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Dump-and-Go Honey Garlic Beef - Easy, Saucy, and Comforting

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds beef (chuck roast, stew meat, or boneless short ribs), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry, for thickening)
  • 2 to 3 green onions, sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, for serving

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, broth, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Add to cooker: Place the beef in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to coat.
  3. Cook it: Slow cooker: Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  4. Instant Pot: Seal and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
  5. Stovetop: Add beef and sauce to a Dutch oven. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until tender.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry. Switch cooker to High or set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Stir in slurry and cook 3–5 minutes until the sauce is glossy and lightly thickened. On the stovetop, simmer after adding slurry until it coats a spoon.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add a splash more soy for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for brightness as needed.
  8. Serve: Spoon over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy.