CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK

 

Of course! Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a classic comfort food meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooking process makes the steak incredibly tender while the peppers and onions become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Here’s a comprehensive guide with a classic recipe, tips for success, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

· Set it and forget it: Perfect for busy days.
· Tenderizes cheaper cuts: Turns budget-friendly round steak into a fork-tender delight.
· Big on flavor: A savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic sauce.
· Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better as leftovers.

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Classic Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings.

Ingredients

For the Steak & Veggies:

· 1.5 – 2 lbs beef round steak or sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
· 2 large green bell peppers, cut into strips
· 1 large onion, sliced
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)

For the Sauce:

· 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
· 1/4 cup beef broth
· 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
· 2 tablespoons tomato paste
· 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
· 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Serving:

· Cooked white rice or brown rice
· Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Steak: Pat the steak strips dry with a paper towel. This helps with browning. (Optional but recommended step: Quickly sear the steak strips in a hot skillet with a little oil for 1-2 minutes per side to add depth of flavor.)
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the steak strips (seared or raw), bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger in the crock pot.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Cook: Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cover and Cook: Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The steak should be very tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot. This will thicken the sauce beautifully. Turn the heat to HIGH if it was on LOW.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., a splash more soy sauce). Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with sliced green onions.

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Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak

· Cut Against the Grain: When slicing your raw steak, always look for the direction of the muscle fibers (the “grain”) and cut perpendicularly across them. This is the #1 secret to tender beef strips.
· To Sear or Not to Sear? Searing the meat first (the Maillard reaction) adds a richer, deeper flavor. It’s an extra step and pan to wash, but highly recommended for the best results. If you’re short on time, you can skip it.
· Don’t Overcook the Peppers: If you prefer your peppers with a little bite, add them during the last 1-2 hours of cooking instead of at the beginning.
· Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce or serve with sriracha or chili-garlic sauce on the side for a spicy kick.
· Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or carrots (add carrots at the beginning as they take longer to cook).

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Common Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best cut of beef for pepper steak?
You want a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking. Top Round Steak or Sirloin Steak are excellent choices. They are lean and become very tender. Avoid very tough cuts like chuck steak unless you plan to cook it for a very long time (which can make the peppers mushy).

Can I make this with chicken?
Absolutely! Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into strips. Chicken will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW or 1.5-2 hours on HIGH, or until the chicken is cooked through.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
The cornstarch slurry in the recipe should do the trick. If it’s still too thin, make another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and stir it in, letting it cook for another 20-30 minutes.

Can I freeze crock pot pepper steak?
Yes, it freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal