Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the perfect dish if you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make! The slow cooker ensures the steak becomes super tender and the flavors really develop over time. The bell peppers and onions infuse the beef with sweetness, while the peppery sauce adds a great kick. Here’s a simple recipe for Crock Pot Pepper Steak!
Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
-
For the Steak:
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs flank steak, sirloin, or round steak (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the steak)
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or powdered)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
-
For the Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans (optional)
-
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Cooked white rice or noodles
Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak strips with a little salt and pepper.
- Add the steak strips to the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until browned. This helps lock in the flavor.
- Once the steak is seared, transfer it to the crockpot.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
- Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, and the sauce is smooth.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and any other vegetables like snap peas or green beans to the crockpot, on top of the steak.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot. Stir everything together to make sure the steak and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix an additional 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the dish is done cooking. This will thicken the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Once done, give everything a good stir.
- Serve the pepper steak over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak:
- Use a tender cut of beef: If you want super tender steak, go with a cut like flank steak or sirloin. Round steak will work but may not be quite as tender.
- Customize the veggies: You can add in other veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or even baby corn for more texture and flavor.
- Adjust the heat: If you like a little spice, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
- Make it spicy: Add some hot sauce or a splash of sriracha for an extra kick.
Why This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is Amazing:
- Convenience: This is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal, perfect for busy days.
- Flavor: The sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, which complements the steak and vegetables perfectly.
- Tender Steak: The slow-cooking process makes the steak incredibly tender, and it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is sure to be a hit with the family or anyone you cook for! Have you tried making it before, or is this your first time?