Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers slow-cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free dinner, the dish delivers hearty, colorful, and nutritious flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb beef strips (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
Vegetables
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium optional; use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (to make slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release full flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Whisk well until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the sauce is balanced with savory and sweet notes.
- Layer the Crock Pot: Place the beef strips at the bottom of the crock pot. Top with the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly. Pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients, making sure everything is well coated.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef will become tender, and the peppers will soften while still retaining some texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot, cook uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken to a glossy glaze.
Notes
- Cut against the grain to keep beef tender after cooking.
- For crunchier peppers, add them later in the cooking process.
- Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor and color but is optional.
- Use fresh minced garlic for best aromatic results.
- Let the dish rest uncovered for a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce further and meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pepper steak, crock pot, slow cooker, beef recipe, easy dinner, gluten free, weeknight meal
Find it online: https://linacorner.com/pepper-steak-in-a-crock-pot/