There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Pepper Steak filling your home as it simmers away in the crock pot. This comforting dish brings together tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce that will have your family asking for seconds.
I first discovered this recipe when I wanted a low-maintenance meal that still felt indulgent. With its easy preparation and bold flavors, this Pepper Steak has become a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your menu.
Why You'll Love This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that practically cooks itself. This Pepper Steak recipe is as convenient as it is delicious.
First, it's the perfect solution for busy days. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let your crock pot do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
The flavors are simply irresistible. Tender strips of beef soak up a rich, savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, while the bell peppers add a sweet, fresh contrast.
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Use your favorite cuts of beef or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. It's a crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
Lastly, it's budget-friendly and requires just a handful of pantry staples. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to whip up a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Pepper Steak lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor.
Start with beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain. These cuts become meltingly tender after hours of slow cooking.
Bell peppers bring vibrant color and sweetness to the dish. I recommend using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for the perfect balance of flavors and visual appeal.
The sauce is a savory blend of soy sauce, beef broth, and hoisin sauce, with a touch of garlic and ginger for depth. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
To thicken the sauce, you'll need a cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch with cold water. This step ensures your sauce clings beautifully to the beef and peppers.
A trusty crock pot or slow cooker is essential for this recipe. If you don’t already own one, it’s a worthwhile investment for hassle-free meals.
How To Make This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Making Pepper Steak in a crock pot couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to create this delicious dish step by step.
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice your beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Cut your bell peppers into strips and mince your garlic.
Next, in a bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, beef broth, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger. This will be the flavorful base of your dish.
Layer your sliced beef in the bottom of your crock pot, followed by the bell peppers. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure everything is well-coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors beautifully.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix your cornstarch slurry and stir it into the crock pot. This will thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency. Let it cook for the remaining time to fully thicken.
Serve your Pepper Steak over a bed of steamed rice or alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem! This Pepper Steak stores beautifully, making it an ideal meal for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container.
For longer storage, freeze the Pepper Steak in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second increments, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations to try:
Swap the beef for chicken strips or pork tenderloin for a twist on the classic.
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory combination that’s always a hit.
For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and broth, and skip the hoisin sauce if needed.
Spice things up by adding sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a kick of heat.
If you’re watching carbs, serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
No matter how you make it, this Pepper Steak is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your crock pot and get ready to enjoy a meal that's as easy as it is delicious!
PrintPepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes - 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This pepper steak in a crock pot recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish, featuring tender beef, bell peppers, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a hearty meal packed with protein and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the beef strips, bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Pour over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If desired, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste by adding extra soy sauce or spices.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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