Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a tasty one-pot meal that’s super easy to make! With juicy beef, bell peppers, and a savory sauce, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a comforting dinner.
I love throwing everything into the crock pot and letting it do the work. Plus, the smell in the house while it cooks is just heavenly! Serve it over rice, and you’re all set for a cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is flavorful and lean, perfect for quick cooking. If you can’t find flank steak, consider sirloin or skirt steak as good substitutes. They both offer great flavor but have different textures.
Bell Peppers: Using a mix of red and green bell peppers adds color and sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you could swap in any other kind of bell pepper you like or even use zucchini or snap peas for something different.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth to the dish. For gluten-free diets, opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead. If you want a less salty flavor, consider low-sodium soy sauce.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, cornstarch is common. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, just stick with cornstarch! To thicken without it, mashed potatoes or pureed beans can also help.
Ginger: This is optional, but fresh ginger adds a nice kick! If you don’t have fresh ginger, powdered ginger can work in smaller amounts.
How Do I Make Sure My Steak Is Tender?
Tender steak is key in this dish, and there are a couple of tips to achieve this. First, searing the steak quickly adds flavor and locks moisture, so don’t skip this step! Keep the skillet medium-hot to avoid overcooking.
- Slice the steak thinly and against the grain—this helps break down tough fibers.
- Cooking low and slow is essential when using a crock pot. The long cooking time breaks down tough cuts into tender bites.
With these tips, your steak should come out perfectly tender every time!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
To Serve:
- Cooked rice or noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a cooking time of 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Just set it up and let your slow cooker do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak:
First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced flank steak and sear it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This step adds great flavor! After searing, transfer the beef to your crock pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften a little. Once they’re ready, add them to the crock pot with the beef.
3. Create the Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour the beef broth and soy sauce over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Season the mixture with ground black pepper and salt according to your taste. If you like a little zing, you can also add ginger here!
4. Cook the Pepper Steak:
Cover the crock pot and choose your cooking setting. If you have the time, set it to low for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting for 3-4 hours will work too. The beef is ready when it is tender and full of flavor!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken up the sauce. Cover it and let it continue cooking until you’re ready to enjoy it!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When everything is done cooking, serve your pepper steak over some piping hot rice or noodles. If you want, you can garnish it with a few extra bell pepper slices for color. Dig in and enjoy this hearty meal with family or friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank steak, you can substitute it with sirloin, chuck roast, or even pre-cut beef stir-fry strips. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut you use; tougher cuts may need a bit more cooking time to become tender.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes! Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar sizes as the bell peppers for even cooking. If you’re using quicker-cooking vegetables like zucchini, add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from getting too mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pepper steak in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Adjust the amount to taste, as these alternatives can differ in saltiness and flavor intensity. You might also consider reducing the added salt in the recipe if you’re using a saltier version.
