Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Pepper steak is a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. This Crock Pot version is not only incredibly easy to make but also results in a tender, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, the flavors meld beautifully as they slow cook, making for an irresistible dish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ease of preparation. Simply toss your ingredients into the Crock Pot, let it slow cook, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to serve. The sauce thickens up perfectly as it cooks, providing a flavorful, savory base that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation

This recipe requires minimal prep. Simply slice the ingredients and let the Crock Pot do the rest of the work.

2. Tender, Flavorful Beef

Slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender, absorbing all the savory flavors from the sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

3. Simple, Readily Available Ingredients

The ingredients for this dish are basic and easy to find, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

4. Perfectly Thickened Sauce

With the cornstarch slurry, the sauce thickens beautifully and coats the beef and vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful gravy.

5. Versatile Meal

Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a filling, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Beef steak (cut into thin strips)
• Bell peppers (one red, one green, sliced)
• Onion (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Include additional vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for some heat.
• Use Different Meat: While beef steak is traditional, you can swap it out for chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different variation.
• Switch Up the Sauce: For a sweeter take, you can add a splash of hoisin sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For some texture contrast, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the beef steak into thin strips. Also, slice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.

3. Combine in the Crock Pot

Place the sliced beef, bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic into the Crock Pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, making sure everything is evenly coated.

4. Slow Cook

Set the Crock Pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce.

6. Season and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that the soy sauce will already add some saltiness, so be careful not to over-season.

7. Serve

Once the cooking time is up and the sauce has thickened, serve the pepper steak hot over rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to soak into the base and enhance the dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut the Beef Thinly: Slicing the beef into thin strips helps it cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This step is crucial for thickening the sauce, giving it a rich, gravy-like texture that complements the beef.
• Taste Before Serving: Adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the right balance of salt and pepper.
• Use Low Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from being too salty.
• Avoid Overcooking: While the Crock Pot is forgiving, don’t cook the dish on high for too long, as it could dry out the meat.

How to Serve

Pepper steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. The sauce is perfect for soaking into the rice or noodles, so be sure to serve it generously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of beef broth to bring back some moisture.

Freezing

• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little beef broth or water if necessary to keep the sauce from getting too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or round steak in place of the beef steak, but the texture may vary.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later use.

3. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken breast or thighs, though the cooking time might be slightly less.

4. Can I cook this on the stove instead of the Crock Pot?

Yes, you can cook this dish in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Just simmer the ingredients on low heat until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.

5. Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas to make the dish even more nutritious.

6. How do I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

7. What can I serve with pepper steak?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even a side of sautéed greens.

8. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.

9. How do I thicken the sauce?

The cornstarch slurry added at the end of cooking will help thicken the sauce and give it a smooth, gravy-like texture.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Pepper steak in a Crock Pot is a fantastic dish that combines tender beef, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce in one easy-to-make meal. With its simple preparation and slow cooking process, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty, savory meal that’s sure to impress!

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