If you have been searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, then let me introduce you to the magic of my Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe. This dish brings together tender strips of beef soaked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all cooked low and slow to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The best part is how effortlessly it comes together in your slow cooker, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you just want to come home to a warm, inviting dish waiting for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe so special. From the tender beef to the aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, every ingredient is essential to this mouthwatering experience.
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious, glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Provides a rich base that melds all flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil): Infuses a delicate nutty aroma and richness.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Offers a fragrant and mouthwatering punch.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Contributes vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds freshness and texture contrast.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings sweetness and softness once slow-cooked.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips. This is key to ensuring the meat becomes tender and soaks up all those incredible flavors during slow cooking. Placing the beef at the bottom of your crock pot creates the perfect foundation for the sauce and vegetables to meld together.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the soul of the dish, offering a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that will infuse the beef and veggies as they cook slowly.
Step 3: Combine and Add Vegetables
Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat the strips evenly. Then layer your vibrant red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion on top. These vegetables add essential texture, sweetness, and a pop of color that makes this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high for 2.5 to 3 hours. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef beautifully while allowing the vegetables to soften yet maintain a pleasant bite. The aroma during cooking will have you eagerly awaiting the moment you can dig in.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve
Before serving, give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors just right, ensuring every bite is coated with that luscious sauce. Serve hot over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal that’s deeply satisfying and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe even further, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of freshness and visual appeal that will impress anyone at your table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even simple rice noodles to soak up that rich sauce. For a lighter contrast, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or roasted broccoli to balance the hearty flavors of the beef and peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to change things up, consider serving the Pepper Steak in a crock pot style over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Alternatively, wrap the beef and veggies in warm flour tortillas for a fun fusion-inspired fajita twist that’s sure to delight anyone craving a comforting yet new take on a classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for long-term storage. Just ensure the sauce has cooled completely before transferring portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen leftovers can be kept for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the tender texture of the beef and vegetables. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or even a well-marbled stew beef as alternatives. Just be mindful of cooking times if using tougher cuts.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Alternatively, stir in an extra cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a bit of cold water) during the final stage.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn make excellent additions and complement the dish’s flavors nicely. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking to keep their texture crisp yet tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your soy sauce label to be certain, and opt for tamari for an easy gluten-free substitute.
Can I cook this on high the whole time?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. Just keep an eye on the beef’s tenderness and make sure the vegetables don’t overcook for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, rich, and packed with vibrant flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a delicious, fuss-free dinner that showcases tender beef and fresh vegetables wrapped in a mouthwatering sauce. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and delightful slow cooker meals can be!
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe features tender strips of beef sirloin or flank steak cooked low and slow with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, the sauce combines soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar for balanced flavors. Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a hearty and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Place the thinly sliced beef strips at the bottom of the slow cooker to form an even layer.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine beef and sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Add vegetables: Layer the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion on top of the beef and sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Finish and serve: Stir the contents before serving to mix the flavors. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or stir in an additional cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
- Add mushrooms or snow peas along with the bell peppers and onion for extra vegetables and texture.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust cooking times depending on your slow cooker’s temperature settings for optimal tenderness.
