Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or a mix); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); Cooked rice (for serving)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

February 22, 2025

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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Pepper steak is a beloved classic, known for its rich, savory flavors and tender cuts of beef simmered with bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. When it comes to preparing a dish like pepper steak, a slow cooker can be your best friend. This cooking method ensures that the beef becomes meltingly tender and infused with the deep flavors of the seasonings and vegetables. It also allows you to prepare the dish with minimal effort, freeing up your time for other activities.

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In this extensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to prepare the ultimate slow cooker pepper steak, including tips on ingredient selection, steps for preparation, serving suggestions, and variations of the dish. We’ll also explore how to tailor the recipe to your tastes and offer a glimpse into the history and background of this comforting meal.

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What is Pepper Steak?

Pepper steak is a savory dish made with beef (typically flank steak, sirloin, or round steak) that’s simmered with a medley of bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce. The sauce is often a combination of soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings, creating a rich and tangy base.

Though this dish can be cooked using various methods—such as pan-frying, grilling, or even stir-frying—the slow cooker method is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cook pepper steak. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce and vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

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2. Why Use a Slow Cooker for Pepper Steak?

Slow cookers have gained popularity for a reason—they’re an excellent tool for making meals that require minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. When it comes to pepper steak, slow cooking offers several advantages:

Tenderness: Slow cooking at a low temperature breaks down the connective tissues in tougher cuts of beef, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Convenience: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work while you go about your day.
Flavor Development: Slow cooking enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together over time, creating a rich, well-rounded taste that you wouldn’t achieve with faster cooking methods.

Using a slow cooker for pepper steak also allows you to free up your stove or oven for other dishes, making it a perfect meal for busy days.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Before you begin, you’ll need the right ingredients. Here’s a list of the essentials to get you started:

For the Pepper Steak:

Beef: The star of the dish is, of course, the beef. While you can use different cuts, some of the best options include:
- Flank steak: This cut is lean, flavorful, and cooks well in the slow cooker. It holds up nicely in a stew-like consistency.
- Sirloin steak: A more tender cut, sirloin has a great balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Round steak: A leaner cut, which benefits from slow cooking, becomes incredibly tender.
- Chuck roast: A fattier cut that will provide a more flavorful sauce and tender beef.
Bell peppers: Traditionally, green bell peppers are used, but you can also include red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for color and sweetness.
Onions: Yellow onions are most common, but red onions or shallots can also work, depending on your flavor preference.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for depth of flavor.
Beef broth: This serves as the base of your sauce, adding richness to the dish.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, contributing to the savory flavor of the sauce.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to give it a glossy, smooth texture.

Seasonings & Spices:

Black pepper: A key ingredient that gives the dish its signature kick.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds tang and complexity to the sauce.
Ginger: Optional, but it can bring a pleasant warmth and slight sweetness to the dish.
Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick, if you prefer heat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Now that you have all your ingredients, here’s how to prepare a perfect slow cooker pepper steak.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the beef: Cut the beef into thin strips or bite-sized cubes (around 1-inch in size). This helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. If you’re using flank steak, it’s best to slice against the grain for the most tender results.
Chop the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers into strips and the onion into thin slices. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

While you can skip this step to save time, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds an extra layer of flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning it on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker

Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ginger (if using). Stir to combine everything well.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully during this time.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the cooking time is up, check the sauce. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with cornstarch. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until smooth, then add it to the slow cooker. Stir everything well, and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high to allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, your slow cooker pepper steak is ready to serve! Enjoy it over a bed of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Searing the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps lock in its flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions cook quickly in the slow cooker. Adding them halfway through the cooking process can help them retain some texture and vibrancy.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your pepper steak spicy, consider adding more black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish flavorful without being overly salty.

Serving Suggestions

Over Rice: Serve your pepper steak on top of a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce.
With Noodles: For a more Asian-inspired version, serve the pepper steak over egg noodles or rice noodles.
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory sauce perfectly, offering a comforting meal.

Variations on the Classic Pepper Steak Recipe

Pepper steak is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations:

Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef and sauce.
Spicy Pepper Steak: For those who like heat, add sliced jalapeños or a tablespoon of chili paste to the sauce mixture.
Asian-Inspired Pepper Steak: Use hoisin sauce or oyster sauce in place of Worcestershire sauce and add a splash of rice vinegar for acidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute chicken breast or thighs for the beef. Pork tenderloin also works well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it, then cook it the next day.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, pepper steak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Slow cooker pepper steak is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The slow cooking process creates tender beef that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce and vegetables, making it a truly comforting meal. By following the steps and tips provided, you’ll be able to create a pepper steak that’s guaranteed to impress.

Now that you have a full breakdown of how to prepare slow cooker pepper steak, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making this recipe your own.

Yield: 4-6