Looking for a delicious and incredibly easy dinner recipe that bursts with flavor? You’ve found it with Crock Pot Pepper Steak! This beloved dish is a fantastic way to enjoy tender beef, vibrant peppers, and onions in a rich, savory sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Effortless Weeknight Dinners: Discover Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Are you yearning for a dinner solution that’s both simple to prepare and undeniably delicious? Tired of the same old rotation of meals, or simply craving something that promises robust flavor without hours of kitchen work? Look no further than Crock Pot Pepper Steak. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary journey to a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your evening. Imagine walking through your door after a long day to the enticing aroma of a home-cooked feast, ready and waiting. That’s the magic of this Crock Pot Pepper Steak.
Utilizing the convenience of your slow cooker, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. From succulent strips of beef to colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, bathed in a savory, aromatic sauce, every bite is a testament to comfort food at its best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to create the perfect Crock Pot Pepper Steak. We’ll cover essential ingredients, provide detailed step-by-step instructions, share expert tips for achieving the most tender results, and answer all your frequently asked questions. So, prepare your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly remarkable meal that will become a staple in your home.
Why Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a Must-Try
Beyond its incredible flavor, Crock Pot Pepper Steak offers numerous advantages that make it an ideal choice for busy households and home cooks alike:
- Unbeatable Convenience: The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. After a minimal amount of initial prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize throughout the day.
- Rich and Deep Flavor: Slow cooking allows the ingredients to simmer together for hours, resulting in a deeply savory and complex sauce that infuses every piece of beef and vegetable.
- Incredibly Tender Beef: Cuts of beef that might be tough with other cooking methods become fall-apart tender in the slow cooker, making for an enjoyable eating experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer it over fluffy rice, with noodles, or tucked into warm tortillas, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is wonderfully adaptable to suit your family’s preferences.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or even experiment with different types of beef to make it your own.
- Feeds a Crowd (or Provides Leftovers): This recipe yields a generous amount, perfect for feeding a family or ensuring you have delicious leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Absolutely! While the recipe often calls for leaner cuts, you have flexibility. The best choices for a slow cooker pepper steak are those that become incredibly tender with long, slow cooking. Flank steak, sirloin steak, round steak, or even beef stew meat (cut into strips) are excellent alternatives. Ensure whatever cut you choose is suitable for slow cooking to guarantee a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For the most tender result, always slice the steak against the grain. The “grain” refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. If you look closely at your cut of beef, you’ll see lines running in one direction. To slice against the grain, cut perpendicularly to these lines. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef much easier to chew and more tender, especially important for cuts used in slow cooking.
While the temptation to speed up cooking on high heat is strong, for Crock Pot Pepper Steak, cooking on low heat for a longer duration is highly recommended. This allows the beef to gradually break down its connective tissues, resulting in an exceptionally tender and juicy steak. High heat can sometimes toughen the meat, even in a slow cooker, so patience is key for the best texture.
Yes! Time-saving shortcuts can make this dish even quicker to assemble. You can often purchase pre-cut fajita meat (beef strips) from your local grocery store, eliminating the need for slicing the beef yourself. Additionally, some produce sections now offer pre-sliced bell peppers and onions, which can further reduce your prep time significantly.
Certainly! If beef bouillon cubes aren’t on hand, you have a couple of excellent alternatives. You can directly substitute with an equal amount of beef stock or broth for the hot water and bouillon cube mixture. Another fantastic option is to use a concentrated beef paste, such as “Better Than Bouillon” beef base. Just follow the package directions for the equivalent amount to achieve the desired beefy flavor.
Achieving a thicker sauce is simple! Towards the end of the cooking cycle, if your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can easily add another cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot, then turn the slow cooker setting to high and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is incredibly versatile. It’s most commonly served piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. It also makes fantastic “fajitas” when served in warm flour tortillas. Other excellent accompaniments include egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a light side salad. For a vibrant touch, some grilled corn on the cob tastes amazing alongside this hearty dish, offering a fresh contrast.
While it might seem unusual, a small amount of sugar plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors of the dish. It helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and provides a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall savory profile, creating a more harmonious and well-rounded taste experience without making the dish overtly sweet.
Proper storage ensures your delicious leftovers stay fresh. First, allow the pepper steak to cool down to room temperature (within two hours) before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled pepper steak in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can use a microwave until heated through, or gently warm it in a skillet on medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce seems too thick, until it’s hot throughout.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Crafting a truly memorable Crock Pot Pepper Steak begins with selecting the right ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each component contributes to a symphony of flavors. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with tips for ingredient selection to ensure the best possible outcome.
How to Prepare Crock Pot Pepper Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering Crock Pot Pepper Steak that your family will adore. The initial browning step is crucial for developing deep flavors, so don’t skip it!
Step 1: Prepare the Beef for Browning
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. It’s essential to get this oil screaming hot, almost to the point of shimmering, as this high temperature is key for a proper sear. While the oil heats, take your 2 pounds of steak strips (whether round, flank, or sirloin tip) and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is vital for browning, preventing the meat from steaming. Once dry, season the beef strips generously with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. Ensure each strip is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Strips
Carefully add about half of the seasoned beef strips to the hot pan. You should hear a distinct sizzle immediately; this indicates the pan is hot enough. Brown the beef strips on both sides, aiming for a rich, golden-brown crust. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, develops incredible savory flavors that will elevate your finished dish. Each side should only take about one minute to brown. Remember, you’re not cooking the beef through at this stage, merely searing the exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if you try to cram too many strips in at once, they will steam instead of brown, resulting in a less flavorful outcome. Cook the remaining beef in a second batch, ensuring each piece gets a good sear.
