Pepper steak in a crock pot is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of beef with vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce, all cooked low and slow for maximum flavor.
This easy slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy days, as it requires minimal prep and allows the crock pot to do the work.
The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the bell peppers and onions soak up the rich, savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
¼ cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Sprinkle beef sirloin strips with garlic powder.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear beef strips, about 5 minutes per side.
Transfer to a slow cooker.
Mix bouillon cube with hot water in a separate container until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved.
Pour into the slow cooker with beef strips.
Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Here are some tasty variations and helpful tips for making pepper steak in a crock pot:
Variations
Vegetable Additions:
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots provide a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory sauce.
Broccoli: For a complete meal, throw in some broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking so they remain crisp-tender.
Protein Substitutions:
Chicken or Pork: Swap out the beef for sliced chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a leaner option.
Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or seitan in place of the beef. Add the tofu toward the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Spice it Up:
Spicy Pepper Steak: Add some heat by incorporating sriracha, red pepper flakes, or sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
Ginger and Garlic Boost: Increase the amounts of fresh ginger and garlic for a bolder, more aromatic sauce.
Sauce Variations:
Sweet and Sour Twist: Add a couple of tablespoons of pineapple juice or rice vinegar for a tangy balance to the rich flavors.
Teriyaki-Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
Coconut Milk: For a creamy variation, stir in coconut milk in the last hour of cooking for a Southeast Asian-inspired version.
Thickening the Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.
Serving Options:
Rice or Noodles: Traditionally served over steamed rice, but you can also try serving it with egg noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the pepper steak in lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor:
Although optional, browning the beef slices in a hot skillet before adding them to the crock pot adds a richer, caramelized flavor to the dish.
Cut Beef Properly:
Slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
Don’t Overcook the Peppers:
For vibrant, slightly crisp peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking rather than at the start. This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy.
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:
Pepper steak can become too salty if using regular soy sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the seasoning. You can always adjust salt levels later.
Adjusting the Cooking Time:
Cook on low for 6-8 hours for the most tender beef, or if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, though the flavors may not be as developed.
Stir Occasionally:
If possible, give the mixture a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even distribution of sauce and seasoning.
By experimenting with these variations and following these tips, you can customize your pepper steak in a crock pot to suit your preferences, making it a flexible and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.