Slow Cooker Korean Beef: 15-Min Prep, Pure Bliss

Name: Slow Cooker Korean Beef: 15-Min Prep, Pure Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489723H55M47S
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks); 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles; 1 cup carrots (sliced or julienned); 1 cup bell peppers (sliced); 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

by basmer

1 de November de 2025

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Slow cooker Korean beef has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I crave something comforting and packed with flavor. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and chili paste wafting from the slow cooker filled my entire kitchen, promising a delicious meal. The beef turned out incredibly tender, practically melting in my mouth. This easy slow cooker Korean beef recipe is perfect for those nights when you want minimal fuss but maximum taste. It’s a simple slow cooker Korean beef that makes dinner feel like a special occasion. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Korean Beef

This recipe is a weeknight hero for so many reasons! It’s incredibly flavorful, making it a standout meal that your whole family will adore.

Unbeatable Flavor: Get that delicious, authentic Korean taste with minimal effort.
Super Quick Prep: Just 15 minutes of prep time means you can get dinner started even on your busiest days.
Tender & Juicy: The slow cooker works magic, turning even tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Budget-Friendly: Using a chuck roast makes this a cost-effective way to enjoy a hearty meal.
Family Favorite: The savory, slightly sweet, and spicy notes are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal you can feel good about.
Versatile: Serve it over rice or try it in sandwiches for a delightful change.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Ingredients

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making this incredibly flavorful slow cooker Korean beef. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients transform into something so delicious!

2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks) – This cut becomes wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended) – Forms the salty, umami base of our marinade.
1/4 cup brown sugar – Balances the savory and spicy notes, adding a touch of sweetness.
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste) – This is key for that authentic Korean flavor and a gentle heat.
2 tablespoons sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty aroma that’s characteristic of Korean cuisine.
4 cloves garlic (minced) – For pungent depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) – Adds a bright, zesty kick.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Provides a subtle tang to cut through the richness.
1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
1/2 cup beef broth or water – Helps create a flavorful sauce and keeps the beef moist.
8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles – These soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
1 cup carrots (sliced or julienned) – Adds sweetness and a slight crunch.
1 cup bell peppers (sliced) – For color and a mild, sweet flavor.
1 cup broccoli florets – Adds a healthy green element and texture.
2 green onions (sliced, for garnish) – For a fresh, oniony finish.
Sesame seeds (for garnish) – Adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Making this dish is wonderfully straightforward, letting your slow cooker do most of the heavy lifting. You’ll love how simple it is to create such a deeply flavorful meal. Here’s how to get this tender slow cooker Korean beef on your table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup gochujang, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. The gochujang is your flavor powerhouse here, providing that signature Korean kick. Make sure it’s fully combined into a smooth, rich sauce.

Slow Cooking the Beef

Step 2: Place the 2 pounds of beef chuck roast chunks into your slow cooker. Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the beef. Add the 1/2 cup beef broth or water to the pot. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for the low setting to let the flavors meld beautifully and ensure maximum tenderness. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender.

Adding Vegetables and Noodles

Step 3: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, it’s time to add the finishing touches for this Korean beef stew slow cooker delight. Stir in the 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced bell peppers, and 1 cup broccoli florets directly into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce. Also, cook your 8 ounces of egg noodles or rice noodles according to their package directions. Drain them well and set them aside for a moment.

Shredding and Combining

Step 4: Once the beef is perfectly tender, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Toss the shredded beef with the vegetables and the delicious sauce. Then, add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Gently toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are thoroughly coated in that amazing Korean beef sauce. The aroma at this stage is absolutely incredible!

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Korean Beef

Want to elevate your slow cooker Korean beef game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish even better. Follow these simple tips for guaranteed deliciousness!

If you can’t find beef chuck roast, a leaner cut like sirloin can work, but you might need to reduce the slow cooking time slightly to prevent it from drying out. For more information on different cuts of beef, check out this USDA guide to beef cuts.
Don’t skip the resting step! Letting the shredded beef and noodles sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld even further.
Taste and adjust the sauce before serving. You might want a little more gochujang for heat or a splash more rice vinegar for tang.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Korean Beef?

The real secret lies in the quality of your marinade and allowing enough time for the beef to become incredibly tender. Using gochujang is non-negotiable for that authentic Korean flavor profile.

Can I make Slow Cooker Korean Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and place the beef in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add the liquids and start it when you’re ready. This is a great option for make-ahead meals.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Korean Beef?

The biggest pitfalls are overcooking the beef, which makes it dry, and adding the vegetables too early, which can make them mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times and add veggies in the last 30 minutes.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Korean Beef

This versatile slow cooker Korean beef is fantastic served in a few different ways, making it a meal you can enjoy again and again. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or even for entertaining!

Over Rice: The classic and arguably best way to enjoy this dish is spooned generously over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious savory sauce, making every bite a delight. This is a staple for slow cooker Korean beef with rice.
In Sandwiches: For a fun twist, use the shredded beef as a filling for sliders or sandwiches. Pile it high on soft buns with some quick-pickled cucumbers or a creamy slaw for a fantastic lunch option. It makes for a unique take on Korean beef for sandwiches slow cooker style.
With Noodles: While this recipe already includes noodles, you can also serve the shredded beef and sauce over other noodle types like udon or even ramen for a hearty noodle bowl.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Korean Beef

This slow cooker Korean beef recipe is packed with flavor and makes for a hearty meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving, based on 6 servings.

Calories: 550
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially sodium content in soy sauce and gochujang.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Korean Beef

One of the best things about this slow cooker Korean shredded beef is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep this delicious meal in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions of the Korean beef for up to 3 months. It freezes beautifully!

To reheat, simply thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or beef broth if it seems a little dry after reheating to revive that wonderful sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Korean Beef

What is slow cooker Korean beef?

Slow cooker Korean beef is a dish where tender beef is slow-cooked in a savory and slightly spicy Korean-inspired marinade. It’s a convenient way to achieve deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture without much active cooking time. This method is perfect for busy cooks looking for a flavorful, hearty meal.

Can I use ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use ground beef for a ground beef Korean slow cooker variation! Brown the ground beef first before adding it to the slow cooker with the marinade and other liquids. It will cook faster, so you might only need 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low until heated through. For more ideas on ground beef recipes, check out this ground beef and broccoli recipe.

How do I make it spicier?

To achieve a spicy slow cooker Korean beef, simply increase the amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste) in the marinade. You can also add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker. Start with a little extra and taste as you go to reach your desired heat level.

What are the best noodles for slow cooker Korean beef?

While the recipe calls for egg noodles or rice noodles, they are ideal because they soak up the delicious sauce so well. For a different texture, you could also try udon noodles or even ramen noodles. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles are a fantastic choice and work beautifully with the savory sauce.

Variations of Slow Cooker Korean Beef You Can Try

This easy slow cooker Korean beef recipe is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to specific dietary needs, here are a few delicious variations you can try.

Spicy Slow Cooker Korean Beef: For those who love a kick, amp up the heat by increasing the amount of gochujang. You can also add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or even a fresh, finely diced jalapeño to the marinade for an extra layer of spice.
Low-Carb Korean Beef: Skip the noodles and serve your tender Korean beef over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. This makes for a lighter, keto-friendly meal that’s just as satisfying.
Ground Beef Korean Slow Cooker: If you’re short on time or prefer a different texture, use ground beef Korean slow cooker style. Brown the ground beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the marinade. It cooks much faster!
Korean Beef for Sandwiches: Shred the beef and use it as a flavorful filling for sliders or hoagie rolls. Add some quick-pickled red onions or a creamy slaw for a fantastic, portable meal.