Introduction to PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
Hey there, fellow busy bees! If you’re like me, juggling work, family, and a million other things, finding time to whip up a delicious meal can feel impossible. That’s where my pepper steak in a crock pot comes to the rescue! This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also fills your home with mouthwatering aromas that welcome your loved ones to the dinner table. Imagine walking in after a long day to find a hearty, flavorful meal waiting, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker! It’s truly a win-win.
Why You’ll Love This PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
You’re going to adore this pepper steak in a crock pot for so many reasons! First off, it’s a time-saver, allowing you to toss everything together and let the slow cooker do the magic while you tackle your busy day. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting dish that warms your soul. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners or impressing unexpected guests!
Ingredients for PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
Let’s gather what we need for this flavorful journey! Here’s a rundown of the ingredients that will make our pepper steak in a crock pot shine:
- Beef sirloin: This is the star of the show! I prefer using tender sirloin, cut into strips for a quick cook.
- Garlic powder: This adds a warm, aromatic touch. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for searing the beef to golden perfection, adding depth to the flavor.
- Beef bouillon: This little cube packs a punch, infusing the dish with robust beef flavor.
- Hot water: To dissolve the bouillon cube, bringing all those savory notes together.
- Cornstarch: A fantastic thickening agent that gives our dish a rich, hearty consistency.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Green bell peppers: These roughly chopped beauties add crunch and a touch of color.
- Stewed tomatoes: A can of these brings juiciness and complements the beef perfectly.
- Soy sauce: This salty, umami booster gives our dish an irresistible depth.
- White sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the savory flavors, making it oh-so-tasty!
- Salt: Enhances flavors but don’t oversalt; adjust to your preference.
For those of you looking to spice things up, crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick. Now, if you want precise amounts for your shopping list, keep scrolling to the bottom of the article where you’ll find everything laid out for printing!
How to Make PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
Prepare the Beef
Let’s kick things off by prepping our star ingredient—the beef! Start by sprinkling garlic powder over the beef sirloin strips, giving them a nice coat. This adds that delicious garlicky flavor we all love. Next, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Once it’s hot, place the beef strips in the pan, searing each side for about five minutes until they are nicely browned. This step locks in flavors and juices, making your pepper steak extra tender. After that, transfer the seared beef into your crock pot, ready for the magic to happen!
Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s mix everything together to create a flavor explosion! In a separate bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in the cornstarch until it’s fully absorbed, creating a smooth mixture. This is a key step that will help thicken the dish perfectly. Pour this dissolved mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Next, toss in the chopped onions, green bell peppers, and the can of stewed tomatoes with their juice. Drizzle over the soy sauce, sprinkle in the sugar, and add a pinch of salt. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined!
Slow Cook
It’s time to let your crock pot work its magic! Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for about 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer, the better! This slow cooking method allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Just imagine coming home and being greeted by that incredible aroma wafting through your house. Serve it up with your favorite rice or noodles, and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal done the easy way!
Tips for Success
- Prep ahead! Chop your veggies and marinate the beef the night before.
- Don’t rush the searing—this step enhances flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste. Everyone has different preferences!
- Consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for an extra zing.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing and toss everything directly into the crock pot.
Equipment Needed
- Crock pot: A slow cooker is essential. You can also use a multi-cooker with a slow cooking function.
- Skillet: For searing the beef. A frying pan works well too!
- Mixing bowl: To combine ingredients. Any large bowl will do.
- Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon is perfect for stirring everything together.
Variations of PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
- Swap the Beef: For a leaner option, replace beef sirloin with chicken breast or turkey. The cooking time will remain similar.
- Veggie Loaded: Add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or basil right into the crock pot for a burst of freshness.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Serving Suggestions for PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
- Serve your pepper steak in a crock pot over fluffy white rice or buttery noodles for a cozy meal.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for some freshness and crunch.
- For drinks, consider pairing it with a light red wine or sparkling water with a lemon slice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of flavor!
FAQs about PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen beef sirloin, but make sure to cook it on the Low setting for a longer duration. Just allow extra cooking time to ensure it’s tender and flavorful.
What can I serve with PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT?
This dish is perfect over rice or noodles! You can also serve it alongside a simple salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! If you love heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. The spice will blend deliciously with the flavors of the pepper steak.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This pepper steak in a crock pot is a fantastic meal prep option. Just make a double batch, portion it out, and enjoy throughout the week for easy, hearty lunches or dinners!
Final Thoughts
Creating this pepper steak in a crock pot has been such a joyful experience for me, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too! The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is simply heavenly, wrapping you in a warm embrace after a long day. It’s a dish that brings family together, sparking laughter and stories around the table. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can savor every moment spent with your loved ones. Enjoy every tender, flavorful bite that reminds you of the beauty of home cooking!
Print
PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 3 to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make pepper steak dish cooked slowly in a crock pot for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the seared beef strips to your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water, then add cornstarch and stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour the dissolved mixture into the slow cooker with the beef, then add onions, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Notes
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal taste.
- For added heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
