If you love hearty, flavorful dishes that come together effortlessly, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is destined to become one of your favorites. Tender strips of beef meld beautifully with vibrant red and green bell peppers, sweet onions, and a savory, rich sauce that simmers low and slow all day. The magic happens in the crock pot, making this recipe a perfect go-to for busy days when you still want a comforting home-cooked meal waiting for you. Trust me, each bite bursts with warmth and depth, showcasing just how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s bold flavor, fresh crunch, or velvety smoothness to the sauce. Together, they create a harmonious dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
- 2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips: Choose a tender cut like sirloin for the best texture and mouthfeel.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Provides a slightly peppery crunch, balancing the red pepper’s sweetness.
- 1 onion, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A small but powerful ingredient that layers in savory aroma and flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami richness and saltiness, essential for that classic pepper steak taste.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the beefy flavor with subtle tang and complexity.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a luscious base for the sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust seasoning carefully since soy sauce contributes saltiness.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by placing your thin strips of beef, sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic directly into the crock pot. This combines your fresh and hearty ingredients right where the magic will happen, letting the flavors mingle from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. This simple sauce blend brings a savory, umami-packed base that will soak into the beef and vegetables over the cooking process, infusing each bite with rich flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot, making sure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. This ensures every piece gets that delicious seasoning and prevents anything from drying out during cooking.
Step 4: Cook
Set your crock pot to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the beef wonderfully, while allowing the peppers and onions to soften and release their sweetness, melding into a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the cooking liquid into a glossy, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and veggies.
Step 6: Season
Give the sauce a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind the soy sauce already adds saltiness, so add any extra seasoning gradually to hit that perfect balance.
Step 7: Serve
Serve this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe piping hot, ideally over fluffy white rice or tender noodles that soak up all the savory juices. It makes for a satisfying, colorful meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a burst of freshness and a lovely visual contrast. For a little extra warmth, try a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the deep flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best paired with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or buttery egg noodles, which effortlessly soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter balance, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuffed inside warm pita pockets for a tasty twist on a sandwich. You can also layer it on top of a baked potato for a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, let the pepper steak cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop even further overnight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooled pepper steak into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. The sauce will regain its lovely texture, and the beef will stay tender and juicy just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak are ideal for tenderness, you can also use ribeye or chuck steak if you slice them thinly. Just be mindful that tougher cuts will benefit from the longer slow-cooking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the beef with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust the sauce to your taste, and enjoy a delicious plant-based version that still captures the heart of the dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the crock pot?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots work well and add extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them with the other vegetables to let them cook alongside the rest.
Should I marinate the beef before cooking?
Marinating is optional since the beef slowly simmers in a flavorful sauce all day. However, if you want to deepen the flavor even more, a short 30-minute marinade in soy sauce and garlic can enhance the taste beautifully.
How do I know when the dish is done?
The beef should be tender enough to cut easily with a fork, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy. The thickened sauce should coat the ingredients nicely, creating a cohesive and satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is a true winner for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a tasty, comforting meal that practically makes itself. With tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce all coming together effortlessly, you’re just a few steps away from dinner bliss. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender, flavorful pepper steak cooked slowly in a crock pot for an easy, hands-off meal featuring thinly sliced beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory soy-based sauce thickened to perfection.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the beef strips, sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot, ensuring an even layer for balanced cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, stirring well until fully blended to create a rich, savory base.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ingredients in the crock pot, making sure everything is coated to infuse flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Cook: Cover and set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the vegetables to soften while melding the flavors beautifully.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and continue cooking to thicken the sauce and eliminate any raw cornstarch taste.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, considering that soy sauce already contributes saltiness.
- Serve: Serve the hot pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles to soak up the delicious, flavorful sauce for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a lean cut of beef such as sirloin or flank steak sliced thinly against the grain.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce just before serving to preserve a glossy texture and avoid over-thickening.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and freezes well in portioned containers.
