When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the satisfying simplicity of slow cooker pepper steak. It’s a hearty meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor, making it a true favorite for many.
A classic dish has a savory sauce, sweet peppers, and tender meat. But what if you could easily make restaurant-quality pepper steak at home? Try Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. This simple method turns basic ingredients into a delicious meal. It makes the beef very tender, the peppers soft, and the sauce blends well together.
This article will walk you through the steps of making the perfect slow-cooked pepper steak, including hints, variants, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, you’ll see how simple it is to make a tasty and crowd-pleasing meal with your trusty slow cooker.
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Why Choose Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?
Easy Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to set it and forget it. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Tender Beef: The low and slow cooking process breaks down tough cuts of beef, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
Rich, Savory Sauce: The extended cooking time allows the flavors of the sauce to meld and deepen, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences, adding different vegetables, spices, or sauces.
Freezes Well: Leftovers can be easily frozen and reheated for a quick and convenient meal.
Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak:
Beef: Chuck roast, flank steak, or sirloin tip roast are excellent choices. These cuts have enough marbling to stay tender during the long cooking process.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers adds vibrant color and sweetness.
Onions: Yellow or white onions provide a savory base for the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a strong and aromatic flavor.
Beef Broth: Provides a rich and flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
Soy Sauce adds umami and depth of taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a tangy and savory note.
Tomato Paste: thickens the sauce and gives a deep tomato taste.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Used to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking.
Spices: Salt, pepper, and optional additions like ginger, red pepper flakes, or Chinese five-spice powder.
Cooking Oil: For searing the beef.
Tips and Variations Of pepper steak recipe
Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli.
Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce.
Use Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Add a Splash of Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add a touch of acidity and brightness to the sauce.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free thickener.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: Effortless Flavor, Tender Perfection
Course: Lunch, Main courseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium6-8
servings20
minutes6
hours300
kcal
Discover the secrets to making the best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak! Tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce – all cooked to perfection with minimal effort
Ingredients
2-2.5 lbs chuck roast, flank steak, or sirloin tip roast
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can of chopped tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 tbsp cold water
 Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Directions of slow cooker pepper steak recipe
- Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear all sides until browned, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Searing enhances taste and helps seal in moisture.
- Preparing the vegetables: Cut the onions and bell peppers into slices. Mince garlic.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seared beef in the slow cooker. Add the bell peppers, onions, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch or arrowroot powder with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the slow cooker pepper steak over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
pepper steak nutrition value
Calories: 300-350
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Sodium: 500-700mg
Vitamin C: variable based on the number of peppers.
Iron: variable based on beef cut.
Important Notes Regarding Nutritional information:
- The precise components and quantity sizes used will affect these estimations, which are subject to change.
- Using leaner cuts of beef will lower the fat content.
- Sodium levels can vary depending on the soy sauce and beef broth used. It is always a good practice to use low-sodium versions of these ingredients.
- For the most accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition tracking app and input the specific ingredients you use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of pepper steak recipe
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers. However, they may release more water than fresh peppers, so you may need to thicken the sauce for a longer period.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like flank steak, sirloin tip roast, or even stew meat. Just be sure to choose a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking.
Can pepper steak be cooked on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low will result in more tender beef.
Can this be cooked on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low will result in more tender beef.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight jar for 3-4 days. You may also freeze leftovers for up to three months.
What is the best way to reheat the pepper steak?
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.
Can I cook pepper steak in an instant pot?
Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot. Sear the meat first, then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook in high pressure for 20-30 minutes. Followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, thicken the sauce using the sauté function.
The slow cooker pepper steak is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. It’s a dish that delivers incredible flavor and tenderness with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of slow cooking and create a pepper steak that will have everyone asking for seconds.
