This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and hearty dish that combines tender beef with colorful bell peppers. It’s a simple, one-pot meal, perfect for busy days!
Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving it over rice—such a cozy dinner, and the leftovers are even better! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for slow cooking as it becomes tender. If you need a substitute, try sirloin or brisket. They offer a similar texture and flavor, but may require a bit more cooking time.
Bell Peppers: The colorful trio of red, green, and yellow peppers adds sweetness and crunch. You can use any color you like or opt for other veggies like zucchini or snap peas if peppers aren’t available.
Oyster Sauce: It adds a savory depth. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can replace it with hoisin sauce. The taste will shift slightly, but it remains delicious!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought works just fine. For a healthier option, use low-sodium broth or vegetable broth if you want a meat-free version.
Cornstarch: This is used as a thickener. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can work well.
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking meat in a slow cooker is fantastic for tenderness, but a few tricks help ensure the best results. First, the key is low and slow. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives the meat ample time to become tender and soak up the flavors.
- Start by searing the flank steak in a skillet if you want extra flavor, but it can go straight into the crock pot.
- Layering is important – meat at the bottom helps it cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; check it near the end to ensure it is fork-tender before serving.
After cooking, give it a gentle stir to combine flavors. Adjust the seasoning before serving it over rice for a full meal!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 2 lbs flank steak, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 15 minutes of prep time and needs to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can get it ready in the morning and let it cook all day! By dinner time, you’ll have a warm and hearty dish ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, and it forms a smooth sauce. This will give your dish a rich flavor!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Start by placing the sliced flank steak at the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure to spread it out evenly. Next, add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers, along with the onion and minced garlic on top of the meat. This will build a colorful and tasty base for your meal.
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables, ensuring everything gets a nice coating of the flavorful sauce. This step is crucial for making sure the meat and veggies absorb all that yumminess as they cook.
4. Cook the Pepper Steak:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Be patient and let it work its magic; the longer time on low will make the beef super tender!
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the mixture to combine all the flavors. Taste your pepper steak and adjust the seasoning with a little salt if needed. Serve it warm over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! If you don’t have flank steak, you can substitute with sirloin or even chuck roast. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s tenderness; chuck may require an extra half-hour of cooking.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or sugar snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve its texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! To add a kick, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a splash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
