Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any day of the week. With tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a tasty sauce, this dish is satisfying and easy to make. You can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully as it cooks.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it requires minimal effort while delivering big flavor. The slow cooking method ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, and the combination of ingredients creates a savory sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. It’s an easy way to enjoy a classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes, with liquid
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Sprinkle beef strips with garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sear beef for about 5 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer the beef to the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in cornstarch until fully dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add onion, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Serve over hot cooked rice or noodles.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Pepper Steak is best served hot right from the crock pot. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to soak in. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra touch.
How to Store Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
If you have leftovers, let the Pepper Steak cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
- For added flavor, try marinating the beef in soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
- Adjust the veggies to your liking; feel free to add mushrooms or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for more tender pieces.
Variation
You can substitute beef sirloin with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. This will slightly change the flavor and cooking time, but the process stays almost the same.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. It may need an extra hour on Low to ensure it cooks through.
Q2: Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?
A2: Absolutely! You can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to give it some heat.
Q3: Can I cook it longer than the recommended time?
A3: While Pepper Steak can be cooked longer, be mindful that it may become too soft if cooked on High for more than 4 hours or on Low for more than 8 hours.
Enjoy making and savoring this easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot!
Pepper Steak
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For searing the beef
- 1 cube beef bouillon Dissolved in hot water
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 can stewed tomatoes, with liquid (14.5 oz)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Sprinkle beef strips with garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sear beef for about 5 minutes per side, until browned.
- Transfer the beef to the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in cornstarch until fully dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add onion, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking
- Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Serving
- Serve over hot cooked rice or noodles.
