Crock Pot Pepper Steak: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Crock Pot Pepper Steak: Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of tender steak, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce simmering gently in your kitchen. That’s the magic of this incredibly easy and satisfying dish! Forget slaving over a hot stove; with this recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Pepper steak, a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, has a fascinating history. While its exact origins are debated, it’s believed to have evolved from traditional stir-fries, adapted to suit American palates with the addition of thicker sauces and readily available ingredients like bell peppers. Over time, it has become a comforting and familiar favorite, enjoyed in countless homes and restaurants.

What makes Crock Pot Pepper Steak so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The slow cooking process transforms tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the bell peppers retain a slight crispness, offering a delightful contrast. The savory-sweet sauce, often a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, ties everything together in a symphony of flavor. Plus, the convenience of a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Beef: 2 lbs beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips
• Peppers: 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), seeded and sliced
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• Beef Broth: 1 cup beef broth
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Water: 2 tablespoons cold water
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Cooked Rice: For serving (optional)

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables:

1. First, let’s get our beef ready. Take your 2 lbs of beef sirloin steak and cut it into strips about 1-inch wide. This size works perfectly for the crock pot, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb all those delicious flavors.
2. Now, grab your bell peppers and onion. I like to use one red and one green bell pepper for a bit of color, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Seed the peppers and slice them into strips similar in size to the beef. Slice the large yellow onion as well.
3. Mince the garlic. You’ll need about 2 cloves. Freshly minced garlic really makes a difference in the flavor, so try to avoid using pre-minced if you can.

Combining the Ingredients in the Crock Pot:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is important for browning the beef, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Add the beef strips to the skillet and brown them on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste while it’s browning.
3. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your crock pot.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the crock pot, layering them on top of the beef.
5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), the can of tomato sauce, and the beef broth.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and brown sugar. This mixture will create a flavorful sauce that will permeate the beef and vegetables as they cook.
7. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
8. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined and the beef is coated in the sauce.

Cooking Process:

1. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the beef will become. I personally prefer the low setting for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Check the beef for tenderness after the minimum cooking time. It should be easily shredded with a fork. If it’s not quite there yet, continue cooking for another hour or two.

Thickening the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This will create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot.
3. Increase the heat to high and let the mixture cook for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving:

1. Serve the Crock Pot Pepper Steak hot over cooked rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
3. Enjoy! This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together.

Tips and Variations:

• Beef Selection: While sirloin steak is a great choice, you can also use other cuts of beef like flank steak or stew meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tougher cuts will require longer cooking times to become tender.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crock pot, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery. These will add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Besides rice, you can also serve this pepper steak over noodles, mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Simply brown the beef, slice the vegetables, and mix the sauce ingredients. Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine all the ingredients in the crock pot and follow the cooking instructions.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, a general estimate per serving (without rice) is:

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-25g

This recipe is a family favorite, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! It’s a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The crock pot does all the work, so you can come home to a delicious and comforting dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and spices to customize the recipe to your own taste. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, the vibrant peppers, and the savory sauce all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have your family begging for seconds. Seriously, forget takeout – this is restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the sheer simplicity combined with the incredible depth of flavor. The slow cooking process allows the steak to become incredibly tender, while the peppers and onions release their natural sweetness, creating a sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. Plus, the hands-off nature of the crock pot means you can spend more time doing what you love and less time slaving away in the kitchen. It’s a win-win!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic comfort meal, or try it with quinoa for a healthier option. For a low-carb alternative, spoon it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it straight from the bowl. You could even pile it onto crusty rolls for a delicious pepper steak sandwich.

Looking for variations? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli. The possibilities are endless!

And speaking of possibilities, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of steak. While I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for the best results, you can also use chuck roast or even stew meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the steak is tender and juicy.

I’ve made this Crock Pot Pepper Steak countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual dinner party. And the best part is that it’s so easy to make, even a beginner cook can pull it off with confidence.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked pepper steak. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Your feedback helps me improve the recipe and inspires other readers to give it a try. Happy cooking! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones. So gather your family around the table and enjoy this delicious and easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak. It’s a guaranteed hit!