chinese Almond Cookies
- Green Tea Ice Cream
Mocktails:
- Ginger Mint Sparkler
- Virgin Mojito
- Pineapple Ginger Beer Mocktail
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute tamari with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of Mongolian Beef without sacrificing flavor.
- Low-Carb Variation: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content while maintaining the sweetness of the dish.
- Protein Swap: Instead of flank steak, use thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu for a delicious alternative suitable for vegetarians or those looking to vary their protein intake.
Additions:
- Sliced Bell Peppers: Add vibrant colors and extra crunch to your Mongolian Beef by tossing in sliced bell peppers. They freeze well and provide a delightful texture contrast.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish before freezing for a nutty flavor and visual appeal. They add a lovely crunch and are freezer-friendly.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the dish for added depth of flavor and a boost of nutrients.
How to Reheat and Store Mongolian Beef
Best way to store Make-Ahead Mongolian Beef?
The best way to store Mongolian Beef leftovers is to allow the recipe to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To allow the leftovers to cool completely, simply let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
If you have a large batch of leftovers, consider dividing into smaller portions to make it easier to reheat later. Transfer the leftovers to airtight containers or freezer safe bags when cooled. Ensure the container/bag is sealed tightly.
How long will Mongolian Beef last in the fridge?
If you have followed the proper protocol for cooling and storage, your beef leftovers should remain fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. Always perform sniff tastes first, on leftovers, to avoid spoilage.
Can I freeze Quick Mongolian Beef dinner leftovers?
Yes, of course. This is a great recipe to freeze, as the texture and flavor will remain when frozen correctly. To freeze, follow the same procedure as you would to store in the fridge, allow the recipe to cool, label a gallon freezer bag with recipe name and date of preparation. Transfer desired amount into bag, remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, simply label your freezer bag, add all ingredients into the freezer bag, except the green onions for serving, remove excess air, seal, and shake the bag to coat the beef with the spices. Then, freeze for up to three months.
How to Reheat Meal Prep Mongolian Beef?
If your leftovers are frozen, allow the recipe to thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, you may use your stovetop, or microwave to reheat. We recommend using the stovetop, as this reheating method allows the recipe to hold its texture and flavor better than other reheating methods.
For stovetop reheating, put desired amount of leftovers into a saucepan, over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water to the saucepan to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally, until leftovers are heated through.
If using the microwave, avoid overheating, cook in short spurts of 30-60 seconds, stirring between each interval. Cook until evenly heated through. Avoid overcooking.
Delicious Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal FAQs
Other Beef recipes you’ll love!
- Korean Beef Freezer Meal
- Ground Beef Tacos Freezer Meal
- Mexican Shredded Beef Freezer Meal
- Barbacoa Beef Freezer Meal
- Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Meal
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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Mongolian Beef turned out!