Zesty Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe for Effortless Dining

Cooking pepper steak in a crock pot becomes a delightful culinary adventure that promises tender, mouthwatering results.

Slow simmering transforms tough meat into a succulent masterpiece with minimal effort.

Fragrant spices and rich sauce infuse every bite with incredible flavor.

Simple ingredients work magic, creating a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Busy home cooks can appreciate how this method reduces kitchen stress while delivering maximum deliciousness.

Our streamlined approach ensures you savor every moment without complicated techniques.

Let this recipe become your go-to comfort food solution that impresses everyone at the table.

Ingredients For Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

• Beef Sirloin Strips: A tender cut of beef that becomes exceptionally soft when slow-cooked in the crock pot.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the beef.
• Beef Bouillon Cube: Provides a rich, savory base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a deep umami taste and helps tenderize the meat.
• Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and adds a slight sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust.
• Hot Water: Dissolves the bouillon cube and helps create the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth, glossy texture.
• Stewed Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the dish.

• Onion, Green Bell Peppers: Provide additional flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the pepper steak.

How To Make Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Step 1: Sizzle and Season the Beef

Brown beef sirloin strips in a hot skillet with vegetable oil. Sprinkle garlic powder over the meat while cooking. Let the beef develop a golden crust on both sides, which locks in amazing flavor and creates a delicious foundation for your meal.

Step 2: Create Savory Liquid Base

Grab a mixing bowl and dissolve beef bouillon in hot water. Whisk in cornstarch until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. This liquid will transform into a rich, silky sauce that coats every bite of meat and vegetables.

Step 3: Layer Flavors in Slow Cooker

• Dissolved bouillon mixture
• Chopped onions
• Sliced green bell peppers
• Stewed tomatoes
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Salt

Gently stir everything to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Deliciousness

Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. Low and slow cooking helps tenderize the beef and allows flavors to meld beautifully. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Pro Tips For Perfect Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Always brown the beef strips before adding to the crock pot to develop deeper, richer taste and seal in natural juices.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch amount carefully to achieve desired sauce consistency – less for a thinner sauce, more for a thicker gravy.
• Choose Beef Wisely: Select sirloin or chuck roast cuts with good marbling for more tender and flavorful meat that falls apart easily during slow cooking.
• Vegetable Crispness Matters: Add bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Balance Seasoning Subtly: Taste and adjust salt and soy sauce levels near the end of cooking to prevent over-salting, allowing flavors to develop gradually.

Creative Variations Of Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

• Low-Carb Pepper Steak: Replace bell peppers with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Spicy Asian Remix: Add sriracha sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes to create a bold, heat-packed version that brings exciting flavors to the traditional recipe.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan strips, using vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon for a plant-based protein-rich meal that maintains the original dish's essence.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate oregano, use lamb instead of beef, and add kalamata olives to transform the pepper steak into a Mediterranean-style protein dish with rich, complex flavors.

Pairing Suggestions For Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

• Savor Soy-Infused Red Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, savory pepper steak with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which will enhance the deep umami flavors and cut through the meaty texture.
• Create Asian-Inspired Rice Accompaniment: Serve the pepper steak over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect neutral base that balances the dish's robust flavors.
• Elevate with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the hearty, slow-cooked pepper steak and cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs On Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

You can substitute sirloin with chuck roast or flank steak. These cuts work well in slow cookers and become tender during long cooking times.

• Is it necessary to sear the beef before putting it in the crock pot?

Searing is recommended as it helps develop deeper flavor and creates a nice brown crust on the meat. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step without significantly impacting the overall taste.

• Can I make this recipe without using beef bouillon?

If you don’t have beef bouillon, you can replace it with beef broth or stock. The key is maintaining the liquid and thickening agent ratio to ensure a rich, flavorful sauce.

Why Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Is A Savory Classic

• Simplify Meal Prep: Minimal chopping and hands-on cooking make this pepper steak a breeze for busy home cooks, allowing you to toss ingredients into the crock pot and walk away.
• Boost Family Comfort: Packed with hearty beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce, this dish delivers classic comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, satisfying flavors.
• Transform Tough Cuts: Slow cooking magically transforms affordable beef sirloin strips into meltingly tender meat, proving you can create restaurant-quality meals without spending a fortune.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over fluffy rice, alongside crispy noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences and meal styles.

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pepper steak simmers to tender perfection in this slow cooker classic, melding rich flavors of beef, bell peppers, and savory sauce. Hearty comfort meets easy preparation, promising a delicious meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Elevate the beef sirloin strips with a generous sprinkle of garlic powder for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden-brown sear on each beef strip for approximately 5 minutes per side, developing rich caramelization and sealing in succulent juices.
3. Dissolve beef bouillon cube in hot water, whisking cornstarch until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency that will transform into a luxurious sauce thickener.
4. Transfer expertly seared beef strips into the slow cooker, creating a hearty foundation for the dish.
5. Pour bouillon-cornstarch mixture directly over beef, ensuring comprehensive coverage and promising a velvety sauce texture.
6. Layer chopped onions, vibrant green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes with their inherent liquid, umami-rich soy sauce, subtle sugar, and complementary salt into the slow cooker.
7. Gently fold ingredients, guaranteeing uniform distribution of flavors and even coating of each ingredient.
8. Secure slow cooker lid and select cooking method: high temperature for 3-4 hours or low temperature for 6-8 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and beef to tenderize completely.
9. Once cooking cycle completes, briefly stir to redistribute sauce and ensure maximum flavor integration before serving.

Notes

• Enhance the beef’s flavor by marinating the strips in soy sauce and garlic powder for 30 minutes before searing, which helps tenderize and deepen the meat’s taste.
• Swap sirloin with more budget-friendly cuts like chuck roast or flank steak, cutting them against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness during slow cooking.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by using low-sodium soy sauce, replacing sugar with honey, or adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Prevent mushy peppers by adding green bell peppers during the last hour of cooking, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant color while preserving their fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg