Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot filling your kitchen as it simmers away, promising a hearty, flavorful meal by dinnertime. Tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce come together effortlessly, making this a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or cozy weekends.

I remember the first time I made this dish, I was looking for something that felt fancy but required minimal effort. It turned out to be a hit, and now it's a staple in my meal rotation, especially when I want dinner to cook itself while I tackle my to-do list.

Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this crock pot classic.

Why You'll Love This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite crock pot recipe! This Pepper Steak is a game-changer, combining convenience, flavor, and versatility in one satisfying dish.

First and foremost, this recipe is ridiculously easy to prepare. With just a few minutes of hands-on time in the morning, you'll come home to a meal that's practically ready to serve. It's perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a no-fuss dinner option.

The flavors are absolutely incredible. Tender beef strips soak up a rich, savory sauce that's packed with a hint of sweetness and a tangy kick. Add in the bright, slightly crunchy bell peppers, and you've got a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Another big win? This recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly. Using affordable cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin, you'll create a dish that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, it's endlessly versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Plus, you can easily customize the veggies or tweak the spice level to suit your taste.

Once you try this recipe, it'll quickly become a household favorite. Let’s get into the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here's what you'll need:

• Beef Strips: Look for flank steak, sirloin, or another lean cut of beef. Slice it thinly against the grain for the most tender results. If you prefer, you can use pre-cut stir-fry beef to save even more time.
• Bell Peppers: The stars of the dish! Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a beautiful color contrast and a slightly sweet flavor. Slice them into strips for even cooking.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics lay the foundation for the rich, savory sauce. A medium yellow onion and a few cloves of minced garlic are all you need.
• Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, bringing saltiness and umami to the dish. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and keeps the dish juicy. Choose a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Just a touch of brown sugar balances the saltiness and acidity, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a subtle tanginess that complements the beef.
• Cornstarch: A slurry of cornstarch and water is the secret to thickening the sauce just before serving.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor.

Special Equipment: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the beef and veggies to cook evenly without overcrowding.

How To Make This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Creating this delicious dish couldn't be easier. Here's how to make it step-by-step:

1. Prep the Beef and Veggies: Start by slicing your beef strips thinly against the grain. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince your garlic and set everything aside.
2. Build the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and tomato paste until smooth. This flavorful mixture will soak into the beef as it cooks.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Add the sliced onion and garlic to the bottom of your crock pot. Lay the beef strips on top, followed by the sliced bell peppers. Pour the sauce evenly over the top, making sure everything is well coated.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the crock pot and let it thicken as it finishes cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and enjoy a meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare.

Storage Options

This recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here's how to handle it:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Pepper steak freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with cubed tofu or a plant-based beef substitute. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicier version.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
• Different Proteins: Swap the beef for chicken, pork, or shrimp for a fun twist on the classic.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli to boost the vegetable content and flavor.

No matter how you tweak it, this recipe delivers a delicious meal every time. Experiment and make it your own!

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