Hearty Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering pepper steak with tender strips simmering slowly in a crock pot brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Slow cooking transforms tough cuts into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat that promises incredible flavor.

Beefy goodness mingles with sweet peppers and rich seasonings throughout the day.

Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients together in minutes before heading out.

Asian-inspired spices create a robust sauce that coats each morsel perfectly.

Home kitchens will buzz with anticipation as this savory dish develops its deep, complex taste.

Serve this hearty meal over steamed rice and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak: All The Best Parts

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic, transforming tough beef into tender, flavorful strips with minimal hands-on cooking.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels, swap bell peppers, or choose between rice and noodles to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Busy Lifestyle Savior: Perfect for working professionals, parents, and anyone craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this one-pot wonder delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with robust flavors and satisfying protein, this pepper steak recipe appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal solution for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Tender Pepper Steak Perfection

• Beef Strips: Tender cuts of beef that become melt-in-your-mouth delicious when slow-cooked in the crock pot.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Colorful and flavorful vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the pepper steak.

• Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Savory liquid seasonings that provide rich umami flavor to the dish.
• Water: Helps create the cooking liquid for the crock pot.
• Ginger: A warm, spicy root that adds a subtle kick and complexity to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Provides a classic peppery heat that complements the beef.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy, smooth sauce.
• Oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in flavor and create a nice brown crust.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color.

How To Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak Simple

Step 1: Sear The Beef Strips

Heat a skillet over medium heat and quickly sear beef strips until they develop a rich, golden-brown color on all sides.

This process locks in the juicy flavors and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 2: Transfer To Crock Pot

• Colorful bell peppers
• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Cracked black pepper
• Brown sugar

Pour this aromatic mixture directly over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic.

Cook on LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on HIGH setting for 3-4 hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily.

Step 5: Thicken The Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Stir this into the sauce to create a rich, glossy texture.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the pepper steak over steamed rice or tender noodles.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your comforting, home-cooked meal!

Pro Kitchen Tips For Savory Pepper Steak

• Choose well-marbled beef strips like sirloin or flank steak for tender, flavorful results that melt in your mouth.
• Brown meat thoroughly in a skillet before adding to the crock pot to lock in rich, deep taste and develop caramelized edges.
• Adjust cornstarch slurry amount based on desired thickness – less for a lighter sauce, more for a thicker gravy-like texture.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt, or mix half regular and half low-sodium for perfect seasoning.
• Swap bell peppers with zucchini or add mushrooms for extra nutrition and different flavor profiles that complement the beef.

Pepper Steak Add-Ons For More Variety

• Gluten-Free Pepper Steak: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. Use cornstarch carefully or substitute with arrowroot powder.
• Low-Carb Pepper Steak: Skip the brown sugar and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Choose a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum.
• Spicy Asian Pepper Steak: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Include sliced jalapeños or increase black pepper for more kick.
• Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan strips. Marinate protein alternative in same sauce before slow cooking to enhance flavor absorption.

Plating Crock Pot Pepper Steak Deliciously

• Elegant Dinner Plate: Arrange the pepper steak over a bed of fluffy white rice, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and textures that makes the meal look restaurant-worthy.
• Comfort Bowl Style: Serve in deep bowls with steamed jasmine rice nestled underneath, allowing the rich sauce to soak into the grains and create a deeply satisfying meal.
• Asian-Inspired Presentation: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of sriracha for those who enjoy an extra kick of flavor and visual appeal.
• Family-Style Sharing: Place the crock pot directly on the table with rice and noodles nearby, encouraging everyone to serve themselves and enjoy a casual, interactive dining experience.

Keeping Pepper Steak Fresh For Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat and sauce are completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why sear the beef before putting it in the crock pot?

Searing locks in the meat’s natural juices and creates a delicious brown crust that adds rich flavor to the final dish, preventing the beef from tasting bland or watery.

• Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or round steak. Just ensure the beef is cut into thin strips so it cooks evenly and becomes tender in the crock pot.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so you’ll need to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe completely gluten-free.

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor rich, tender pepper steak nestled in a slow cooker’s comforting embrace, where bold flavors meld effortlessly. Hearty beef strips bathed in silky sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown beef strips in a skillet over medium heat until caramelized on all surfaces, creating a rich, flavorful exterior.
2. Transfer seared beef into the crock pot along with sliced bell peppers, diced onions, and minced garlic.
3. Whisk together soy sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, freshly cracked black pepper, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until well combined.
4. Pour sauce mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
5. Secure lid and slow cook on LOW temperature for 6-7 hours or HIGH temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meat to become tender.
6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, create a cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
7. Gradually stir the slurry into the crock pot, which will naturally thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
8. Once cooking is complete, gently stir to distribute sauce and ingredients evenly.
9. Plate over steamed rice or tender noodles, and optionally garnish with thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

Notes

• Prevent meat from becoming tough by searing it quickly over high heat before slow cooking, which locks in flavors and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting black pepper or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat without overwhelming the dish’s subtle flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content, making the recipe more diet-friendly and heart-healthy for those monitoring sodium intake.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free meal by substituting standard soy sauce with tamari and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg