Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

If you’re hunting for a delicious, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender strips of beef infused with the savory, peppery sauce all slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the kind of recipe that perfects busy weeknights with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply prep, set your Crock Pot, and let it do the work, freeing up your time for other things.
• Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking guarantees melt-in-your-mouth beef packed with rich, savory flavors.
• Family Friendly: This crowd-pleaser appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar yet exciting taste.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Each element adds a touch of color, texture, or bold flavor, crafting the perfect balance you’ll delight in.

• Beef strips: Choose flank steak or sirloin strips for a tender bite after slow cooking.
• Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors to brighten the dish and add subtle sweetness.
• Onion: Provides a natural depth and slight crunch when cooked slowly.
• Soy sauce: Brings the umami and salty seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
• Beef broth: Keeps the meat juicy and infuses it with savory goodness.
• Garlic and ginger: Infuse warmth and a touch of zest to heighten the overall profile.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a silky, clingy coating for the steak.
• Black pepper: The star spice providing the peppery punch that defines this dish.
• Brown sugar or honey: Balances the savoriness with a subtle, pleasant sweetness.

Variations for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

One of the joys of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with ingredients or flavors to create your perfect version.

• Vegetarian twist: Substitute beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or seitan for a vegetarian delight.
• Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat.
• Low sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to keep salt in check without losing flavor.
• Asian fusion: Incorporate hoisin sauce or a splash of sesame oil for a different flavor dimension.
• Extra veggies: Toss in snap peas, baby corn, or sliced carrots for added crunch and nutrition.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. Cut bell peppers into strips, chop the onion, and mince garlic and ginger to ensure they distribute their flavors evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

Quickly sear the beef strips in a hot pan to lock in juices and add a slight caramelized flavor before adding them to the Crock Pot. This step elevates the dish but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Place the beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger into the Crock Pot. Mix your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch to create the sauce and pour it over the ingredients. Stir gently to spread flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Set your Crock Pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The low-and-slow method yields the best tenderness and flavor development for the beef.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Once done, give everything a good stir to make sure the sauce is well distributed and thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot over your preferred base like rice or noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

• Slice beef thinly: Thin strips cook more evenly and stay tender during the long cooking process.
• Don’t skip searing: Though optional, searing beef adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful browning you’ll notice in every bite.
• Use fresh veggies: Fresh bell peppers and onions bring a natural sweetness and texture that canned or frozen versions lack.
• Avoid lifting the lid: Every time you open the Crock Pot, heat escapes and adds to cooking time.
• Adjust thickening at the end: If sauce seems too thin, dissolve a bit more cornstarch in cold water and stir it in with fifteen minutes left on the timer.
• Opt for slow cooker liners: These cut down on clean-up and help keep flavors concentrated without burning on edges.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

Brighten your dish by sprinkling chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds on top. These add freshness and a pop of texture that complements the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot over steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles for a wholesome meal. For a low-carb approach, cauliflower rice or sautéed greens work wonderfully to soak up the savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this recipe into a filling for lettuce wraps, or spoon it over baked potatoes for an inviting twist. You can also layer it in a bowl with crunchy slaw and sliced avocado for a colorful, wholesome bowl meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pepper Steak in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with occasional stirring to keep the beef tender and prevent overcooking the vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot?

Absolutely! Flank steak, sirloin, or even chuck roast sliced thinly work well. Just ensure the beef strips are thin to cook evenly and become tender.

Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning adds flavor and helps seal in juices, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step. Just be aware the taste might be slightly different.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?

Mix a little cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the Crock Pot about 15 minutes before the cooking time ends for a thicker sauce.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the beef first, then pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes. Adjust liquid amounts to prevent burning.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Definitely. Serve it without rice or noodles and opt for cauliflower rice or leafy greens to keep it low carbohydrate and still delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the convenience and comfort of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. This recipe is a perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and tender goodness that everyone will love. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation—easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for those busy nights when you want a nourishing meal without the fuss.

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