This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and satisfying dish! It features tender beef mixed with colorful bell peppers and a tasty sauce that brings everything together.
You just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you relax. I love serving it over rice for a filling meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Both options work well, but flank steak has a rich flavor and is more tender when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice, you can substitute with chuck roast, just slice it thinly after cooking.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory umami flavor to the dish. If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free meal, use tamari instead.
Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce and gives the meat a nice coating. If you don’t have cornstarch, use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as an alternative.
Bell Peppers: I went with green, red, and yellow for color and sweetness. You can mix it up by using orange or even poblano peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly. If you need a lighter option, swap it with vegetable broth.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Tender?
Tender beef is the key to a great pepper steak. The process starts with searing the meat, which locks in flavors and juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding the beef.
- Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a nice brown color. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- After searing, transfer the beef to the Crock Pot and let it cook low and slow to keep it tender and juicy. Aim for 6-8 hours on low.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and then you can let the crock pot do the work! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This gives you a delicious and tender pepper steak that’s perfect for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss everything well, so the meat is nicely coated. This step helps to tenderize the beef and adds flavor.
2. Sear the Meat:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef strips and sear them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a nice brown color. This gives the steak a great flavor and texture. Once done, transfer the beef to your Crock Pot.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, throw in the sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers, along with the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook these for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Then, add the veggies to the Crock Pot with the beef.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the meat and veggies in the Crock Pot. Sprinkle in the ground black pepper and add a little salt according to your taste. Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s all mixed together.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time will make the steak super tender and flavorful!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done, serve the delicious pepper steak over cooked rice if you like. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works well, you can also use round steak, skirt steak, or even chuck roast. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts like chuck may take a little longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute with vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just be aware that using water will result in a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit extra seasoning to compensate.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, you can include sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste, and enjoy the extra kick!
