This Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a tasty meal that cooks itself! With juicy beef, colorful bell peppers, and a simple sauce, it’s perfect for busy days.
I love that I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while I relax. It’s comforting, delicious, and makes my kitchen smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin Steak: Thinly sliced beef sirloin is my top choice for this dish. If you can’t find sirloin, flank steak or even chuck roast can work well. They both add great flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
Bell Peppers: I love using both red and green bell peppers for color and taste. You can mix it up with yellow or orange peppers as well. For a twist, consider using poblano or even jalapeño peppers if you like some heat!
Onion: A medium onion is great for sweetness and depth. I prefer yellow onions for their balance of sweetness and sharpness. If you need a milder flavor, go for sweet onions like Vidalia.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a punch of umami flavor. If you’re avoiding it, you might try coconut aminos for a soy-free option, or just add a splash more soy sauce with a little vinegar for that tang.
How Do I Get Tender Beef in a Slow Cooker?
Getting tender beef is all about cooking time and temperature. Here are some tips to ensure your beef comes out perfectly:
- Always sear the beef first. This adds flavor and helps lock in moisture before it cooks in the crock pot.
- Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This allows the beef to become tender and absorb all the tasty flavors from the sauce.
- Don’t rush it! A slow cooker is meant for low and slow cooking, so trust the process.
Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1.5 pounds beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe will take about 30 minutes for preparation and the cooking process will last either 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. It’s perfect to set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced beef strips to the skillet and sear them quickly until they are browned on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Once they’re nice and browned, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to your crock pot.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, transfer this veggie mix to the crock pot with the beef.
3. Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ground black pepper. This mixture is what makes your dish so flavorful!
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Gently stir everything together to combine and ensure the beef and veggies are well coated in the sauce.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook your dish on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is very tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Cover and continue cooking on high for the last 30 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your pepper steak and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Remember, you want it to be just right for your taste!
8. Serving:
Serve your hearty pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place the sealed beef in cold water for a couple of hours until it’s thawed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in the crock pot the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just take it out and start cooking in the morning. Just remember to cook it right after you’ve added everything to keep the ingredients fresh.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can get creative! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots. Just keep in mind that some veggies may cook faster than others, so you might want to add them halfway through the cooking time to maintain their texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
