Crock Pot Pepper Steak: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Crock Pot Pepper Steak: Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce simmering gently in your kitchen. That’s the magic of this incredibly easy and satisfying dish! Forget slaving over a hot stove; with just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Pepper steak, in its various forms, has roots in both Chinese and Western cuisines. The Chinese version often features a vibrant stir-fry with a lighter sauce, while the Western adaptation tends to be richer and more gravy-like. Our Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe leans towards the latter, offering a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The beef becomes incredibly tender and practically melts in your mouth, while the bell peppers retain a slight crispness, providing a delightful contrast. The sauce, a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes, ties everything together beautifully. Plus, the convenience of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious and stress-free dinner. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this effortless recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Beef: 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Peppers: 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• Peppers: 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Beef Broth: 1 cup beef broth
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Water: 2 tablespoons cold water
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Cooked Rice: For serving (optional)

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables

1. First, let’s get our beef ready. Pat the beef sirloin cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet nice and hot before adding the beef.
3. Sear the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Sear each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. You’re not trying to cook it through, just get a nice crust on the outside. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
4. Now, add the sliced green and red bell peppers and sliced yellow onion to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp.
5. Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot

1. Transfer the softened vegetables from the skillet to the crock pot. Spread them evenly across the bottom.
2. Add the seared beef on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
5. Stir everything gently to ensure the beef and vegetables are coated in the sauce.

Slow Cooking Process

1. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done. I prefer the low setting for a more tender result, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works too.
2. Once the beef is cooked, give it a good stir.

Thickening the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as the sauce can thicken quickly.

Serving the Crock Pot Pepper Steak

1. Taste the pepper steak and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or soy sauce to your liking.
2. Serve the crock pot pepper steak hot over cooked rice, if desired. It’s also delicious on its own!
3. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch, if you like.

Tips and Variations

• Beef Options: While I recommend sirloin, you can also use chuck roast or stew meat for this recipe. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting the beef into cubes.
• Pepper Variations: Feel free to use different colored bell peppers, such as yellow or orange, for a more colorful dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery. Add them along with the bell peppers and onions.
• Spice Level: If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to reduce the sodium content of this dish.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pepper steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the crock pot or on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: This pepper steak freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the pepper steak over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even quinoa. It’s also great in sandwiches or wraps.
• Cornstarch Alternative: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce. Use the same amount as cornstarch.
• Fresh Ginger: For a more intense ginger flavor, use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. Grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and add it to the skillet with the garlic.
• Wine Addition: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine to the sauce mixture.
• Sesame Oil: A teaspoon of sesame oil added at the end of cooking can add a lovely nutty flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the combination of peppers, onions, and a savory sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables!

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

This recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, the vibrant peppers, and that rich, savory sauce – it’s a symphony of deliciousness that practically cooks itself. What’s not to love?

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Another slow cooker recipe? Been there, done that.” But believe me, this one is different. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and the low and slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing all day long, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Why is this Crock Pot Pepper Steak a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy, unbelievably flavorful, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

But the best part? The possibilities are endless! Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic comfort food experience. Or, for a healthier option, try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice. You could even pile it high on crusty rolls for a delicious pepper steak sandwich.

Looking for variations? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat. Or, stir in some sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for an earthy flavor boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing dish. And for those who prefer a thicker sauce, simply whisk in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

* Over white rice or brown rice
* With quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
* In crusty rolls for pepper steak sandwiches
* Alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
* As a filling for tacos or burritos

Variations:

* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
* Include sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
* Use different colored bell peppers for visual appeal.
* Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
* Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I’m practically begging you to try it! Seriously, clear your schedule, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked perfection.

And once you’ve made it, I want to hear all about it! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak! I truly believe this will become a staple in your recipe rotation.