This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and filling dish loaded with beef, colorful bell peppers, and tasty spices. It cooks slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly!
Honestly, the best part is that you can just set it and forget it! On busy days, I love coming home to a delicious meal that feels like a big hug. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is ideal because it’s lean and cooks well in a slow cooker. If you can’t find flank steak, try using skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives, both of which will work nicely, though sirloin might be a bit more tender.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix of red, green, and yellow adds great flavor and visual appeal. You can substitute with other peppers like orange or even spicy peppers if you like heat. If you want a veggie twist, throw in some mushrooms or zucchini instead!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought offers convenience. For a lighter option, use vegetable broth, or if you’re low on broth, just use water combined with extra soy sauce for flavor.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth, but if you’re looking for less sodium or a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Another option is to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Cornstarch: This is optional for thickening the sauce. You can replace it with arrowroot for a gluten-free thickener, or simply skip thickening if you prefer a brothier sauce.
How Do I Get Flank Steak Just Right in the Slow Cooker?
To ensure the flank steak is perfectly tender, searing it first is key. This caramelizes the meat and adds rich flavor. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat before adding olive oil.
- Ensure the meat is not overcrowded in the pan; brown it in batches if necessary.
- Transfer the seared meat to the slow cooker right away to keep that warm temperature.
- Cook the pepper steak on low for adequate time; this allows the connective tissues to break down and the steak to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Don’t rush the cooking time. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with deliciously tender steak!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 hours to cook on low, or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that lets your slow cooker do most of the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced flank steak. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides. This gives it a nice flavor. Then, transfer the steak to your slow cooker.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they’re slightly tender, pour the entire mixture over the steak in the slow cooker.
3. Creating the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This will be your delicious sauce. Pour it over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, making sure everything is coated well.
4. Slow Cooking:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer it cooks, the more tender the steak will be and the flavors will meld beautifully.
5. Optional Thickening:
If you like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir this slurry into the mixture in the slow cooker to thicken it up nicely.
6. Serving Your Dish:
Once cooking is complete, serve the pepper steak over a bed of warm rice or noodles. Enjoy the delightful flavors and your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak provides great flavor, you can substitute with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chuck roast. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require adjustments in cooking time; tougher cuts may need longer to become tender.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
If you need a substitute for soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will give you a savory flavor kick similar to soy sauce!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little beef broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just chop them into similar sizes and follow the same cooking instructions. This also helps to increase the nutritional value of your meal!
