Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot: Easy Meal
Featured in Crockpot.
Tender beef and colorful bell peppers simmered in a rich, savory sauce in your crock pot for an incredibly easy weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love It
- •**Effortless comfort** - Set it and forget it, a true weeknight savior that practically cooks itself.
- •**Flavor bomb** - Tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and a deeply savory sauce that melts in your mouth.
- •**Family favorite** - Even the pickiest eaters can't resist this hearty and delicious meal.
- •**Better than takeout** - All the deliciousness of restaurant-style pepper steak, but with the wholesome goodness of a homemade dish.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Beef stew meat (or round steak): Cut into uniform strips for maximum tenderness. The way you cut it truly matters for that perfect bite!
- Bell peppers: A mix of colors (red, yellow, green) not only adds visual appeal but also varied sweetness. So vibrant!
- Onions: These humble heroes are the foundation of flavor, softening beautifully over hours in the slow cooker.
Complete Cooking Process
- •Searing the beef first adds a wonderful depth of flavor, don't skip it if you have a moment!
- •Cut vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly and maintain their lovely texture.
- •A cornstarch slurry at the end is key for a beautifully thick and glossy sauce.
Start by slicing your beef into uniform strips. A quick sear in a skillet? Honestly, it's worth the tiny extra step for that added depth of flavor, a little caramelization goes a long way. But hey, if you're truly short on time, the crock pot will still work its magic without it.
Next up, get those bell peppers and onions chopped. Nothing fancy, just aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender without turning to mush. A little rustic, a little charm.
Now for the heart of the dish – the sauce! Whisk together your beef broth, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a few other bits. This concoction is where all the savory magic happens, creating a luscious bath for our beef and veggies. Easy peasy, right?
Layer it all up! First the beef, then the vibrant peppers and onions, and finally, pour that savory sauce right over everything. It’s like tucking your ingredients into bed, knowing they'll wake up utterly delicious.
This is where the real enchantment takes place. Let your crock pot work its wonders, low and slow, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. The aromas that will fill your kitchen? Oh, honey, they're divine.
Towards the end, whisk in a cornstarch slurry to give that sauce a beautiful, glossy thickness. Then, spoon this tender, flavor-packed goodness over fluffy rice, comforting noodles, or simply enjoy it on its own. Pure bliss!
You Must Know
This pepper steak in a crock pot proves that incredible flavor doesn't have to mean endless hours in the kitchen. It’s a testament to the power of slow cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a meal that feels both special and utterly comforting. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of how a little patience and a lot of love can create culinary magic.
The Beauty of Browning the Beef
I know, I know. It's a crock pot recipe, you want to just dump and go, right? And you absolutely can! But if you have an extra 10 minutes, quickly browning the beef strips before they go into the slow cooker creates this incredible depth of flavor. Those caramelized bits? That's pure magic, building a richer foundation for your sauce. Honestly, it's a game-changer for that 'restaurant quality' taste.
Choosing Your Peppers Wisely
When it comes to bell peppers, I love using a mix of colors – red, yellow, and green. Not only does it make the dish look absolutely stunning, like a little culinary artwork, but each color brings a slightly different sweetness and nuance. Green peppers offer a bolder, more traditional pepper flavor, while the red and yellow are sweeter and more mellow. It's a symphony of flavors and hues, you know?
The Perfect Thickening Trick
Sometimes, when you slow cook, the sauce can be a little thin, almost watery. That's where our cornstarch slurry comes in! It’s like a secret weapon for a beautifully glossy, perfectly thick sauce. Just a quick whisk of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, stir it into the hot liquid, and watch the magic happen. No more thin, sad sauces, darling!
Making it Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feeling a little adventurous? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a dash of Worcestershire for an extra layer of umami. Maybe some mushrooms? Fresh ginger for a brighter note? The kitchen is your canvas, so feel free to paint with flavors that speak to you. It's all about making it truly *yours*.
You Must Know
- •Searing beef adds flavor, but is optional for ultimate ease.
- •Uniform vegetable cuts ensure even cooking and texture.
- •A cornstarch slurry guarantees a perfectly thick sauce every time.
This pepper steak in a crock pot is more than just a meal; it's a gentle reminder that even on the busiest days, you can create something truly nourishing and delicious. It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell wonderful, warms you from the inside out, and brings everyone to the table with happy sighs. Honestly, it’s a pure joy to make, and even more so to eat!
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes, you absolutely can! While searing adds an extra layer of depth to the flavor, this dish is still wonderfully delicious without it. It's all about making it work for your schedule.
→What kind of beef is best for pepper steak?
Beef stew meat, round steak, or flank steak cut into strips work beautifully. You want cuts that become wonderfully tender during the slow cooking process.
→Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Fresh bell peppers are ideal for their texture and vibrant flavor, but yes, frozen can be used in a pinch. Just make sure they're thawed and drained well before adding them to the crock pot.
→How do I make sure my sauce thickens properly?
The key is a cornstarch slurry added at the end! Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the hot sauce in the crock pot. Let it simmer for another 15-30 minutes on high until it reaches your desired thickness. Voila!
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot: Easy Meal
Pepper steak in a crock pot recipe with tender beef strips simmered in savory sauce, bell peppers, and onions. Perfect for busy nights!
Timing
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
6-8 Hours (low) / 3-4 Hours (high)
Total Time
6-8 Hours
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak
- 011.5 - 2 lbs beef stew meat or round steak, cut into 1-inch strips
- 022 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 031 large onion, cut into wedges
- 041 red bell pepper, cored and cut into thick strips
- 051 yellow bell pepper, cored and cut into thick strips
- 061 green bell pepper, cored and cut into thick strips
For the Savory Sauce
- 011.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 021/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 032 cloves garlic, minced
- 041 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 051 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 061/2 tsp black pepper
For Thickening and Garnish
- 012 tbsp cornstarch
- 021/4 cup cold water
- 032 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 04Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
If you're opting to sear the beef (which I highly recommend for extra flavor!), heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Don't overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed. Transfer the seared beef to your crock pot.
Add the onion wedges and bell pepper strips directly to the crock pot, layering them over the beef. Isn't that just a lovely burst of color?
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar (or honey), and black pepper until well combined. Pour this delicious sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Oh, the aroma already!
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and the vegetables are soft. My rule of thumb? When it smells utterly divine and the beef practically falls apart, it's ready!
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a beautiful, glossy consistency. This is where the magic happens, hon!
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more soy sauce for saltiness, or a touch more brown sugar for sweetness. Serve the pepper steak hot over fluffy rice or comforting noodles. Garnish with those fresh, vibrant sliced green onions for a final flourish. Dig in, darling, it's so good!
Notes & Tips
- 1For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- 2The longer the beef cooks on low, the more tender it will become. Patience is a virtue, especially with slow cooking!
- 3Serving with a side of steamed green beans or asparagus can add an extra fresh element to your meal.
Tools You'll Need
- •**Searing the beef first** - While optional, it develops a deeper, richer flavor in your dish. Trust me on this one!
- •**Uniform cuts** - Slicing your beef and vegetables into similar sizes ensures everything cooks evenly and prevents mushy spots.
- •**The cornstarch slurry is key** - Don't skip it! It's what transforms a watery sauce into a thick, glossy, restaurant-worthy coating.