Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Have you ever wondered how to make a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen? If so, this Pepper Steak recipe made in a crock pot is about to become your go-to dinner solution. Imagine tender beef strips coated in a rich, savory sauce, mingling with vibrant bell peppers and onions—all cooked effortlessly while you focus on other things. Sounds amazing, right? Let’s dive into this flavorful dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious .

Overview: Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Pepper Steak recipe is special because it combines bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student juggling assignments, or just someone who loves good food, this dish fits perfectly into your lifestyle.

• Time Requirement: Prep takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. That means you can set it and forget it!
• Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly. No fancy techniques required—just simple chopping, mixing, and letting the crock pot do its magic.

The result? A comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep.

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time:
– LOW: 6–7 hours
– HIGH: 3–4 hours
Total Time: Up to 7 hours
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making this scrumptious Pepper Steak:

2 lbs beef sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced into strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water or beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Cooked rice, for serving

Substitutions and Variations

• Protein Swap: Use chicken breast or pork tenderloin if beef isn’t your thing.
• Vegetable Additions: Throw in mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Low-Sodium Option: Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth to keep things heart-healthy.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat .

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, so don’t skip any unless necessary!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pepper Steak

Let’s break down the process step by step:

Brown the Meat (Optional): In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef strips for 2–3 minutes just to sear. This step adds flavor but can be skipped for convenience.

Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Transfer the beef to the crock pot. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), soy sauce, water (or broth), brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook:

• Low for 6–7 hours
• High for 3–4 hours
  Until the beef is tender and peppers are soft.

Optional Thickening Step: If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serve: Spoon the pepper steak over cooked white or brown rice and enjoy!

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once the Pepper Steak is done, give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color and added texture. For an Instagram-worthy presentation, use a wide, shallow bowl and arrange the colorful peppers on top.

Pro Tip: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:

• Storage: Transfer cooled Pepper Steak to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Portion out servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm larger batches on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Making this dish ahead of time is a great idea—flavors deepen when they sit overnight, making it taste even better the next day!

Recipe Variations: Get Creative

Feel free to experiment with these fun twists:

• Asian Twist: Add bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or baby corn for an authentic stir-fry vibe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the rice and serve the Pepper Steak over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking .

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish—customize it to suit your tastes!

Conclusion: Time to Enjoy Your Pepper Steak

With its rich flavors, hands-off preparation, and endless customization options, this Pepper Steak recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction every time. So grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself (and maybe a few friends too)!

Happy cooking!

FAQs: Answering Your Questions

Q: Can I use frozen beef?

A: Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. Frozen beef may release excess moisture, diluting the sauce.

Q: Is Pepper Steak healthy?

A: Absolutely! Lean cuts of beef provide protein and iron, while bell peppers offer antioxidants and fiber. Using less sugar keeps it balanced.

Q: How do I prevent the beef from being tough?

A: Don’t overcook it! Stick to the recommended times, and slice the beef thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Of course! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and ensure your crock pot has enough space for everything to cook evenly.

Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

A: Yes, though it won’t have the same “set it and forget it” convenience. Sear the beef first, then simmer everything in a large pot for 30-40 minutes.

Now that you’ve got all the tools to master this dish, go ahead and try it out—you won’t regret it!

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