This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is an easy and tasty meal! It features tender beef and colorful peppers simmered in a rich sauce. Just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work!
I love how I can throw everything in the pot, set it, and forget it! It’s perfect for busy days when I want a warm, comforting dinner waiting for me. Plus, the smell is amazing! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and flavorful, ideal for quick cooking. If you’re looking for alternatives, sirloin or skirt steak can work well too. Just make sure to cut them against the grain for tenderness.
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for searing. You could also use olive oil or avocado oil, both great for high-heat cooking.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add vibrant color and flavor. You can mix it up with yellow or orange peppers, or even use other veggies like zucchini or snap peas for variety.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. If you’re short on beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be good substitutes. Just remember, the flavor might be a bit lighter.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is an easy swap too!
How Do I Ensure My Steak is Tender and Flavorful?
One crucial step for making the best pepper steak is searing the flank steak. This not only browns the meat but also seals in the juices for a more flavorful dish.
- Preheat your skillet before adding the oil and steak. It should be hot enough that the steak sizzles upon contact.
- Sear the steak for just 3-4 minutes, turning once to get a nice crust. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Once browned, transfer the steak to the Crock Pot and don’t forget to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan when sautéing the veggies—it adds amazing taste!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 6-8 hours if cooking on low or 3-4 hours if on high in the Crock Pot. This includes about 10-15 minutes of prep time for slicing and sautéing. It’s perfect for a busy day—set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced flank steak. Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes, turning it until it’s browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer the steak to your Crock Pot. This step adds flavor!
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will bring out all those delicious flavors!
3. Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Once your vegetables are sautéed, add them to the Crock Pot with the seared steak. This is where all the magic happens!
4. Making the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Pour this savory mixture over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot. It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Cooking Time:
Now, cover the Crock Pot and let it work its magic! You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender and flavorful the steak will become.
6. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it thicken. This step is optional, but it adds a wonderful texture!
7. Serving Your Pepper Steak:
Once done, serve your delicious pepper steak over rice or noodles. Enjoy the hearty flavors and share it with your family or friends!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breast or thighs for the flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, as chicken cooks faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Check your Worcestershire sauce as well to ensure it’s gluten-free, or make your own version at home!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour or arrowroot can be used as a thickener instead. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking, similar to how you would use cornstarch.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or in the microwave until heated through. You can also add a splash of beef broth to help maintain moisture while reheating.
