Transform your dinner routine with the ease and elegance of Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, a dish that promises to deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. This recipe marries tender slices of beef with bell peppers and onions in a rich, savory sauce, all slowly simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Ideal for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or any time you crave the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the fuss, this pepper steak offers a delectable solution that’s sure to impress. Let your slow cooker do the work and come home to the inviting aroma of this classic dish, ready to serve and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Pepper Steak:
- Flavorful & Tender: Hours of slow cooking ensure the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the flavors of the sauce.
- Effortless Cooking: Just prep, set, and forget until it’s time to serve, making your day easier.
- Versatile: Perfectly pairs with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, adapting to your meal preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers that reheat well for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients Notes For Slow Cooker Pepper Steak:
- Beef: Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works best for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of colors not only adds visual appeal but also a variety of sweet and slightly tangy flavors.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions complement the peppers and add depth to the dish.
- Sauce: A savory blend of soy sauce, beef broth, and garlic forms the base, with cornstarch to thicken it to the perfect consistency.
- Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, and black pepper enhance the beef and vegetables, creating a robust flavor profile.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Beef: Season the beef slices with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them with cornstarch for thickening the sauce later.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the seasoned beef on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, and ginger. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked but still crisp.
- Final Touch: If needed, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy your pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or with your favorite side.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds beef round steak, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 bell peppers (one green and one red for color), cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Cooked rice, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep the Steak:
- If the beef round steak isn’t already sliced, slice it into 1/4-inch thick strips. This allows the beef to cook quickly and absorb the flavors better.
- Brown the Steak (Optional):
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and quickly sear them on all sides. This step is optional but can add extra flavor to the dish.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Place the browned steak strips into the slow cooker. Add the soy sauce, beef broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and ground ginger. Stir to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add Bell Peppers:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the bell pepper strips to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the peppers are tender but still crisp.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and continue cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:
- Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice, ensuring to spoon plenty of the sauce over the top.