When you’re looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make meal, Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the perfect recipe to add to your dinner rotation. This dish combines tender beef strips, bell peppers, and a savory sauce, all cooked slowly to perfection. It’s a classic comfort food that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create the ultimate pepper steak using your slow cooker, ensuring that you come home to a warm, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
For the best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, you’ll need fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
For the Pepper Steak:
- Beef sirloin or flank steak: 1 ½ pounds, thinly sliced into strips.
- Bell peppers: 2 large, sliced (a mix of red, green, and yellow for color and flavor).
- Onion: 1 large, sliced into thin strips.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for added flavor.
- Soy sauce: ⅓ cup for a rich, salty base.
- Beef broth: ½ cup to enhance the beefy flavor.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons to add a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon for a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon for a complex, savory kick.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, mixed with ¼ cup water to thicken the sauce.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground for a mild heat.
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a little extra spice).
Optional Garnishes:
- Green onions: Thinly sliced, to sprinkle on top for freshness.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture and added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips. It’s easier to slice the meat if it’s slightly frozen, so you can pop it into the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Season the beef with a bit of black pepper.
2. Sear the Meat (Optional)
For extra flavor, you can sear the beef strips in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but helps develop a deeper flavor in the dish. Simply cook the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through.
3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Place the beef strips on top of the vegetables.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook the Pepper Steak
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Replace the lid and let the sauce thicken as the pepper steak finishes cooking.
7. Serve
Once the pepper steak is done, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Why Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Is a Winner
- Effortless preparation: The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
- Tender, flavorful beef: The slow cooking process ensures that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the rich sauce coats every bite.
- Versatile: This dish is easily customizable. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and variety.
- Crowd-pleaser: With its savory sauce and tender beef, this meal is sure to be a hit with family members of all ages.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Choose the right cut of beef: Sirloin, flank steak, or even round steak works well for this recipe because these cuts become tender when cooked slowly. Avoid using expensive cuts like filet or ribeye, as they may not benefit from long cooking times.
- Customize the vegetables: While bell peppers are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or carrots to make the dish your own.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer your pepper steak with a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Cook time: Keep an eye on the cooking time, as overcooking the beef can make it dry. Stick to the recommended times to ensure the meat stays juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Steamed white or brown rice: The sauce from the pepper steak is perfect for spooning over fluffy rice.
- Egg noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the pepper steak over egg noodles or lo mein noodles.
- Mashed potatoes: For a more comforting twist, serve the beef and vegetables over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Stir-fried vegetables: To add more nutrition, serve alongside a side of stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
Variations on Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Sweet and Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a tablespoon of honey and more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet and spicy version of this classic dish.
- Mongolian-style Pepper Steak: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce and a splash of rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired twist with a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Low-carb Pepper Steak: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that’s just as delicious.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The tender beef, bell peppers, and rich, savory sauce create a satisfying meal that can be prepared with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
With easy preparation and a crowd-pleasing result, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you still want to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal. Try it tonight, and discover why Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is bound to become your go-to dinner recipe.
