Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak

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Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak: A Flavorful Comfort Dish Made Easy

When it comes to comfort food that’s flavorful, tender, and easy to prepare, pepper steak in a crockpot hits all the right notes. This classic Chinese-American dish features succulent strips of beef, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. Traditionally stir-fried, pepper steak takes on a new, convenient twist in the crockpot, creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying with minimal prep.

Why Pepper Steak in a Crockpot?

Making pepper steak in a crockpot simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing flavor. The slow-cooking method tenderizes the beef perfectly, allowing the flavors to meld over time. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a rich, savory dish without needing to stand over a stove. Plus, the crockpot is ideal for busy cooks who want to set it and forget it.

Key Ingredients

The essential components of crockpot pepper steak are straightforward, yet they combine to create a dish bursting with taste.

  • Beef: The best cuts for crockpot pepper steak are flank steak, round steak, or sirloin, which cook up tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
  • Bell Peppers: Red, green, and even yellow bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and color.
  • Onions: Diced onions add to the aromatic flavor, which complements the beef and bell peppers.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Adding fresh garlic and ginger enhances the dish’s depth and gives it a hint of Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Soy Sauce and Broth: These ingredients create the base of the savory sauce. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while beef or chicken broth enriches the flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances out the saltiness and adds a slight sweetness to the sauce.
  • Tomato Paste: This thickens the sauce and provides a hint of acidity.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: This final addition thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, ideal for spooning over rice or noodles.

Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs beef flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced (choose a mix of colors)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water (for the cornstarch slurry)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips, and chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Assemble in Crockpot: Place the beef, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger in the crockpot.
  3. Create the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, and tomato paste until well combined. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
  4. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: In the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour the slurry into the crockpot, stirring well. Let the sauce thicken before serving.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pepper Steak

  1. Choosing the Right Beef: Opt for cuts with less marbling, like flank steak or round steak, for the best texture in the crockpot. Thin slicing is essential for even cooking.
  2. Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. For a sweeter profile, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar.
  3. Add Veggies at Different Times: If you prefer your bell peppers with a slight crunch, add them halfway through cooking instead of at the beginning.
  4. Customize the Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a touch of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pepper steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic steamed rice or fluffy jasmine rice works beautifully to soak up the sauce. You can also try it with egg noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adding a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or baby bok choy complements the dish with a fresh crunch.

Conclusion

Crockpot pepper steak is a fantastic way to transform a popular stir-fry dish into an easy, hands-off meal. With minimal prep and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dinner that’s ready to enjoy when you are. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings rich, savory flavors to the table, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.