Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases tender strips of beef simmered with vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, as it allows for an easy, hands-off cooking experience while filling your home with an irresistible aroma. The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a delightful meal that’s sure to please both family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This slow cooker pepper steak recipe is a winner for several reasons. Firstly, the flavors meld beautifully as the beef and peppers cook slowly, resulting in a rich and savory sauce that clings to the meat and veggies. Secondly, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you—just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its magic! It fits well into a busy lifestyle, allowing for easy meal prep and leftovers. Plus, with its wholesome ingredients, it can easily align with a balanced diet, making it a guilt-free comfort food.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Cut: Use flank or sirloin steak for the best texture and flavor. Avoid tougher cuts, as they may not become tender during the slow cooking process.
- Sear the Meat: For an extra depth of flavor, consider searing the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This caramelization adds richness to the dish.
- Layer Wisely: Place the tougher vegetables, like onions, on the bottom of the slow cooker and the beef on top to ensure even cooking.
- Add Flavor: Incorporate a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Make Ahead Tips
To make your slow cooker pepper steak even easier, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Slice your beef and vegetables, and store them in the refrigerator. You can also mix your sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate them separately. This will save you time in the morning when you’re ready to start the slow cooker. The prepped ingredients can last in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to swap out bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or snap peas.
- Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to introduce some heat.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces—try teriyaki or a sweet and sour sauce for a twist on flavor.
- Alternate Cooking Methods: If you’re short on time, consider making this recipe in an Instant Pot, using the sauté function for the beef and then pressure cooking for 20 minutes.
How to Serve
Once your slow cooker pepper steak is ready, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. You can also add sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Present it in a vibrant bowl to highlight the beautiful colors of the dish.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your pepper steak with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing iced tea. For side dishes, consider steamed broccoli, a crisp salad, or fluffy mashed potatoes. If you’re feeling indulgent, finish your meal with chocolate mousse or fruit salad for dessert.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, and gently heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
- Sharp knife for slicing the beef and vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl for the sauce
If you don’t have a slow cooker, a Dutch oven can work, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Use coconut aminos for a soy sauce alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces and broths are gluten-free. Tamari sauce is a great substitute for soy sauce.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is inherently nut-free, but always check labels if using packaged ingredients.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, consider adding root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. In the summer, you can incorporate fresh tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. Using seasonal produce enhances the dish and keeps it fresh.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I substitute the beef? Yes! Chicken or pork can also work well in this recipe.
- How long does this take to cook? Cooking on low takes about 6-8 hours, and on high, it takes about 3-4 hours.
- What can I add for extra flavor? Consider adding garlic, ginger, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
How To Make slow cooker pepper steak recipe
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases tender strips of beef simmered with vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank or sirloin steak, sliced against the grain
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Slice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
- Sear the steak (optional): In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak strips for 2-3 minutes until browned. This step is optional but adds flavor.
- Combine in slow cooker: Place the steak strips in the slow cooker. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic on top.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and paprika. Pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and mix well.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the pepper steak over rice or noodles, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 540Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 156mgSodium 1280mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 49g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker pepper steak recipe is not only a delightful dish but also a testament to the beauty of slow cooking. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that is flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this savory dish, and don’t be afraid to make it your own with the variations and tips provided!
