Crockpot Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe combines tender sirloin with colorful bell peppers and a savory sauce, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions, whether you’re hosting family or simply enjoying a quiet night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just dump the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of beef, bell peppers, and a rich sauce delivers an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or even as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing glass
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking that results in tender meat.
- Mixing glass: Ideal for combining your sauce ingredients efficiently without any mess.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips (or sirloin steak cut into slices)
- 3 large colorful bell peppers (sliced thick)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves
For the Sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Combine hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch/flour in a mixing glass. Stir well until everything is mixed thoroughly and the bouillon cubes are crushed.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place beef strips into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Then add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic on top.
Step 3: Cook
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. If possible, stir the ingredients halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, give everything a good stir before transferring it to a serving dish. Serve over rice or noodles or pair with mashed or baked potatoes for a comforting meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Serving your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is all about complementing its rich flavors and textures. This dish can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, enhancing every bite.
With Noodles
- Toss the pepper steak with cooked egg noodles or rice noodles. The noodles provide a delightful chewiness that pairs well with the tender beef.
As a Stuffed Pepper Filling
- Use the pepper steak mixture as a filling for bell peppers. Bake them until the peppers are tender for an exciting twist on traditional stuffed peppers.
In Tacos
- Create delicious tacos by stuffing tortillas with pepper steak, topped with avocado and salsa. This makes for an easy, handheld meal.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. The combination is comfort food at its finest.
On a Bed of Greens
- For a lighter option, serve the pepper steak over mixed greens. Drizzle with additional soy sauce or vinaigrette for added flavor.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
To ensure your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and onions enhance flavor and texture, making your dish more vibrant.
- Cut Beef Evenly: Slice beef sirloin into uniform strips to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; you can adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or soy sauce.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and vibrant color while balancing the dish’s richness.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice can act as an excellent base, absorbing the savory sauce from the pepper steak.
- Garlic Bread: Serve slices of garlic bread alongside to soak up extra sauce; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad offers protein and fiber while providing a refreshing contrast to the meat.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory notes of pepper steak beautifully.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the hearty main dish.
- Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw can add zest and texture, making it an ideal side dish choice.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings when served fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe turns out delicious, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using low-quality beef: Selecting inferior cuts can lead to tough meat. Opt for beef sirloin strips for tenderness and flavor.
- Neglecting to sear the beef: Skipping the searing process can diminish depth of flavor. Quickly brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for better taste.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Packing too much into the pot can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for steam to circulate around all ingredients.
- Ignoring the vegetables’ cut size: Cutting vegetables unevenly may result in some being overcooked while others remain crunchy. Slice bell peppers and onions uniformly for consistent texture.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Each brand of broth and soy sauce varies in saltiness. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary during cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe?
The best cut is beef sirloin, which remains tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas based on your preferences.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe?
It takes approximately 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH in your slow cooker.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes, offering various serving options.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste. Give it a try—your family will love it!
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, a perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Tender beef sirloin strips meld beautifully with vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce, creating a hearty dish that pleases the whole family. This versatile recipe allows for various serving options—over rice, with noodles, or even as a filling for wraps—making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple to prepare: just combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips
- 3 large colorful bell peppers
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch in a mixing glass. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer beef strips in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic on top.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
- Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg