What is your review of Pepper Steak Crock Pot? I used to slave over a hot stove, stir-frying like crazy, trying to get that perfect perfect, perfect recipe. Restaurant-quality pepper steak. What was it like to be a little…meh? What is a crock pot? What is the worst thing that could happen? “It turns out that magic happened. This recipe is like the chili of the steak world – comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Forget takeout, this Pepper Steak Crock Pot is about to become your new go-to for busy weeknights!
What is a Pepper Steak Crockpot?
What is the Pepper Steak Crock Pot? What are some of the best recipes for beef stewed in a sauce? It’s incredibly forgiving; you don’t have to be a culinary genius to nail this one. What is a crock-pot? Is it good to What is a one-pot wonder that’s hearty enough for dinner, yet easy enough to eat for lunch? This is not your grandma’s pot roast, it’ s something way more exciting!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly? I could go on and on about why I adore this Pepper Steak Crock-Pot. First, let’s talk about the flavor. The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers, and a tangy, savory sauce is just divine. My kids actually cheer when they see this on the menu! What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is. You literally dump everything into the crock-pot, set it, and forget it. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on those days when you’re running around like crazy. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. You can use a cheaper cut of beef, and the crock-pot will work its magic, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s so versatile too! Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. You can even stuff it into tortillas for some seriously delicious pepper steak tacos. For me, it’s the simplicity meets incredibly satisfying flavor that makes this pepper steak recipe a total winner. It’s also infinitely adaptable to spice preferences, so feel free to kick up the heat with some chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous!
How do I make pepper steak in a crockpot?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Pepper Steak Crock Pot? What’s the best way to prepare your veggies and beef, then whisking together the flavorful sauce? How do you cook beef in a slow cooker? The flavors have melded together. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce? Stir in cornstarch slurry. What is the beauty of standing over a hot stove? What is a set-it-and-forget kind of meal?
Ingredients
For the Main Event:
I usually grab whatever is on sale – even stew meat works! ) * 1 large onion, sliced * 2 bell peppers (any color!), slit *1 (14. How do I make diced tomatoes, undrained? What is the best olive oil to use?
For the Flavorful Sauce:
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low sodium)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar in a pinch)
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best!)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sear the Beef (optional, but recommended)
While this is optional, searing the beef adds a delicious depth of flavor! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This locks in the juices and creates a lovely crust. Transfer the seared beef to your crock-pot.
Step 2: Layer the Veggies
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the crock-pot, on top of the seared beef. I like to spread them out evenly so they cook evenly. Don’t worry about being perfect here!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Garlic
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce over the vegetables. Sprinkle the minced garlic on top. The garlic adds so much aroma and depth to the final dish.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This is important to prevent clumps in your sauce.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Everything
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock-pot. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the beef and veggies are coated in the sauce. This helps everything cook evenly and infuses all the flavors.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes! But I’ve totally done the 3-hour version when I was short on time and it was still delicious.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (If Needed)
If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crock-pot and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. I usually do this step, even if the sauce seems thick enough, just to give it that extra glossy finish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Pepper Steak Crock-Pot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Prepare for rave reviews!
What should I serve it with?
This Pepper Steak Crock-Pot is so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything! Here are some of my favorite pairings:
Over Rice:What is the best pairing between white rice and brown rice? I sometimes mix in a little sesame oil and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
With Noodles: Egg noodles or lo mein noodles are a delicious alternative to rice. The sauce clings to the noodles beautifully.
What is the best way to serve potato Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying base for the pepper steak. This is especially good on a cold night.
In Tortillas: For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. This is a hit with both kids and adults!
My family loves having a simple side salad alongside this dish – it adds a nice bit of freshness and crunch. We usually opt for a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can add some steamed broccoli or asparagus. Honestly, though, this pepper steak is so flavorful, it can easily stand on its own. It is really about the sauce with the rice or noodles soaking it up!
How do I make a Pepper Steak Crock Pot?
What are some tricks that take this Pepper Steak Crock Pot from good to bad?
Don’t skip the searing (if you have time): Searing the beef adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from simply throwing it in the crock-pot raw. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
What is the best soy sauce?What is the taste of soy sauce? I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
How do I adjust the sweetness of my drinking?If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Can you substitute honey for maple syrup?
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef will be tough and dry. The beef is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add Some Heat:If you like spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Experiment with VeggiesIf you like, you can add other vegetables to the crock-pot, such as mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo. What is a good way to use up leftover veggies?
One thing I always do is taste the sauce halfway through cooking and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little more soy sauce, sometimes a little more brown sugar. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of vinegar! I’ve used apple cider vinegar and even balsamic vinegar with great results. The key is to find the balance of flavors that you enjoy most. And really, there’s no ‘wrong’ way to make this as long as the beef is tender.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Pepper Steak Crock-Pot is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the pepper steak in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
A trick I use is to portion it out into individual containers before freezing. That way, I can just grab one container for lunch or a quick dinner. And if I know I’m going to freeze it, I usually undercook the veggies slightly, as they will continue to cook during the reheating process. It’s all about avoiding mushy veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this Pepper Steak Crock-Pot recipe has been a game-changer in our house. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of preparation and the amazing flavor make it a total winner in my book! If you’re looking for more easy and delicious crock-pot recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. And I can’t wait to hear how your Pepper Steak Crock-Pot turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Pepper Steak Crock-Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef Steak
- 1 cup Sliced Bell Peppers
- 0.5 cup Sliced Onions
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season the beef steak with salt and pepper.
- Place the beef steak in the crock-pot.
- Add the bell peppers and onions around the steak.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
