This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a tasty dish filled with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce that’s all cooked together. It’s perfect for a cozy meal!
I love how easy this recipe is—just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s like having dinner ready when you come home! 🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for its tenderness when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for alternatives, sirloin or chuck steak work well, too. You can even use chicken or tofu for a lighter version.
Bell Peppers: Feel free to mix colors for a vibrant dish! If you’re out of fresh peppers, jarred peppers can work in a pinch, or you could try using frozen ones.
Beef Broth: I love using homemade broth, but store-bought works just fine. For a lighter option, vegetable broth is a great substitute, especially if you’re using chicken or tofu.
Cornstarch: This is key for thickening the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour can be an alternative, but create a slurry just like with cornstarch for the best results.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Perfectly Tender?
To get that melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, marinating and slow-cooking are crucial. Start by letting the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. This boosts flavor and tenderness. The longer you cook it in the Crock Pot, the better!
- After marinating, sear the beef strips to lock in juices and flavor.
- Be patient! Cooking on low for 6-8 hours really helps break down fibers in flank steak.
For thickening, mix cornstarch with cold water 30 minutes before finishing up; this is the secret to a luscious sauce!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 ½ pounds beef flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, green, or a mix)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then it needs to cook in the Crock Pot for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Overall, you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by placing the sliced flank steak in a large bowl. Add in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors. This will make the beef really tasty!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef strips. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes until they are browned. This step adds great flavor! When done, transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for around 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened. This will enhance their flavor. Once done, move them to the Crock Pot with the beef.
4. Add the Broth:
Pour the beef broth over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure a delicious sauce later on.
5. Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and flavorful by the end of cooking.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce. This will give your pepper steak a nice, rich texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooking is complete, serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak works great, you can use cuts like sirloin or chuck if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts might need a bit longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just be mindful of the salt levels, as some broths can be saltier than others.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the peppers and onions. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
