This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a cozy dish that’s packed with tender beef and colorful bell peppers. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, making the flavors really come together.
It’s perfect for busy days—just toss everything in and let it work its magic. I love serving mine over rice, and trust me, you’ll want to drench your rice in that delicious sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use top round or chuck steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the cut you choose.
Bell Peppers: While green and red peppers add great flavor, feel free to mix it up! Yellow and orange peppers taste sweeter and can add a nice color contrast. You can also use frozen mixed bell peppers if fresh ones aren’t available.
Beef Broth: If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, low-sodium beef broth works well, or you could use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Homemade broth always adds a personal touch!
Cooking Oil: I typically use olive oil for browning the meat, but canola or vegetable oil also work fine. If you’re feeling adventurous, sesame oil can add a unique flavor.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, but the amount may change. Just remember to paste it in water before mixing.
How Do I Brown the Meat Properly?
Getting a nice brown on your meat is an important step for adding flavor to your dish! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet and add your cooking oil. The oil should shimmer slightly before you add meat.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you add too much meat, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Brown the meat on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes, turning until all sides are nicely seared.
- Once browned, transfer it immediately to your Crock Pot to keep that flavor locked in!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires 6-8 hours to cook in the Crock Pot on low (3-4 hours on high). Just set it and forget it, and enjoy a delicious warm meal when you’re ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced flank steak or sirloin strips and cook them until they are browned on all sides. This step is important as it adds a rich flavor to your pepper steak.
2. Transfer to the Crock Pot:
After browning the meat, carefully transfer it to your Crock Pot. Make sure to scrape any brown bits from the skillet into the Crock Pot as they add extra flavor!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, layer the sliced onions and both green and red bell peppers on top of the meat in the Crock Pot. This will help the veggies soften nicely as they cook.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix it well and pour this flavorful sauce over the meat and vegetables in the Crock Pot.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the Crock Pot and let it cook. If you’re cooking on low, set it for 6-8 hours. If you prefer a quicker option, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. The meat should become tender as it cooks!
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the Crock Pot about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. This will give your dish a nice, thick sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked and tender, serve your delicious pepper steak over warm cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy this hearty meal that’s packed with flavor!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices, you can also use chuck roast or round steak. Just keep in mind that these cuts may require a bit longer to become tender, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Also, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Adding vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar sizes and add them to the Crock Pot with the peppers and onions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. You can also add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens up in the fridge!
