Nothing says comfort like a slow-cooked meal with rich flavors that deepen over hours. Teriyaki beef in the slow cooker is one of those dishes: it’s deeply savory, with a gentle sweetness from pineapple and honey that perfectly balances the salty soy sauce. This meal is ideal for busy days because the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with fork-tender, juicy beef coated in a delicious, thickened sauce by dinnertime. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to meal prep, this Teriyaki Beef delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: Minimal prep, then let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting!
- Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes fall-apart tender and fully infused with teriyaki flavors.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies for a well-rounded dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, and you’ll have flavorful leftovers that only get better with time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast – The perfect cut for slow cooking, becoming tender and easy to shred.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds that classic umami base to the sauce without being overly salty.
- 1/4 cup honey – Naturally sweetens the sauce and caramelizes during cooking.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – For a deeper sweetness that pairs well with the savory notes.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice – Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – Complements the garlic and adds a bit of zing.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar – Balances the sweet flavors with a hint of acidity.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 1/4 cup water – Thickens the sauce to a luscious, pourable consistency.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil – Enhances the flavor with a toasty nuttiness.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – For subtle seasoning.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish) – Adds a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) – Fresh and bright for a finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
Cut the beef chuck roast into large, manageable chunks. Season with a light sprinkle of black pepper. This will help infuse a bit of extra flavor into the beef before slow cooking. - Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Make sure everything is well-combined; this flavorful mixture will become the sauce that tenderizes and flavors the beef as it cooks. - Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the beef, ensuring it’s all covered. Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The low-and-slow method is ideal for the most tender results, but the high setting will also produce excellent results if you’re short on time. - Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, forming a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently. This will thicken the sauce as it continues to cook, transforming it into a rich, glossy coating for the beef. - Shred and Serve
Once the beef is tender enough to shred with a fork, use two forks to pull the beef apart directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef into the thickened sauce until it’s all nicely coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. - Serve It Up
Spoon the Teriyaki Beef over fluffy white rice or noodles, and consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies to round out the meal.
Helpful Tips
- Add Veggies for a Complete Meal: About halfway through the cooking process, toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce if you prefer a little heat.
- For Best Results: Use fresh ginger and garlic to enhance the sauce’s depth. While powdered versions work in a pinch, fresh ingredients bring a more robust flavor.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a little splash of water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Try serving this teriyaki beef over a bed of rice or noodles for a filling meal, or make it into a teriyaki beef bowl with cooked quinoa and stir-fried veggies.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using a low-sodium soy sauce is recommended, as it prevents the dish from becoming overly salty after slow cooking.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~400 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: Adjust based on low-sodium soy sauce (Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking, but short ribs or even stew beef can work well. Just keep an eye on the texture, as different cuts may vary in cooking time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety, like tamari.
What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. Rice vinegar adds a subtle sweetness, so if you substitute, consider adding a pinch more sugar.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and shredded teriyaki beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef, you’ll love these other easy and flavorful dishes:
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef is the ultimate comfort food made easy. The sweet and savory sauce, combined with tender, fall-apart beef, creates a meal that’s practically irresistible. Perfect for busy days or when you want dinner ready and waiting, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let the rich, satisfying flavors make your day a little brighter!
Print
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Classic
Description
Nothing says comfort like a slow-cooked meal with rich flavors that deepen over hours. Teriyaki beef in the slow cooker is one of those dishes: it’s deeply savory, with a gentle sweetness from pineapple and honey that perfectly balances the salty soy sauce. This meal is ideal for busy days because the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with fork-tender, juicy beef coated in a delicious, thickened sauce by dinnertime. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to meal prep, this Teriyaki Beef delivers.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast – The perfect cut for slow cooking, becoming tender and easy to shred.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds that classic umami base to the sauce without being overly salty.
- 1/4 cup honey – Naturally sweetens the sauce and caramelizes during cooking.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – For a deeper sweetness that pairs well with the savory notes.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice – Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – Complements the garlic and adds a bit of zing.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar – Balances the sweet flavors with a hint of acidity.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 1/4 cup water – Thickens the sauce to a luscious, pourable consistency.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil – Enhances the flavor with a toasty nuttiness.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – For subtle seasoning.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish) – Adds a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) – Fresh and bright for a finishing touch.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
Cut the beef chuck roast into large, manageable chunks. Season with a light sprinkle of black pepper. This will help infuse a bit of extra flavor into the beef before slow cooking. - Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Make sure everything is well-combined; this flavorful mixture will become the sauce that tenderizes and flavors the beef as it cooks. - Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the beef, ensuring it’s all covered. Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The low-and-slow method is ideal for the most tender results, but the high setting will also produce excellent results if you’re short on time. - Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, forming a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently. This will thicken the sauce as it continues to cook, transforming it into a rich, glossy coating for the beef. - Shred and Serve
Once the beef is tender enough to shred with a fork, use two forks to pull the beef apart directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef into the thickened sauce until it’s all nicely coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. - Serve It Up
Spoon the Teriyaki Beef over fluffy white rice or noodles, and consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies to round out the meal.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Try serving this teriyaki beef over a bed of rice or noodles for a filling meal, or make it into a teriyaki beef bowl with cooked quinoa and stir-fried veggies.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using a low-sodium soy sauce is recommended, as it prevents the dish from becoming overly salty after slow cooking.
