Crock Pot Pepper Steak is an easy and tasty meal! Made with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce, it cooks slowly to let all the flavors blend together.
This dish is perfect for busy days; just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do the work! I love serving it over rice for a cozy dinner that everyone enjoys.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for its flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find flank steak, try using sirloin or skirt steak instead, as they have similar textures.
Bell Peppers: The mix of colors adds sweetness and visual appeal. If you’re out of fresh peppers, you can use frozen bell peppers. Another option is to substitute with other colorful veggies like zucchini or broccoli.
Beef Broth: Using homemade broth adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken broth works well, or even vegetable broth for a meat-free version. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, as it might be saltier.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. Just adjust for saltiness since these can vary in flavor.
Cornstarch: This is optional for thickening. If you want a grain-free option, use arrowroot powder or simply let the sauce reduce by cooking longer. Both will achieve a nice sauce consistency.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Sear on Your Steak?
Searing the steak is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high; this helps create a nice crust.
- Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering, but not smoking.
- Place the steak strips in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Cook for only 2-3 minutes until nicely browned on one side, then flip. Don’t worry about cooking it through; it will finish in the Crock Pot.
Getting this step right really enhances the overall flavor of your dish!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing the steak)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and then 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high in your Crock Pot. This simple, hands-off recipe allows the flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the flank steak strips for about 2-3 minutes until they’re browned but not fully cooked. This step adds extra flavor! Once done, transfer the steak to your Crock Pot.
2. Adding the Veggies:
Next, add the sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the Crock Pot. Place them right on top of the steak. This colorful mix will make your dish so inviting!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat. Pour this flavorful sauce over the meat and veggies in the Crock Pot to enhance every bite.
4. Cooking to Perfection:
Now, cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the steak will be tender, and the vegetables will be perfectly cooked.
5. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the Crock Pot about 30 minutes before serving. It’ll give your dish a nice rich sauce!
6. Serving & Enjoying:
Once everything is cooked, serve the pepper steak over your choice of cooked rice or noodles. Spoon the delicious sauce and vegetables over the top. Dig in and enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank steak, you can substitute it with sirloin or round steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut; tougher cuts may require a bit longer to become tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’d like to add more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust according to your spice preference, but start small to avoid overwhelming the dish!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Without Searing the Steak?
Yes, you can skip searing the steak if you’re short on time! Just place the raw steak strips directly in the Crock Pot with the veggies and sauce ingredients. The cooking process will still tenderize the meat, but searing enhances the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You can add a splash of beef broth to help keep it moist.
