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If you’ve been craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and effortless to prepare, then this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender strips of beef mingle perfectly with colorful bell peppers and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection in a savory sauce that’s rich, tangy, and downright addictive. Cooking in the crock pot allows the flavors to deepen over hours, while you simply go about your day knowing a delicious dinner waits for you. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend treat, this dish hits every note of yum in the most satisfying way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each one brings its unique magic, whether it’s the tender beef, sweet and crunchy peppers, or the flavorful, umami-packed sauce components that elevate the whole dish.
- 2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips: Choose a tender cut like sirloin for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a bright sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a slightly bitter crunch that balances the dish.
- 1 onion, sliced: Infuses the sauce with a subtle sweetness as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that essential punch of aroma and depth.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that enhances the savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with a tangy, slightly sweet note.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds richness and moisture to keep everything succulent.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for that perfect clingy texture.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry without lumps.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The final seasoning tweak to balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef strips in the crock pot. Layer on the colorful bell peppers, sliced onion, and sprinkle over the minced garlic. This colorful assembly sets the stage for all the flavors to blend beautifully during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth until everything is well combined. This sauce is the heart of the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe, infusing the beef and vegetables with a rich, savory character.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Gently pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot, making sure the beef strips and vegetables are evenly coated. This helps every bite be soaked in that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot on low heat and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours, or choose high heat for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld together in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the crock pot. This step thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency, letting it coat the beef and veggies in a nice glossy finish. Continue cooking for the remaining time to cook off any raw starch taste.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Give your Pepper Steak a taste test and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, soy sauce already adds saltiness, so add seasoning carefully to keep it balanced.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot over freshly cooked rice or your favorite noodles so that every bite is soaked with the flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top just before serving. A few sesame seeds can also give a subtle nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Steak pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. A crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the rich, flavorful main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak wrapped in warm flour tortillas or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal. You can also spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option without losing any of the sauce-soaking goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and keep that perfect saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak work best, you can also use chuck steak or round steak. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, or even broccoli florets to boost the veggie content and add extra flavor and texture.
Can I make this Pepper Steak Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything the night before, refrigerate, and then cook it in the crock pot the next day for convenience and enhanced flavors.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar to mimic the tangy sweetness Worcestershire adds.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing any of the savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about coming home to a warm, flavorful meal like this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and packed with delicious, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pepper Steak recipe slow cooks tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-based sauce. Prepared in a crock pot, it creates a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that is perfect for an easy, hands-off meal. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch near the end of cooking, making it perfect to serve over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Seasoning
- 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 bowl.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the combined sauce mixture evenly over the ingredients in the crock pot, ensuring the meat and vegetables are well coated.
- Cook: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or choose the high setting and cook for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and absorbs the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes to thicken the sauce and eliminate any raw cornstarch taste.
- Season: Taste the pepper steak and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind the soy sauce already adds saltiness.
- Serve: Serve the hot pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles to soak up the savory sauce and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- For more tender beef, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry before finishing.
- Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, especially if adding extra salt.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 0 minutes (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
