Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and hearty dish that cooks slowly to bring out all the yummy flavors. It features tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a tasty sauce that ties it all together!
This dish is perfect for busy days—you just toss everything in the pot and let it do the work. I love serving it over rice for a complete meal. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut has great flavor and tenderness when cooked in the Crock Pot. If you can’t find flank steak, you can use sirloin or round steak as alternatives—they’re budget-friendly options that work well too.
Bell Peppers: For a colorful dish, I used green, red, and yellow bell peppers. If you’re short on one kind, feel free to swap in orange peppers or even add some poblano peppers for a different flavor.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is excellent if you have the time, but store-bought works just fine. You can also use vegetable or chicken broth instead for a lighter flavor.
Soy Sauce: This gives a rich umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. For a lower sodium choice, you can find low-sodium soy sauce.
Cornstarch: This is important for thickening your sauce. If you don’t have it, you can use flour, but make sure to mix it well in the liquid first to avoid lumps.
How Do I Get the Steak Perfectly Browned?
Searing the steak properly is key to building flavor. This step can make a big difference in your final dish! Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil—that way, the meat sears quickly and locks in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. If too many pieces are in the pan, they’ll steam instead of brown.
- Sear until the meat is browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelization adds depth to your dish.
- Don’t worry if the pan gets some brown bits—that’ll create a tasty base for your other ingredients.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger (fresh or ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the Crock Pot. Perfect for a cozy meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the sliced flank steak. Cook it for a few minutes, turning until all sides are nicely browned. This helps lock in the flavor. After browning, transfer the steak into your Crock Pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to your dish. Once done, transfer this mixture to the Crock Pot with the steak.
3. Add Bell Peppers and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add in the sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers right into the Crock Pot. They’ll cook beautifully and soften as everything blends together. In a separate bowl, stir together the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, ginger, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Once mixed, pour this sauce over the steak and veggies in the Crock Pot.
4. Cook It All Together:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will allow the peppers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cooking is done, give the mixture a good stir to combine all the flavors. Serve the delicious pepper steak hot over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with cuts like sirloin or brisket. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so check for tenderness as the beef cooks.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari (for a gluten-free option), coconut aminos, or even lightly salted beef broth. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to taste!
