Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef
The aroma of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef filling your kitchen is pure comfort. Each tender bite is coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, this recipe is an easy weeknight win or a hearty weekend dinner that feels special without the effort.
Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish delivers fall-apart beef with flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting beef recipe:
- 800g beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornflour + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or spring onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker: Add sliced onion and beef chunks directly into the slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, tomato purée, rice vinegar, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat.
- Cook:
- On low for 7–8 hours, or
- On high for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix cornflour with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high for 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the honey garlic beef over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley or spring onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 410 kcal (per serving)
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef
- Effortless: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Flavor-packed: Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and garlic combine into an irresistible sauce.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, potatoes, or even in bao buns or tacos.
- Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge or freezer for quick meals.
Tips for the Best Results
- Sear the beef first (optional): Browning the beef in a pan before slow cooking adds extra flavor.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger, richer flavor than jarred.
- Don’t skip the slurry: It transforms the sauce into a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the beef.
- Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning with more soy, honey, or vinegar to match your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs with so many sides. Try:
- Steamed jasmine rice or basmati rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- Stir-fried vegetables (like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas)
- Fresh cucumber salad for a cooling balance
- Wrapped in tortillas or bao buns for a fun twist
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Beef: Add extra chili flakes or sriracha for a kick.
- Gluten-free: Swap soy sauce with tamari.
- Tropical flavor: Add crushed pineapple for sweetness and brightness.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in bell peppers or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s fuss-free, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekend dinners. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a dish that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day without the work.
Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Serve it up, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this slow cooker classic.
