Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and onions slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it fills your home with an irresistible aroma for hours. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a comforting dinner for yourself, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe promises an effortless yet deeply satisfying meal that will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—beef provides hearty protein and richness, bell peppers add sweetness and color, and the sauce ingredients bring a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
- 2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak for the best texture after slow cooking.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers a sweet flavor and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a slightly bitter note and beautiful contrast to the red pepper.
- 1 onion, sliced: Infuses a mild sweetness and earthy depth as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for adding savory warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings umami richness and a touch of saltiness that ties all flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base that keeps the beef moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end for a luscious finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust seasoning carefully to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by placing your thinly sliced beef strips into the crock pot, followed by the colorful bell peppers, sliced onion, and fragrant minced garlic. This is where the base of your meal begins to build, layering flavors that will slowly melt together as they cook.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth until they meld into a savory, flavorful liquid. This sauce is the heart of the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe, so take a moment to appreciate how these simple liquids will transform the dish.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot, making sure everything is evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite will be infused with that rich, mouthwatering flavor that slow cooking enhances so beautifully.
Step 4: Cook
Set your crock pot to low and let the magic happen over 6-8 hours, or choose the high setting for 3-4 hours if you’re pressed for time. The slow simmer will turn the beef tender and luscious, while the vegetables soften and release their sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About half an hour before you’re ready to eat, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce, allowing it to develop a silky texture that coats the beef and veggies beautifully without any raw starchy taste.
Step 6: Season
Give your pepper steak a final taste test and season with salt and pepper as needed. Since the soy sauce adds saltiness, adjust carefully. A well-balanced seasoning can elevate the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve
Serve this comforting Pepper Steak hot over a bed of fluffy rice or tender noodles. The sauce soaks perfectly into the sides, making each mouthful a delight. This is when you know all the slow cooking has truly paid off, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can add a pop of brightness to the rich, slow-cooked flavors. Consider sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and a subtle herbaceous note. A light drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also introduce a lovely nutty finish that complements the soy-based sauce.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is hearty and saucy, simple sides work best to round out the meal. Fluffy white or brown rice is a classic pairing, soaking up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed jasmine rice or even buttered egg noodles work beautifully, adding subtle flavor and texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little creative, serve your Pepper Steak in edible bowls made from roasted bell peppers or scoop it atop crispy rice cakes for a fun twist. For gatherings, consider assembling small lettuce wraps filled with the pepper steak mixture for an interactive and fresh experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepper Steak stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious—if not better!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Simply cool the pepper steak completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Stir occasionally for even heating and enjoy a comforting meal in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! While beef steak is classic for this recipe, thinly sliced pork or chicken breast can work as well. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat’s tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply swap out regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to keep this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snap peas, or sliced carrots make excellent additions and add more texture and color. Add harder vegetables like carrots early in the cooking process so they become tender alongside the beef.
How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the sauce by whisking in a bit of arrowroot powder or reducing the sauce by cooking it uncovered for a short time after the crock pot step, but be mindful not to dry out the beef.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop by simmering everything in a covered pot on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The flavors will still meld beautifully, but the slow cooker’s hands-off convenience is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into a spectacular, melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal effort. Its rich flavors and tender textures make it an ideal cozy dinner for any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the warm comfort it brings. Trust me, once you do, it will become one of your go-to favorites just like it is for me!
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This slow-cooked Pepper Steak recipe features tender beef strips simmered with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce. Prepared effortlessly in a crock pot, the dish delivers rich, melded flavors perfect for a comforting family meal served over rice or noodles.
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, spreading them out evenly.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, stirring until fully mixed to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce, then continue cooking to remove any raw cornstarch taste.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. Be cautious as the soy sauce already contributes saltiness.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot, ideally over cooked rice or noodles, to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Use lean cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak for the best texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
