Tender Pepper Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Juicy Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe: Set It & Forget It

Slow-cooking methods can truly unlock delectable pepper steak flavors that melt in your mouth.

Juicy beef strips simmer gently with vibrant vegetables and rich seasonings.

Hearty aromas will drift through kitchen spaces, tempting everyone nearby.

Tender meat practically falls apart after hours of careful simmering.

Robust spices blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal preparation transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Trust me, this recipe promises pure deliciousness that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak That Satisfies

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Toss ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic, transforming tough steak into a tender, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adjust heat levels by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, making this pepper steak adaptable to different spice preferences and family tastes.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a hearty, restaurant-quality dish that feeds the whole family and provides leftovers for quick lunches or next-day meals, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with colorful bell peppers and succulent steak, this recipe offers a balanced, nutritious meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a breeze.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Main Protein:
  • Steak: Tender beef sliced thinly for easy cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Colorful and aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the dish.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Beef Broth: Rich liquid base that provides savory umami flavor and moisture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty and distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and mild spiciness to the dish.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth and thick sauce consistency.
Optional Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds a mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

How to Cook Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a mouthwatering liquid that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients In Slow Cooker

Toss these delicious ingredients into your crock pot:
  • Sliced steak
  • Bell peppers
  • Onion
  • Garlic

Pour the tantalizing sauce mixture over everything, ensuring all ingredients get coated with the flavorful liquid.

Step 3: Let Magic Happen

Allow the crock pot to work its wonder by cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The beef will become melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Thicken The Sauce

Want a lusciously thick sauce? Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the crock pot during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

This will transform the liquid into a rich, glossy coating.

Step 5: Plate And Enjoy

Serve the pepper steak piping hot over fluffy rice or silky noodles.

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of freshness and color. Get ready to savor every single bite of this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips for Crock Pot Pepper Steak Perfection

  • Marinate beef for extra tenderness by letting it sit in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
  • Choose lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak to reduce excess fat and maintain a healthier dish.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain rich flavor.
  • Add fresh vegetable varieties like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture variation.

Flavor Variations on Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Low-Sodium Pepper Steak: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Asian Pepper Steak: Add sriracha sauce or extra red pepper flakes for a more intense heat level and bolder flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth and adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking plant-based protein.

What Goes Well with Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pepper steak over steamed white rice, creating a comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the tender steak and peppers into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, interactive dining experience that adds a fun twist to the classic recipe.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack the pepper steak in meal prep containers with cauliflower rice for a delicious work or school lunch that keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
  • Elegant Party Appetizer: Transform the recipe into bite-sized portions served on small skewers, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering with minimal effort.

Best Ways to Store Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
  • Transfer the steak and sauce together to prevent the meat from drying out during storage.
  • Seal the container tightly to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors and preserve the dish's original taste.
  • Cool the pepper steak completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or round steak. Choose a lean cut that becomes tender when slow-cooked.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference. The black pepper provides a subtle kick.

  • Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?

Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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Tender Pepper Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Tender Pepper Steak Crock Pot Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty pepper steak in a crock pot brings tender beef and robust flavors to your dinner table. Slow-cooked strips of meat meld with bell peppers and savory seasonings, ensuring you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced thin

Vegetables:

  • 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
  2. Layer tender steak slices, vibrant bell peppers, diced onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker, then drench with the prepared flavor-packed liquid.
  3. Allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together, cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes meltingly tender.
  4. For a more luxurious, velvety sauce consistency, whisk cornstarch with water and incorporate into the cooking liquid during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
  5. Transfer the succulent pepper steak onto a bed of steamed rice or soft noodles, sprinkling freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Choose lean cuts like flank or sirloin steak for a healthier, less fatty dish that remains tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and replacing half the beef broth with water to control salt intake without compromising taste.
  • Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra colorful bell peppers or including nutrient-dense vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for increased fiber and vitamins.
  • Customize for gluten-free diets by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious pepper steak.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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