This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a hearty dish filled with tender beef and colorful bell peppers. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, making it super tasty and easy to prepare!
I love coming home to the smell of this meal. Just toss everything in the pot in the morning, and let it work its magic while I’m busy! Perfect for busy days! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is ideal for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness when cooked right. If flank steak isn’t available, you can swap it with sirloin or skirt steak, but adjust the cooking time if the cuts are thicker.
Bell Peppers: I love the combination of red and green for color and taste. You can use any peppers you prefer, like orange or yellow, or even add some spice with jalapeños if you like a kick!
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a nice zing, but if you don’t have it, ground ginger works too. Just use about a teaspoon. Personally, I find fresh ginger adds a brighter flavor that really enhances the dish.
Beef Broth: If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, go for low-sodium beef broth. For a different flavor, chicken broth can be used as a substitute too, though it will alter the overall taste slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Best Searing for My Steak?
Searing the steak is not mandatory, but it really boosts the flavor! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the olive oil. A good test is to sprinkle a drop of water; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.
- Season your flank steak with salt and pepper before placing it in the skillet to maximize flavor.
- Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until it has a nice brown crust, then transfer it to the crock pot.
Taking these steps will ensure your meat has a delicious, caramelized flavor that makes the dish even better!
How to Make Delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Thickening and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful crock pot pepper steak takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The longer cooking time makes the meat tender and delicious, so it’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by seasoning your sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. If you want an extra boost of flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef strips for about 2-3 minutes until they are browned on both sides. This step is optional but really brings out the flavor!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In your crock pot, add the seared steak along with the sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Give it a little mix to combine the ingredients nicely.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ginger. This flavorful sauce is what makes the dish so tasty! Once mixed, pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot.
4. Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to have the steak tender and the vegetables cooked perfectly.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once your cooking time is up, it’s time to thicken the sauce! Mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot and let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This will give you a rich, thick sauce to enjoy.
6. Serve:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve your delicious pepper steak over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal!
Feel free to adjust the number of bell peppers or add other veggies like broccoli or snap peas for even more flavor and nutrition!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with sirloin, brisket, or even round steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly and adjust the cooking time if you use a tougher cut, as it may require longer cooking to become tender.
Can I Omit the Cornstarch for Thickening?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter sauce, you can simply skip the cornstarch step. The sauce will be thinner, but still flavorful. Alternatively, you can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry as substitutes to thicken if desired!
How to Store Leftover Pepper Steak?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much while storing, adding a splash of beef broth or water during reheating can bring it back to the right consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Add heartier vegetables like carrots earlier in the cooking process, while more delicate ones like snap peas can be added in the last hour of cooking for a crispier texture.
