ADVERTISEMENT
Crock Pot Pepper Steak: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal Made Easy
If you’re craving a tender, flavorful, and hearty dish that requires minimal effort, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the perfect recipe for you! This delicious dish features tender slices of beef simmered in a savory sauce made with bell peppers, onions, and a rich blend of seasonings. Best of all, it’s cooked in the crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together for a mouthwatering meal.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a busy weeknight or a dish to impress your guests at a family gathering, this Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive into how to make this easy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
For 4-6 servings, you will need:
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds of flank steak (or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or a mix of both)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium is recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for an added depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak
Start by slicing the flank steak (or sirloin) into thin strips against the grain. This helps ensure the meat stays tender as it cooks in the crockpot. If your steak is too thick, you can freeze it for about 30 minutes before slicing—this makes it easier to cut.
Once your steak is sliced, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Steak (Optional)
This step is optional, but it can add extra flavor to the dish. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak to the pan and quickly sear it for about 2-3 minutes, turning the pieces to get a nice brown color on all sides. This step helps to lock in the flavors and create a deeper taste, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Once seared, transfer the beef to your crockpot.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and minced garlic. If you like a little spice, add the crushed red pepper flakes and ground ginger to the mix. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavor of the soy sauce, creating a well-rounded sauce.
4. Add the Vegetables
Slice your onions and bell peppers, and place them on top of the beef in the crockpot. The vegetables will soften and infuse the dish with their natural sweetness and flavor as it cooks.
5. Cook in the Crockpot
Pour the prepared sauce over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot. Stir everything to ensure the beef and vegetables are well coated in the sauce.
Cover the crockpot with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily achieve this by making a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot, and stir. This will thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking time is up, the beef should be tender and the sauce thickened. Serve your Crock Pot Pepper Steak over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. The savory sauce, tender beef, and sweet bell peppers make for a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
