Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sweet Teriyaki Beef Strips
(Easy, Tender & Family-Favorite Dinner)
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sweet Teriyaki Beef Strips recipe is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a meal that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. With just beef, bottled teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar, the slow cooker does all the work—transforming simple beef strips into melt-in-your-mouth bites coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a no-fuss dinner that everyone will love.
Why This Recipe Works
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Only 3 simple ingredients
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True dump-and-go slow cooker meal
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Beef turns incredibly tender
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Sweet, sticky teriyaki flavor kids love
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Great for rice bowls, noodles, or potatoes
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Minimal prep, maximum payoff
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef sirloin or round steak, cut into 1-inch strips
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1 cup bottled teriyaki sauce
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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Tip: Low-sodium teriyaki sauce works well if you prefer a less salty dish.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Slice the beef into 1-inch-wide strips, trimming away excess fat. This helps the meat cook evenly and keeps the sauce from becoming greasy as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Teriyaki sauce
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Brown sugar
Mix until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the sauce looks smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Add Beef to the Slow Cooker
Place the beef strips in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, spreading them out as evenly as possible so they cook uniformly.
Step 4: Coat with Sauce
Pour the sweet teriyaki mixture over the beef.
Stir gently to ensure every strip is coated in sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook:
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LOW: 6–8 hours
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HIGH: 3–4 hours
The beef is ready when it’s very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 6: Taste & Adjust
Give everything a good stir.
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Add a splash more teriyaki sauce if it needs saltiness
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Add a spoonful of water if the sauce feels too thick
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot over:
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Steamed rice
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Mashed or roasted potatoes
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Noodles or ramen
Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Serving Ideas
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Teriyaki beef rice bowls
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Lettuce wraps for a lighter option
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Beef-stuffed baked potatoes
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Meal-prep containers with rice and veggies
Variations & Pro Tips
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Extra depth of flavor: Brown the beef strips in a skillet with a little oil before adding to the slow cooker (optional, but delicious).
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Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
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One-pot meal: Stir in a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables during the last hour of cooking.
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Thicker sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last 20–30 minutes on HIGH.
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Lighter option: Use low-sodium teriyaki sauce and reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (best texture when thawed slowly)
Leftover Ideas
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Tucked into tortillas with shredded cabbage
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Piled onto a baked potato
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Added to fried rice or noodle stir-fry
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Stuffed into sandwiches or wraps
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sweet Teriyaki Beef Strips recipe is simple, cozy, and incredibly reliable—one of those meals you’ll come back to again and again when life gets busy but you still want something homemade and comforting.