Introduction to Pepper Steak Slow Cooker
Life can be a whirlwind, can’t it? Between work, family, and everything else, finding time to cook can feel impossible. That’s where my Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe comes to the rescue! It’s a delightful dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor. Imagine coming home to a wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen. This hearty meal is the perfect solution for a busy day or a cozy family dinner. With minimal prep and all-day cooking in the slow cooker, you’ll have time to relax while dinner practically makes itself!
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Slow Cooker
This Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe is a game-changer for any busy kitchen! First, it’s incredibly simple—just toss everything in, and let the slow cooker do its magic. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm and comforting dish that everyone will devour. Plus, it’s versatile enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at the table. Trust me, this meal will become your go-to for stress-free weeknight dinners!
Ingredients for Pepper Steak Slow Cooker
Gathering the right ingredients can turn a regular meal into something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe:
- Flank Steak or Sirloin: Thinly sliced, these cuts provide tenderness and flavor that melt in your mouth.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow not only adds color but also a variety of sweet and slightly tangy flavors.
- Onion: Sliced onion gives a delicious aromatic base and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and veggies.
- Soy Sauce: This rich umami sauce adds depth and that irresistible savory taste.
- Beef Broth: For a well-rounded flavor, beef broth helps to keep the meat juicy and reinforces the beefiness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash enhances the complexity of flavors, giving a unique kick.
- Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce later in the cooking process, ensuring a luscious coating for the beef and veggies.
- Water: Just a bit to adjust the cornstarch for a silky sauce.
- Black Pepper: A dash for seasoning, it adds a nice warmth to the dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a spicy kick, this adds a delightful heat to your pepper steak.
- Olive Oil: Utilized for searing the steak, olive oil adds flavor while helping to lock in the meat’s juices.
You can find the exact quantities of each ingredient at the bottom of this article, perfect for printing out before you cook! Feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices based on your taste preferences or what’s in your pantry.
How to Make Pepper Steak Slow Cooker
Making this Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe is simpler than it sounds! Just follow these straightforward steps and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to impress your family. Let’s dive into the cooking adventure!
Step 1: Searing the Steak
First, we’ll get that steak sizzling! Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the sliced flank steak or sirloin.
Let it sear for about 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to brown the outside without fully cooking it. This step adds both color and flavor, giving your dish a wonderful depth right from the get-go!
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time for the fun part! Transfer the seared steak to your slow cooker. In it, toss in the vibrant bell peppers, sliced onions, and minced garlic. These colorful veggies not only make the dish pop but create an aromatic blend as they cook.
Next, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle black pepper and add the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you fancy a bit of heat. Gently stir everything together, ensuring all those lovely flavors are well mixed!
Step 3: Slow Cooking
Cover your slow cooker and choose your cooking time. You can let it simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, opt for the high setting which takes about 3 to 4 hours. This is the perfect moment to relax while the magic happens!
Don’t peek too often, though! Keeping the lid on helps maintain that cozy atmosphere and keep the heat locked in.
Step 4: Thickening the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, we’ll thicken the sauce to make it luscious. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Gently stir this mixture into your slow cooker. This will give your dish a glorious, coating sauce that clings beautifully to every ingredient.
Leave the lid off now and let it cook a bit longer. The sauce will thicken up, and your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 5: Serving the Dish
Oh, the anticipation! Once the cooking time is up, scoop the pepper steak onto steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Garnish with some fresh herbs if you have any on hand, and voilà! Dinner is served. Your family will be raving about this flavorful dish, and you won’t want to keep it a secret!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the searing step; it intensifies the flavor!
- Feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or snap peas for added nutrition.
- If time allows, let the dish sit in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to use a quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker: A must-have for this Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe; a Dutch oven can be an alternative.
- Large Skillet: For searing the steak; any heavy-bottomed pan works well too.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy; using a kitchen scale is also an option.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the cornstarch and water.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients together and serving.
Variations
- For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey breast instead of flank steak or sirloin.
- Swap out the bell peppers for your favorite veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a unique twist.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for an unexpected depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or parsley, for fresh flavor notes in your dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your pepper steak with fluffy steamed rice or hearty egg noodles for a comforting meal.
- Consider a refreshing garden salad on the side to balance the hearty flavors.
- A glass of red wine complements the dish beautifully—try a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- For presentation, serve in deep bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
FAQs about Pepper Steak Slow Cooker
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are fantastic choices, you can also use chuck roast or tenderloin if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, simply skip the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. You can also add a dollop of sour cream when serving for a creamy contrast!
Can I cook this Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe overnight?
While it’s tempting to start this dish overnight, I recommend cooking it during the day. Letting it sit for too long can result in overcooked meat. Instead, prep it in the morning for a hassle-free evening meal!
What can I pair with Pepper Steak for a complete meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh side salad. The combinations are endless—get creative!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely), cool them completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about three months.
Final Thoughts
Cooking should feel like a joy, not a chore, and my Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe captures that spirit perfectly. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings families together. The tender steak, vibrant peppers, and aromatic broth create a dish that comforts the soul and delights the taste buds. And knowing it’s made with love—and minimal effort—makes it all the more special. So as you gather around the table, enjoy each bite and the stories that come with them. Here’s to stress-free cooking and making memories, one delicious meal at a time!
Print
Pepper Steak Slow Cooker
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Pepper Steak recipe cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
- 680 grams flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 60 milliliters soy sauce
- 60 milliliters beef broth
- 30 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
- 8 grams cornstarch
- 15 milliliters water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 30 milliliters olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced steak for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
- Transfer the seared steak to the Crock Pot. Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the steak is tender and vegetables are thoroughly cooked.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and water together. Stir the mixture into the Crock Pot and cook uncovered to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 700 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
