Introduction:
Pepper Steak is a classic dish with tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory, slightly tangy sauce that packs plenty of flavor.
When prepared in a Crock Pot, it becomes an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
1.5 to 2 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for added tang)
2 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Steak: Season the steak strips with a pinch of salt and pepper.
If desired, sear the beef in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side to enhance the flavor, though this step is optional.
Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the sliced steak, onion, bell peppers, and garlic into the Crock Pot.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and rice vinegar.
Pour this sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot.
Cook: Set the Crock Pot on low and cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the slurry into the sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve: Serve the pepper steak over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Description: Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the perfect combination of tender beef and colorful vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce.
This recipe is a simplified version of the classic dish that takes advantage of the slow cooker’s magic to meld all the flavors together.
The beef becomes beautifully tender while the bell peppers and onions soak up the delicious savory sauce.
It’s the kind of dish that makes the house smell amazing as it simmers away, and it’s perfect for when you need a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal prep time.
Tips:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best for this dish, but you can also use round steak if that’s what you have on hand.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like some heat, add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Crock Pot for a bit of spice.
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots to the Crock Pot for more variety.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply use the cornstarch slurry as mentioned in the instructions, or leave it to cook uncovered during the last hour to reduce the sauce.
Slow Cooker Sizes: If you’re using a larger or smaller Crock Pot, adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Variations:
Asian-style Pepper Steak: Add a tablespoon of sesame oil and a splash of rice wine or sake for an even more authentic Asian flavor.
Add Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, add a cup of chopped pineapple to the Crock Pot when you add the peppers and onions.
Beef Stir-Fry: Use a similar recipe but instead of slow cooking, sauté the beef and vegetables in a skillet for a quicker, stir-fry version.
Corrections:
If the beef becomes too tough, try cooking it a bit longer, as some cuts require a longer slow cooking time to break down properly.
Ensure the sauce has enough liquid. If it appears too dry or thick, add more beef broth or water during the cooking process to prevent the beef from drying out.
Enjoy: Now that your Pepper Steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and comforting to eat. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this Crock Pot Pepper Steak will surely become a favorite!