Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a simple and tasty dish. It mixes tender beef with colorful bell peppers in a delicious sauce. Just set your crock pot, and let it do the work for you!
This meal is perfect for busy days! I love coming home to that mouthwatering aroma. Plus, it’s great served over rice, making dinner even easier. What’s not to love? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is lean and flavorful, perfect for this dish. If you can’t find it, try sirloin or skirt steak for a great alternative. You could even use chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Bell Peppers: The mix of green and red peppers adds color and sweetness. You can use any other variety of bell peppers, such as yellow or orange, or even try other veggies like zucchini or snow peas if preferred.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch that enhances the flavor. If you have garlic powder, about 1/2 teaspoon can substitute it, but fresh is definitely best for that rich taste.
Soy Sauce: It gives a nice savory depth. For a low-sodium option or if you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. Just be mindful of the salt in your other ingredients if you substitute.
Beef Broth: Beef broth keeps the sauce robust. You can swap this with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even chicken broth for a different taste.
How Can I Ensure My Steak is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the steak just right in a crock pot is key. Here’s how to ensure it turns out tender and flavorful:
- Sear First: Browning the steak in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot not only enhances flavor but also adds a nice texture.
- Cut Against the Grain: When slicing your flank steak, cut against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender when cooking.
- Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow enough time for slow cooking. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is best for tenderness; avoid opening the lid too often.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, using cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before serving makes a big difference without overpowering the dish. Just mix it well!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crock pot pepper steak will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then cook for 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want a warm, comforting meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak to the skillet and sear it for about 4-5 minutes, or until it is nicely browned on both sides. Once done, transfer the seared steak into your crock pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and both green and red bell peppers. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring well.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot:
Now, transfer the sautéed vegetables into the crock pot with the steak. It’s all coming together nicely!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix this sauce well and then pour it over the steak and veggies in the crock pot for that added flavor.
5. Let it Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let the pepper steak cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir this slurry into the sauce in the crock pot. Cover it back up and let it continue cooking to thicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, serve your pepper steak over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal with your loved ones!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak works great, you can also use sirloin, round steak, or even skirt steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose. Make sure the meat is sliced thinly for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can use water, but you might want to add a little extra soy sauce for flavor. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to expand the veggie mix with mushrooms, carrots, or even snap peas. Just be sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking. Adding more vegetables will also give your dish extra flavor and nutrition!
