Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and super easy, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is going to be your new best friend. Picture tender strips of steak that fall apart with the slightest touch, soaking up all the savory, peppery goodness from the slow cooking process. The best part? You get to toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it work its magic while you kick back and relax. This recipe is the definition of hands-off cooking that still delivers big flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

This recipe is a total winner. Here’s why it’s become a go-to for so many:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a cozy dinner for guests, this dish fits every occasion. Imagine coming home to the smell of a perfectly cooked meal, or serving it at a dinner party where everyone’s asking for seconds.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. No need to splurge on expensive cuts of meat—this recipe proves you don’t have to break the bank for a satisfying dinner.
• Quick and Easy: Toss everything in the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it. It’s as easy as that. If you’re not a fan of spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe’s for you.
• Customizable: Want more spice? Add extra chili flakes or some hot sauce. Not a fan of peppers? Feel free to adjust the veggies to your liking. This recipe is yours to make as bold or mild as you like!
• Crowd-Pleasing: This is one of those dishes that gets rave reviews. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any crowd—kids and adults alike will love it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful Crock Pot pepper steak:

Steak (Flank or Sirloin): The hero of this dish! The steak becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow in the Crock Pot, absorbing all those fantastic flavors.

Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers add color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory steak. Choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for a vibrant dish.

Onion: Sliced onions provide a bit of sweetness and depth, blending perfectly with the other ingredients.

Garlic: A few cloves of garlic will infuse the dish with that irresistible, savory aroma.

Soy Sauce: The base for the sauce, bringing saltiness and umami to round out all the flavors.

Beef Broth: This adds richness and helps create that flavorful sauce that you’ll want to soak up with every bite.

Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking, giving it a luscious, glossy texture.

Black Pepper: Ground black pepper is essential for that bold, peppery kick, which is what gives this dish its signature flavor.

Seasonings: A few extras like salt, ginger, and chili flakes round out the flavor profile and add a little heat if you like.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Pepper Steak:

Prep the Steak: Slice your steak into thin strips, against the grain. This helps keep it tender during cooking.

Combine the Ingredients: In the Crock Pot, toss the steak, bell peppers, onions, garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, and your seasonings. Stir everything together until well coated.

Slow Cook: Set the Crock Pot on low and let it cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the steak to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, and stir it into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for another 30 minutes to achieve that perfect sauce consistency.

Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s ready, give it one last stir, and then serve your pepper steak hot over rice, noodles, or a bed of greens.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to elevate the meal. Here are some ideas for the perfect accompaniment:

• Steamed Rice: A classic choice to soak up the flavorful sauce. White rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice all work beautifully.
• Noodles: Serve over egg noodles or rice noodles for a different take on this dish. The noodles will absorb the sauce just as well as rice.
• Crispy Vegetables: Roasted veggies, like broccoli or carrots, are a great contrast to the soft, tender steak and peppers.
• Crispy Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce and soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Greens: A side salad or sautéed spinach adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dish.

Presentation is key! Serve the pepper steak in a large, family-style bowl, and don’t forget to garnish with some fresh herbs for that pop of color.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tricks to get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: You can slice the steak and chop the veggies the night before. Just store them in the fridge, and you’ll be able to throw everything in the Crock Pot in no time.
• Add Extra Heat: If you want some extra spice, toss in a few chili flakes or some sliced jalapeños when adding the vegetables.
• Substitute Vegetables: Not a fan of bell peppers? Swap them for mushrooms, snap peas, or even zucchini for a different twist.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day!
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pepper steak for up to 2 months. Just let it cool, place it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A1: Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best, you can use any tender cut of beef that cooks well in a slow cooker. Just slice it thinly to ensure tenderness.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready, or even store it in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cooked pepper steak in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak. If using the microwave, stir every 30 seconds to ensure it heats evenly.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure your Crock Pot can handle the extra ingredients, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Q7: Can I use a different protein?
A7: Sure! You can swap the beef for chicken breast or pork, but keep in mind the cooking time might differ. Chicken usually cooks faster than beef.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A8: Of course! Feel free to add things like carrots, zucchini, or snap peas. Just make sure they’re chopped to a similar size so they cook evenly.

Q9: Can I make it spicier?
A9: Yes! If you like things hot, throw in some sliced jalapeños, extra black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch.

Q10: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re watching your sodium intake, feel free to swap in low-sodium soy sauce. The flavor will still be great!

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is one of those recipes that feels like a big win. It’s so easy, yet packed with flavor that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s a guaranteed hit that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, let your Crock Pot do the work while you sit back and enjoy the mouthwatering results!

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