Step 3: Transfer Beef to Crock Pot and Prepare Slurry
Once all the beef strips are beautifully browned, carefully transfer them from the skillet directly into your slow cooker. Next, prepare the thickening and flavor base. In a small bowl, crush 1 beef bouillon cube and mix it with ¼ cup of hot water until it is completely dissolved. Stir thoroughly to ensure no lumps remain. Then, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to this mixture and whisk until it is fully dissolved and creates a smooth slurry. This cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening your sauce to the perfect consistency during slow cooking.
Then stir in cornstarch until dissolved.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker and Cook
Pour the prepared cornstarch slurry into the crock pot with the browned beef strips. Next, add the remaining flavor components: one 15-ounce can of stewed tomatoes with all their juices, 3 tablespoons of teriyaki or soy sauce (whichever you prefer for its unique flavor profile), ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall taste. Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine them thoroughly, ensuring the beef is well coated in the sauce.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for approximately 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat is essential for breaking down the beef and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful pepper steak.
Step 5: Add Peppers and Onions for the Final Hour
During the last hour of the cooking cycle, it’s time to add your fresh vegetables. Carefully lift the lid and stir in 1 large green pepper, cut into strips, 1 large red pepper, also cut into strips, and 1 small yellow onion, sliced. Adding them at this stage ensures they retain some of their vibrant color, texture, and fresh flavor without becoming overly mushy. Replace the lid and continue to cook for an additional hour on low. This final hour allows the peppers and onions to soften perfectly while absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.
Once the cooking time is complete, your Crock Pot Pepper Steak is ready to serve! Give it a final stir and prepare to enjoy. Serve generously over fluffy rice or, for a fun twist, in warm flour tortillas as savory fajitas. Enjoy the rich aromas and tender textures of this fantastic slow-cooked meal!
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Don’t Skip the Sear: While it adds an extra step, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial. This creates a rich depth of flavor (the Maillard reaction) that you can’t achieve with just slow cooking alone.
- Pat Your Beef Dry: Before searing, always pat the beef strips thoroughly dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface prevents browning and leads to steaming, which means less flavor development.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the beef, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the meat to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less appealing texture.
- Slice Against the Grain: As mentioned in the FAQ, this is vital for tender beef. Always observe the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before the final hour of cooking, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want more salt, pepper, a touch more soy sauce, or a pinch of sugar.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, you can reduce or omit them.
- Fresh Bell Peppers are Best: While frozen peppers can be used in a pinch, fresh bell peppers (especially a mix of red and green) provide the best flavor, texture, and vibrant color to the dish.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be served in many ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some popular suggestions:
- Classic with Rice: The most popular way to enjoy pepper steak is over a generous bed of fluffy white rice. The rice perfectly absorbs the rich, savory sauce, making for a comforting and complete meal. Brown rice or even quinoa can be healthy alternatives.
- Noodle Delight: Serve it over egg noodles or linguine for a hearty, pasta-like experience.
- Pepper Steak Fajitas: Warm flour tortillas turn this dish into delicious fajitas. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
- Low-Carb Options: For a low-carb meal, serve your pepper steak over cauliflower rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or simply with a side of steamed green beans.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables during the last hour of cooking, such as sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots, for added nutritional value and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, a dash of sriracha or a few extra red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce before serving.
Craving More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes?
If you loved the ease and flavor of this Crock Pot Pepper Steak, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a magical kitchen appliance perfect for creating tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Explore more of our favorite recipes that make weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings a breeze. From hearty stews to succulent meats, there’s a slow cooker recipe for every craving:
- Steak Tips With Peppers
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Crock Pot Swiss Steak
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Crock Pot Wendy’s Chili
- Crock Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers
- Crock Pot Cubed Steak and Gravy
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- Crock Pot Pork Loin
- Swiss Steak
Originally published: January 2013
Updated & Republished: March 2023
Crock Pot Pepper Steak
This easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe features tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. A perfect hands-off meal that delivers amazing taste!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds steak, cut into 1-inch strips (round steak, flank steak or sirloin tip steak)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 15 ounce can stewed tomatoes with juices
- 3 Tablespoons teriyaki or soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 large green pepper, cut into strips
- 1 large red pepper, cut into strips
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
Instructions
- Heat 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Pat 2 pounds steak, cut into 1-inch strips, dry with paper towel. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste.
- Carefully place half the beef strips into the hot pan. Brown beef strips on both sides for about a minute per side. Do not cook through, just brown the outside to create a rich crust.
- Continue with the other half of the beef strips. Once all are browned, transfer beef to your crock pot.
- In a small bowl, crush and mix 1 beef bouillon cube with 1/4 cup hot water until dissolved. Then stir in 1 Tablespoon cornstarch until dissolved. Pour this slurry into the crock pot with the beef.
- Add 15 ounce can stewed tomatoes with juices, 3 Tablespoons teriyaki or soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon sugar to the crock pot.
- Give all ingredients a quick stir to combine. Then cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- During the last hour of cooking, add 1 large green pepper, cut into strips, 1 large red pepper, cut into strips, and 1 small yellow onion, sliced. Cover and cook for an additional hour. Then serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Remember when cutting steak to always cut against the grain for the most tender cut of meat.
- Short on time? Purchase pre-cut fajita meat and pre-sliced peppers and onions from the produce section.
- For a thicker sauce, mix a Tablespoon of water with a Tablespoon of cornstarch, add to the crock pot at the end, stir, then turn on high and cook until thickened.
- Serve over rice or in flour tortillas as fajitas.
- If beef bouillon is unavailable, substitute with beef stock or Better Than Bouillon beef paste according to package directions.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 921mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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