Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

If you love a tender, flavorful steak with just the right amount of seasoning, then Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is about to become your new favorite dinner. This dish combines juicy strips of beef with bell peppers and onions in a rich, savory sauce, all simmered to perfection in the slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe is that you can set it and forget it, letting the Crock Pot work its magic while you go about your day. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Trust me, this one is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

• Effortless: Just toss everything into the Crock Pot, and let it do the work. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe!
• Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking process makes the steak incredibly tender, and the sauce is rich, savory, and packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for leftovers, making it an ideal choice for meal prep.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, add extra veggies, or even switch up the protein to make it your own.
• Comfort Food: With the warm, comforting flavors and the hearty meat, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot requires a few simple ingredients that come together to make a savory, delicious meal:

For the Pepper Steak:

• Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: This lean, tender cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking. It absorbs the flavors of the sauce and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow bell peppers—use whichever you prefer for a mix of sweetness and crunch.
• Onion: A yellow onion adds a savory base to the dish that complements the beef and peppers perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: This is the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, savory flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and a bit of umami to enhance the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds complexity and a hint of tanginess.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce, giving it that rich, glossy texture.
• Seasonings: Black pepper (of course), and a touch of salt and sugar for balance.

Instructions

It doesn’t get easier than this! Here’s how to make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cut the beef into thin strips (about 1-inch wide). Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips as well. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Combine in the Crock Pot

Add the sliced beef, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to your Crock Pot. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the Crock Pot, ensuring everything is coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the sauce has thickened, give it a final stir, then serve your pepper steak over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (without rice or sides)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (on high)

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is best served over something to soak up that delicious, savory sauce:

• Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes make the perfect base for this flavorful pepper steak.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or even rice noodles would be fantastic with this dish, soaking up all the savory goodness of the sauce.
• Side Veggies: Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans are a great way to add extra nutrition to the meal.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Flavor: If you like your pepper steak with a bit more kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in some hot sauce to taste.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby carrots for a more colorful, veggie-packed dish.
• Swap the Beef: If you prefer chicken or pork, you can easily swap the beef for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A1: It’s best to use fresh beef for this recipe, as frozen beef may release more liquid while cooking and could affect the texture of the dish. However, if you must use frozen beef, just make sure it’s fully thawed before slicing.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, you can freeze leftover pepper steak for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
A4: If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or use a little flour mixed with water to make a slurry.

Q5: Can I add more heat to this dish?
A5: Absolutely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes, diced chili peppers, or even a bit of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Add to taste based on your spice preference.

Q6: What type of beef is best for this recipe?
A6: Lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak work best for pepper steak. These cuts stay tender when slow-cooked. Avoid tougher cuts like round or chuck as they can become chewy over long cooking times.

Q7: Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to the dish for extra veggies and color. Just make sure they’re added toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicier?
A8: If you love spice, feel free to add extra chili peppers, hot sauce, or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s cooking. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warmed through.

Q10: Can I add a starch to this recipe?
A10: Yes! If you prefer a heartier dish, you can add cubed potatoes to the Crock Pot along with the beef and peppers. They will cook with the steak and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a game-changing recipe for anyone who loves rich, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. You get tender beef, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked peppers, all made in one pot with hardly any hands-on time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, let that Crock Pot work its magic—you won’t be disappointed!

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