Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Pepper steak is a rich, savory dish that brings together tender beef and crisp bell peppers in a flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect combination of textures, where the beef remains juicy and tender, while the bell peppers add crunch and vibrancy to the dish. Slow cooking the pepper steak in a Crockpot or slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, with minimal hands-on time, making it an excellent option for busy families, meal prepping, or hosting a casual dinner.

While traditional pepper steak is often made with stir-fried beef and bell peppers, the Crockpot version simplifies this by cooking everything in one pot, making cleanup easier while intensifying the flavors over time. This recipe will take you through the step-by-step process of preparing this dish, tips for perfect results, different variations, and suggestions on how to make it your own.

In addition, we’ll delve into the nutritional aspects of the dish, suggest meal pairings, and provide alternatives for dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to slow cooking, this Crockpot pepper steak recipe will impress with its ease and flavor.

Why Crockpot Pepper Steak?

1. Hands-Off Cooking: The beauty of using a Crockpot is that once everything is assembled, you can simply set it and forget it. No need to worry about monitoring the stove.

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2. Tender Meat: Slow cooking is perfect for making tougher cuts of meat tender. The beef becomes so tender it can be shredded or cut with a fork, absorbing all the savory flavors of the sauce.

3. Rich, Well-Developed Flavor: The slow cooking process helps develop deep flavors. The beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices combine and create a rich sauce that is absolutely delicious when paired with rice, noodles, or potatoes.

4. One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, reducing the need for multiple pans and making cleanup a breeze.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Selecting the right cut of beef is crucial to the success of this dish. While there are several cuts of beef to choose from, a few work better than others in a slow cooker, where they will cook long and slow to become tender.

1. Flank Steak: This is the most common cut used for pepper steak. It is lean and flavorful and becomes very tender when slow-cooked. It’s also relatively inexpensive and widely available.

2. Sirloin Steak: This cut is more tender than flank steak and also has great flavor. It’s a little pricier, but it’s a fantastic option for Crockpot pepper steak if you prefer a more tender result.

3. Round Steak: A budget-friendly option, round steak is a tougher cut, so it’s ideal for slow cooking. It will become tender over time but may not be as juicy as flank or sirloin.

4. Chuck Roast: While this is typically used for pot roast, it can be sliced into strips and used for pepper steak as well. The marbled fat makes it rich in flavor, and it’s perfect for the slow cooker.

The Role of Bell Peppers and Other Vegetables

Bell peppers are a signature ingredient in pepper steak, bringing a sweet, fresh contrast to the savory beef and sauce. You can use a variety of bell peppers in this dish, including red, green, yellow, or orange, which will not only add color but also different layers of flavor.

• Red Bell Peppers: These peppers are sweet and mild. They’re excellent for adding a vibrant touch to your dish.
• Green Bell Peppers: These peppers are slightly more bitter than red peppers but still provide that characteristic pepper flavor and crunch.
• Onions: Yellow or white onions are typically used in this recipe. They offer sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a savory, aromatic base to the dish. The slow cooking process mellows the garlic flavor, infusing the sauce without overwhelming the dish.

Step-by-Step Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients to ensure everything cooks evenly in the Crockpot.

• Slice the Beef: Slice your beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain. This ensures that the beef will be tender once cooked. Partially freezing the beef for 30 minutes before slicing can make it easier to cut thinly.

• Prepare the Vegetables: Slice your bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Mince the garlic finely to maximize its flavor during cooking.

2. Browning the Beef (Optional)

While this step is optional, browning the beef before adding it to the Crockpot will help enhance the flavor and add depth to the sauce.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil.
• Add the sliced beef to the skillet in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Once browned, transfer the beef to the Crockpot.

3. Add the Vegetables and Liquids

Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the Crockpot with the beef. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and oyster sauce. Add the ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir everything to combine, ensuring the beef is well coated with the sauce mixture.

4. Slow Cook the Pepper Steak

• Set the Crockpot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• If you’re using a low setting, you’ll have more time for the flavors to meld together, and the beef will become tender and juicy.

Stir occasionally if possible, but the Crockpot will do most of the work.

5. Thickening the Sauce

After the cooking time is over, you’ll notice that the sauce has become quite thin. To thicken it, make a cornstarch slurry:

• In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until smooth.
• Add the slurry to the Crockpot and stir well. Let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Final Adjustments and Taste

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more salt, add a pinch of salt or a dash more soy sauce. You can also add a little more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.

7. Serving the Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Serve the Crockpot Pepper Steak over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.
• You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad to round out the meal.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Browning the Beef: While it’s optional, browning the beef before slow cooking adds a deeper flavor to the dish. The caramelization from the browning process will give the steak a richer, more savory taste.

• Slice Beef Thinly: The key to tender pepper steak is slicing the beef thinly. This allows the beef to cook quickly and become tender in the slow cooker, absorbing all the sauce flavors.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Make sure there is enough room in the Crockpot for all the ingredients to cook properly. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking, and the beef won’t become as tender.

• Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a small amount of sugar or honey. For a richer sauce, try adding a splash of hoisin sauce.

Variations of Crockpot Pepper Steak

1. Spicy Crockpot Pepper Steak: For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies. You can also add a bit of hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce.

2. Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce for a balance of sweetness and savory flavors.

3. Vegetable-Loaded: Add extra vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to the Crockpot. These will add flavor and nutrients to the dish.

4. Low Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to make the dish lower in sodium. You can also reduce the amount of salt added to taste.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pepper Steak is the perfect slow-cooked meal for busy nights when you want a comforting, flavorful dish with minimal effort. This recipe is easy to make, packed with delicious flavors, and versatile enough to adapt to your tastes. Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or loaded with veggies, there’s no wrong way to make this dish. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

Yield: 4-6

Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

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Pepper steak is a rich, savory dish that brings together tender beef and crisp bell peppers in a flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect combination of textures, where the beef remains juicy and tender, while the bell peppers add crunch and vibrancy to the dish. Slow cooking the pepper steak in a Crockpot or slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, with minimal hands-on time, making it an excellent option for busy families, meal prepping, or hosting a casual dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. Prepare the onion and bell peppers by slicing them into strips.
2. Assemble in Crockpot: Place the sliced steak, onion, bell peppers, and garlic into the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and ginger (if using). Stir everything to combine.
3. Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine.
5. Serve: Once done, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

• Steak Cuts: Flank steak or sirloin steak are ideal for this recipe because they are flavorful and tender when cooked slowly. If you can’t find these cuts, any lean cut of beef can work, though cooking times may vary slightly.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas to customize the dish to your taste.
• Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes, or use a spicy pepper like jalapeño for extra heat.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip the cornstarch. You can also make the sauce thicker by reducing it in a pan on the stove after it’s done cooking.
• Make-Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate it, and cook it the next day.