Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days. It features tender beef and colorful bell peppers simmered in a flavorful sauce. Yum!
Honestly, the slow cooker does all the work, and your kitchen smells amazing while it cooks! I love serving it over rice—it makes dinner so easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for this recipe because it’s lean yet flavorful. If you can’t find flank steak, try skirt steak or sirloin as good alternatives, as they also work well when sliced thin.
Bell Peppers: I love the mix of red, green, and yellow for color and flavor. If you’re missing any color, don’t worry! You can replace them with whatever peppers you have on hand. Even frozen peppers can work in a pinch!
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you want it lighter, you can substitute with vegetable broth, or use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Homemade broth is always a treat if you have it!
Soy Sauce: Adds umami to the dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari instead. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
How Do I Properly Sear Meat to Build Flavor?
Searing the flank steak before placing it in the Crock Pot is key because it locks in juices and adds a lovely brown crust. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot by preheating for a couple of minutes.
- Add the olive oil and wait until it shimmers before adding the meat.
- Only place the meat in a single layer in the skillet; avoid overcrowding.
- Let it sear for 3-5 minutes before flipping to allow that nice crust to form.
By taking this step, you enhance the dish’s flavor significantly, making it well worth the extra effort!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a hearty meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced flank steak. Sear the beef strips until they are browned on all sides, which should take about 3-5 minutes. After browning, transfer the beef to your Crock Pot.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and all the bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Once they’re done, remove them from the heat and transfer to the Crock Pot with the beef.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
Grab a bowl and whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef and vegetables in the Crock Pot, ensuring everything is coated well.
4. Cooking in the Crock Pot:
Set your Crock Pot to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours. You want the beef to get nice and tender, soaking up all those tasty flavors!
5. Thickening the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Stir this mixture into the Crock Pot to help thicken the sauce. Let it cook for another 30 minutes so everything melds beautifully.
6. Serving Time:
Once everything is ready, serve your pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles. You can add some fresh herbs on top for a lovely garnish if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find flank steak, you can substitute it with sirloin or beef chuck. Just remember that chuck may require a longer cooking time to become tender. Make sure whatever cut you choose is sliced thinly for the best texture!
What if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can easily substitute with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the mix to complement the beef.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
