Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a comforting dish that’s super easy to make. It’s loaded with tender beef and colorful bell peppers, all cooked in a savory sauce that makes your home smell amazing!
I love how I can just throw everything in the pot and relax while it cooks. It’s like magic! Plus, it’s perfect served over rice for a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and great for this dish. If you can’t find flank steak, you could use sirloin or skirt steak instead. Both are flavorful and will work well with the marinade.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is suitable for searing, you could also use canola oil or olive oil. Just be cautious with olive oil at high heat as it has a lower smoke point.
Bell Peppers: I use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color and flavor. If you’re short on one, don’t worry! Use more of another color or even add some orange bell peppers for sweetness.
Beef Broth: If you want a lighter option, chicken broth works too. For a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable broth, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also replace it with tamari sauce for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Steak is Tender and Flavorful?
Searing the steak before putting it in the Crock Pot is crucial. This step locks in the flavors and improves the texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Once hot, place the steak strips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; you can do this in batches if needed. Once browned, transfer them to the Crock Pot.
Slow cooking at low temperature helps break down the tough fibers, making your steak melt-in-your-mouth tender. So, resist the urge to rush this process!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Cooked rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You can let it cook in the Crock Pot for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you’ll need some time for it to cook, but very little hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the flank steak strips and sear them until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once nicely browned, transfer the steak to your Crock Pot.
2. Add Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and all the bell peppers (red, green, and yellow). Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. After that, transfer all the vegetables to the Crock Pot to join the steak.
3. Mix the Sauce:
Grab a bowl and whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it well until everything is nicely combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the delicious sauce over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is coated and combined. This is what makes your dish so flavorful!
5. Cook:
Now, cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the steak to become nice and tender, so pick a time that works for you.
6. Serve:
Once it’s done cooking, give everything a good stir again. Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice if you’d like, and enjoy a hearty meal with family or friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can substitute it with sirloin, ribeye, or even chuck roast. Just keep in mind that different cuts may alter the overall cooking time and texture, so adjust accordingly for tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No problem! You can use flour or arrowroot powder instead. For flour, use about double the amount (4 tablespoons) and mix it with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce. This will help thicken it nicely!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce is too thick after storing, you can thin it out with a little beef broth or water when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
