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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Meal

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Introduction

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors with minimal effort. Thissavory, slow-cooked beef dishis packed withtender steak strips, bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce, making it a comforting and hearty meal for any night of the week. Using a crock pot (slow cooker) ensures that the meat becomes fork-tender and allows all the ingredients to blend together for a deep, satisfying taste.

This dish isinspired by Chinese-American cuisine, where thinly sliced steak is cooked withsoy sauce, garlic, and peppers. Making it in a crock pot takes the effort out of cooking and allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes,this pepper steak will be a hit with the whole family.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about makingperfect crock pot pepper steak—from ingredient selection and preparation steps to variations, serving ideas, and storage tips.

Ingredients

For the Pepper Steak:

  • 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips (use red, green, or a mix)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce(low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes(optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar(for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika(for depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil(for browning the beef)

For Serving:

  • Cooked white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Slice the steakinto thin strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Chop the bell peppers and onionsinto thin strips.
  • Mince the garlicfinely.
  • Prepare the cornstarch slurryby mixing cornstarch with cold water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

  • Heat2 tablespoons of olive oilin a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sliced steak and cook for2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
  • Transfer the beef to the crock pot.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables & Seasonings

  • Addsliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlicto the crock pot.
  • Sprinkle withblack pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Add the Sauces & Liquid

  • Pour inbeef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and drained diced tomatoes.
  • Stir inbrown sugar and dried oregano.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

  • Cover and cook onLOW for 6-8 hoursorHIGH for 3-4 hours.
  • The beef should be tender, and the flavors should be well combined.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

  • In the last30 minutes of cooking, add thecornstarch slurry.
  • Stir well and let cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  • Spoon the pepper steak overcooked rice or noodles.
  • Garnish withgreen onions and sesame seedsif desired.

Variations

  • Spicy Pepper Steak:Addextra red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
  • Mushroom Pepper Steak:Addsliced mushroomsfor an earthy flavor.
  • Teriyaki Pepper Steak:Swap soy sauce forteriyaki sauce.
  • Keto-Friendly:Serve overcauliflower riceand skip the cornstarch.

Cooking Notes

  • Do not overcookthe bell peppers; add them later if you prefer them crisper.
  • Cut steak against the grainto ensure tenderness.
  • Use a mix of bell peppersfor vibrant color and flavor.
  • Adjust seasoningaccording to your taste.

Serving Suggestion

  • Serve oversteamed white or brown rice.
  • Try it overbuttery mashed potatoes.
  • Enjoy withcrusty breadto soak up the sauce.
  • Pair with aside of roasted vegetablesfor extra nutrition.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

  • Use high-quality beeffor the best texture.
  • Sear the beef before slow cookingfor added depth of flavor.
  • Add peppers towards the endif you prefer them firmer.
  • Make it in advance—the flavors deepen over time.

Prep Time:10 minutes

Cooking Time:6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time:6 hours 10 minutes (low) / 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories:320
  • Protein:32g
  • Sodium:740mg
  • Saturated Fat:5g
  • Unsaturated Fat:8g
  • Trans Fat:0g
  • Carbohydrates:12g
  • Fiber:2g
  • Cholesterol:75mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but fresh peppers offer a better texture.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes!Chuck roast or round steakalso work well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in anairtight containerin the fridge for up to4 days.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze for up to3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer onlow for 1 hourafter browning the beef.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is aflavor-packed, comforting dishthat’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, deliveringtender beef, perfectly cooked peppers, and a delicious, savory saucethat pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Thisversatile, make-ahead mealis great for meal prep, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Try different variations, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and enjoy astress-free homemade mealpacked with rich flavors.

So, grab your slow cooker and get started on thisdelicious crock pot pepper steak—a meal that’s guaranteed to impress! Enjoy!

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