If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is your answer. Tender beef sirloin strips are simmered with bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the beef with rich flavors and ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients:
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Season and Sear the Beef: Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Mix in the cornstarch until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture over the beef strips in the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The beef should be tender and the flavors well-blended when the cooking time is complete.
Serve: Serve the pepper steak over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Over Rice or Noodles: Pepper steak pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. The savory sauce is perfect for drizzling over these sides to soak up every bit of flavor.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
Side Dishes: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
Bread: A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls can be a great addition for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Storage Tips:
Cool Properly: Allow the pepper steak to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the texture of the dish intact.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze pepper steak. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, or for best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Avoid Freezing Vegetables: If possible, consider removing or preparing the vegetables separately if you plan to freeze the dish, as they can become mushy when thawed.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef if you prefer. Chuck roast or flank steak are good alternatives. Just be sure to cut the meat into strips and adjust the cooking time if needed. Chuck roast may need a bit longer to become tender, while flank steak might cook faster.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pepper steak up to a day in advance. After cooking, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving. For freezing, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
The recipe as written is mild, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking. To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some sliced jalapeños. Add these ingredients to taste when mixing in the vegetables and sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Peel and chop about 2-3 medium tomatoes to replace the canned stewed tomatoes. You may need to add a bit of extra liquid (like beef broth or water) to make up for the missing liquid from the canned tomatoes. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the tomatoes break down and blend well with the sauce.
Conclusion:
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is an excellent choice for a delicious, hands-off meal. Its savory sauce and tender beef make it a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the ease of slow-cooked perfection!
📖 Recipe:
PrintPepper Steak in a Crock Pot
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Enjoy a tender and savory Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot that combines juicy beef sirloin with bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce. This easy slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete dish that your family will love.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Beef: Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Mix in the cornstarch until fully dissolved. Pour the mixture over the beef strips in the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well blended.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the pepper steak over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Customize the dish with other vegetables like mushrooms or red bell peppers if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) / 3-4 hours (High)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
