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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
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A simple, flavorful Pepper Steak slow-cooked in a crock pot featuring tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers tender meat with vibrant, well-rounded flavors, making it a healthy, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 sliced jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy version)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for Asian-inspired flavor)
  • Additional vegetables: snap peas, carrots, broccoli (as desired)
  • Toasted sesame seeds, green onions, or sriracha for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips for even cooking. Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic to infuse the sauce with flavor.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef strips until browned on all sides to lock in juices and build flavor.
  3. Combine in the Crock Pot: Place the seared beef, bell peppers, onion, and garlic into the crock pot. Pour in soy sauce, beef broth, and optional Worcestershire sauce or ginger if using. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and flavors are well blended.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot to thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.

Notes

  • Use quality beef like sirloin or flank steak for best tenderness and flavor.
  • Don’t skip searing the beef for deeper caramelized flavor, though you can if short on time.
  • Slice beef and vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Add optional spices or extras like ginger, jalapeños, or sesame oil to customize flavor.
  • Adjust cornstarch amount for preferred sauce thickness, especially when serving over rice or noodles.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently to maintain tenderness and avoid drying out the beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepper steak, crock pot recipe, slow cooker beef, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy dinner, gluten free, crock pot pepper steak

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/pepper-steak-in-a-crock-pot/