Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Introduction

Pepper steak in a crock pot is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, hands-off dinner. This recipe brings together tender beef steak, sweet bell peppers, and savory broth, simmered together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Using a slow cooker, the ingredients meld together, allowing the flavors to intensify and the beef to become incredibly tender. The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth creates a deeply savory base, while the cornstarch thickens the sauce to perfection, making it a great option to serve over rice or noodles. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just toss everything into the crock pot, let it cook, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. The rich sauce, combined with the vibrant bell peppers and tender beef, makes for a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing a dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this pepper steak is a fantastic choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation: Just add your ingredients to the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
2. Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures that the beef becomes exceptionally tender and flavorful.
3. Delicious Sauce: The soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth create a rich and savory sauce that perfectly coats the beef and vegetables.
4. Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
5. Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or for preparing in advance.

Ingredients

For the Pepper Steak

• Beef steak (cut into thin strips)
• Bell peppers (1 red, 1 green, sliced)
• Onion (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for more texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few chili flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the crock pot for some heat.
• Alternative Proteins: While beef is the classic choice, you can use chicken or pork in place of steak for a different twist on this recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir the mixture until well combined.
3. Pour Over Ingredients: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot, making sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Cook: Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the beef to become tender and flavorful.
5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness from the soy sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles, ensuring to spoon plenty of sauce over the top for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Ensure that the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed in the crock pot for even cooking.
• Beef Cuts: For best results, use a tender cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak, which will become very tender when slow-cooked.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t as thick as you like after adding the cornstarch slurry, let it simmer a little longer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the sauce is perfectly balanced.

How to Serve

Pepper steak is traditionally served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the rich, savory sauce. It also pairs beautifully with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezing

Pepper steak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pepper steak in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for beef. Chicken breasts or thighs will work well in this recipe.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables? While fresh vegetables are preferred, you can use frozen vegetables if needed. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
3. Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours, but be sure to monitor the meat to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
4. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
5. Can I add more spices to the sauce? Yes, feel free to add additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker? Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes to thicken.
7. What’s the best type of beef to use? Flank steak, sirloin, or round steak are great options as they cook well in a slow cooker and become tender.
8. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator, then cook them the next day.
9. Can I make this dish spicier? Yes, add chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced jalapeños to increase the heat in the dish.
10. What’s a good side dish to serve with pepper steak? Serve this dish with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Pepper steak in a crock pot is an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days or making ahead. The slow cooking process results in tender, flavorful beef with a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a winner every time.

Print