Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and tasty dish made with juicy slices of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce. It’s a true one-pot wonder!
The best part? You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you relax. Perfect over rice or noodles, it’s a family favorite! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for pepper steak since it’s flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow. You can also use sirloin if that’s what you have on hand. Both choices work well for a delicious meal.
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for a neutral taste, but feel free to swap it with olive oil or canola oil. They will work great too! In some recipes, you might even try sesame oil for a different flavor twist.
Bell Peppers: Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. If you’re allergic to bell peppers, zucchini or carrots are good substitutes, but the taste will change a bit.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a decent substitute—1/8 teaspoon of powder equals one clove of garlic.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is essential for that umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option) works just as well.
Sugar: The sugar helps balance all the flavors. If you want to keep it healthy, honey or agave syrup is a nice alternative. You can also skip it if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
How Do I Get the Perfect Searing on My Steak?
Searing is important to build flavor and a nice crust on the steak. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak; this really helps to achieve a good sear.
- Let the steak sit undisturbed for a few minutes on each side while it cooks. This helps form that brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re cooking more than one piece, do them in batches to keep the heat up.
After searing, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender!
How Do I Thicken the Sauce in My Crock Pot?
If you want a thicker sauce for your pepper steak, here’s a simple method using cornstarch:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water in a separate bowl to create a smooth slurry.
- About 30 minutes before your cooking time is up, stir the slurry into the crock pot.
- Switch the setting to high and let it cook for those last 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid lumps.
This quick addition gives your sauce the perfect thickness to cling to the meat and veggies!
Delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak (or sirloin)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect dish to get started in the morning and come home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the flank steak and sear it on both sides until it gets a nice golden-brown color. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips against the grain. This way, the meat will be nice and tender!
2. Adding to the Crock Pot:
Next, place the sliced steak into the crock pot. On top of the steak, add the sliced onions and all the bell pepper slices along with the minced garlic. This adds lots of color and flavor to your dish!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. If you’d like a little sweetness, add in the sugar as well. Pour this flavorful mixture over everything in the crock pot to ensure every piece is coated!
4. Cooking:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to have the steak tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop!
5. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer your sauce thicker, here’s a little trick! About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and let it cook on high until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Serving Your Pepper Steak:
When it’s time to eat, serve your delicious pepper steak hot over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Feel free to garnish with additional bell pepper slices if you want to add a little extra color. Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chuck roast. Just remember that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender, so adjust the cooking time accordingly if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other favorite vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas. Just chop them into similar sizes, so they cook evenly with the peppers and onions throughout the crock pot process.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a lower-sodium alternative, try using low-sodium soy sauce, and adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
