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Introduction
Crockpot Pepper Steak is a classic comfort food that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce that’s rich in flavor.
This dish is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal prep time and lets the slow cooker do most of the work.
The result is a hearty, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Ingredients
2 lbs sirloin steak cut into strips
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
⅔ cup hot water
1 beef bouillon cube
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup chopped onion
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Pepper to taste
2 bell peppers sliced
Instructions
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
then add the steak strips and sauté until they are nicely browned on the outside. This step seals in the juices and gives the beef a rich flavor.
Once the steak is browned, set it aside and prepare the broth. Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water.
whisking in the cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will help form the base of the sauce and ensure it thickens during cooking.
Pour the prepared broth into the crockpot, creating a flavorful liquid for the beef and vegetables to cook in.
The cornstarch works as a natural thickener, giving the sauce a silky consistency once the dish is done.
Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the crockpot.
These ingredients work together to provide a balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, making sure to include their juices. This adds both acidity and richness, helping to tenderize the beef as it cooks.
Season everything lightly with pepper to taste, as the soy sauce already adds saltiness.
Mix the onions and browned beef into the crockpot, stirring well so that the meat and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
Set the crockpot to cook on high for three hours or on low for six to seven hours, depending on your schedule.
About an hour before serving, add the sliced bell peppers. This ensures they soften slightly but still keep a pleasant crunch and vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing and texturally balanced.
How to Make
The secret to making the best crockpot pepper steak starts with searing the beef.
Browning the steak in olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker creates a deep, caramelized flavor that slow cooking alone cannot achieve.
Once the beef is seared, preparing the broth with bouillon and cornstarch sets the stage for a delicious..
thick sauce. This step ensures that the final dish has the right consistency, coating the steak and vegetables perfectly.
The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar is what gives this dish its signature taste.
Each element contributes something unique: the soy sauce adds savory depth.
the Worcestershire sauce introduces tangy richness, and the brown sugar provides a subtle sweetness to balance everything out.
Diced tomatoes are an important addition, as they bring juiciness and acidity that help tenderize the beef over hours of cooking.
Their natural flavor pairs beautifully with the peppers and onions.
Onions not only enhance the flavor of the sauce but also add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes of the beef.
When cooked low and slow, they almost melt into the sauce, making it even more flavorful.
The bell peppers are added at the end of the cooking process to preserve their color and crunch.
Adding them too early can result in mushy peppers, but adding them later gives the dish a fresh, vibrant texture.
Finally, allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together.
When served over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, every bite delivers a comforting, well-rounded taste.
Variations
For a lighter version, try substituting chicken strips for the beef. The sauce still works beautifully and pairs well with poultry.
If you prefer a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce to the crockpot. This gives the dish a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Vegetable lovers can include mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli in the recipe. These additions not only make the dish more nutritious but also add unique flavors and textures.
For a richer sauce, you can stir in a small amount of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes. This thickens the sauce and intensifies its flavor.
If you like a sweeter profile, replace the brown sugar with honey or add sliced carrots, which naturally sweeten as they cook.
To make the dish gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. The taste remains delicious while making it accessible for more diets.
For a creative twist, serve the pepper steak inside hoagie rolls with melted cheese for a hearty sandwich version. This variation transforms it into a fun dinner option.
Tips
Always cut the steak into even strips so that they cook consistently and become tender at the same time. Uneven cuts may result in some pieces being overcooked while others are chewy.
Be careful not to over-season with salt since soy sauce already provides plenty of it. It’s better to taste and adjust at the end of cooking if needed.
If you want to save time, you can brown the beef the night before and refrigerate it, then simply add it to the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients in the morning.
To prevent the sauce from being too thin, make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before pouring it into the crockpot. You can also whisk in additional cornstarch with water near the end if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Using fresh bell peppers rather than frozen ones helps preserve their texture. Frozen peppers tend to become too soft during long cooking times.
Serving the dish over rice is the most traditional choice, but it also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Letting the dish sit on the « warm » setting for a short while before serving allows the flavors to blend more deeply, making it taste even better.
Conclusion
Crockpot Pepper Steak is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce in perfect harmony. It’s a versatile recipe that fits into any meal plan and works well for both busy weeknights and family gatherings.
The slow cooking method ensures that every bite is infused with flavor, while the bell peppers and onions keep the dish vibrant and fresh. Whether served over rice, noodles, or potatoes, this meal is bound to become a favorite that you’ll come back to again and again.
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