This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a delicious dish that’s super easy to make! It combines tender pieces of beef with colorful bell peppers in a yummy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Cooking it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while the flavors blend together perfectly. It’s like having a personal chef doing all the work for you! Toss in some rice, and dinner’s ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for its flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. If you can’t find it, try sirloin or skirt steak as an alternative. They both work well in a slow cooker and are usually easy to find.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for a vibrant dish. Green, red, and yellow bell peppers bring different flavors. If you prefer, you can swap in other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a nice depth to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lower sodium option or are gluten-free, consider tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour, but mix them with a little cold water first to avoid lumps.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
Marinating the steak not only infuses it with flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Mix all your marinade ingredients well. The cornstarch helps it coat the meat nicely.
- Let your flank steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
When you’re ready, place your marinated steak and veggies into the Crock Pot, making sure everything is evenly coated in that delicious sauce. This will enhance the final dish’s taste significantly!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook in the Crock Pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great dish to set and forget while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by gathering a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil (if using), cornstarch, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until the mixture is well blended. This will be the tasty marinade for your steak and veggies.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Now, take your flank steak strips and place them into the Crock Pot. Add the sliced onions and all the colorful bell peppers. Next, pour the marinade you just made over everything in the pot. It should nicely coat all the meat and veggies.
3. Cook the Pepper Steak:
Using a large spoon, stir everything gently to ensure the meat and vegetables are evenly covered with the marinade. Once that’s done, cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender and fully cooked.
4. Finish and Serve:
After the cooking time is up, give the pepper steak a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—add a bit more salt or pepper if you like. Serve it hot over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy your tasty Crock Pot Pepper Steak with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is a great choice for its tenderness, you can substitute it with sirloin, skirt steak, or even tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose, so make sure it’s tender before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the pepper steak cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace the flank steak with a firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture, and adjust cooking times as needed for the different ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch for Thickening?
If you’re out of cornstarch or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or potato starch in equal amounts. Alternatively, you could thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce naturally. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
