Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with bold flavors, tender strips of beef, and vibrant bell peppers, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and effortless. The Slow Cooker Pepper Steak combines savory sauce and fresh veggies all in one pot, making dinner both convenient and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just prep, set the slow cooker, and come back to a flavorful meal ready to enjoy.
• Big Flavor, Little Work: The sauce is packed with seasoning that transforms simple ingredients into a taste sensation.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: Ideal when you want a home-cooked meal without spending extra time after work.
• Flexible Ingredients: Easily customizable with whatever bell peppers or beef cuts you have on hand.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers keep well, making lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, fresh ingredients work together to create a wonderfully balanced Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Each item enhances the dish’s vibrant color, juicy texture, or aromatic depth, ensuring every bite is a delight.

• Beef strips: Use sirloin or flank steak sliced thinly for tender, juicy meat that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Bell peppers: A mix of green, red, and yellow peppers adds color, crunch, and sweetness.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick.
• Soy sauce: The salty and umami base that ties the sauce together.
• Beef broth: Provides moisture and rich flavor, keeping the meat tender.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked for that signature peppery heat.
• Brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to the perfect glossy finish.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: Used to lightly brown the beef before slow cooking for extra flavor.

Variations for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is a fantastic base you can tweak easily to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with these ideas.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring heat to the dish.
• Vegetarian version: Swap beef with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless alternative.
• Low sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth for a healthier option.
• Extra veggies: Toss in snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for more texture and nutrients.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips across the grain to ensure tenderness. Cut the bell peppers and onion into strips for a nice bite. Mince the garlic cloves to release their flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and quickly brown them in batches; this adds caramelized flavor and seals in juices. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper. This mixture will create a rich, balanced sauce that infuses the steak and vegetables.

Step 4: Combine and Slow Cook

Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the slow cooker on top of the beef. Pour the sauce evenly over everything. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the peppers are just cooked.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 15 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch with a bit of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken to a luscious, glossy consistency.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Thin slices matter: Cutting the beef thin helps it cook quickly and stay tender in the slow cooker.
• Don’t skip browning: Searing the beef adds a deep, rich flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• Use fresh garlic and cracked pepper: These small details bring vibrant, fresh notes to the sauce.
• Add cornstarch later: Thickening the sauce at the end prevents it from becoming too gloopy during slow cooking.
• Cook times vary: Slow cooker temperatures can differ, so check for tenderness rather than relying solely on clock time.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Garnishes

A quick sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite of pepper steak.

Side Dishes

Serve this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. It also pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or simple egg noodles that soak up the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff the slow cooker pepper steak mixture into warm pita pockets or wrap it in soft tortillas as a flavorful steak fajita wrap. It’s great for lunches or casual dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes mealtime a breeze when you want a quick heat-and-eat option.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and maintain that tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

Absolutely! Sirloin, flank, or even skirt steak work well as long as they are sliced thinly for tenderness and quicker cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can quickly sauté the beef and veggies, then simmer the sauce until it thickens—perfect if you need dinner in under 30 minutes.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming mushy?

Add the peppers halfway through cooking or towards the end to keep their texture crisp and fresh.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—just replace soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free alternative to avoid gluten without sacrificing flavor.

What sides pair best with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

Rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes are classic choices, but roasted veggies or a crisp salad also complement the rich flavors nicely.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is truly a gem for anyone who wants a delicious, comforting meal without fuss or stress. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a go-to recipe that blends convenience with incredible flavor. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the perfect mix of tender beef, colorful peppers, and that unforgettable savory sauce!

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