Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a flavorful, tender, and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days when you need a simple yet satisfying meal. With tender strips of beef simmered in a savory sauce with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy classic pepper steak without much effort. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. round steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• Hot cooked rice

Directions

1. Prepare the crock pot: In a crock pot, combine the round steak strips, chopped onion, sliced green bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with their juice), soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine all ingredients.
2. Cook the steak: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
4. Final cooking: Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Serve: Serve the pepper steak over hot, cooked rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 6 hours
• Total time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini to the crock pot to make the dish even heartier.
• Use different cuts of beef: If you prefer a different cut, you can swap the round steak for flank steak, sirloin, or chuck roast. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly for optimal texture.
• Spicy kick: For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
• Alternative protein: If you want to switch things up, you can use chicken breast or pork instead of beef for a lighter take on this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pepper steak on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen steak?
   It’s best to use fresh or thawed steak for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it first before slicing and cooking.
2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
   Yes, you can cook the pepper steak on high for about 3-4 hours instead of 5-6 hours on low. The longer cook time on low helps tenderize the beef even more.
3. Can I add other types of peppers?
   Absolutely! You can add red or yellow bell peppers for a colorful variety, or even some spicy peppers like jalapeños or banana peppers for extra heat.
4. What can I serve with pepper steak besides rice?
   You can serve this dish with mashed potatoes, quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
5. Can I use a different type of broth?
   Yes, if you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, although beef broth will provide a richer flavor.
6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble everything in the crock pot the night before and refrigerate it. Just start the cooking process in the morning.
7. What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
   You can use flour as an alternative to thicken the sauce. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crock pot.
8. Can I use other cuts of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute the round steak with cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast. Just slice the meat thinly for the best texture.
9. Can I make this recipe in a regular pot?
   Yes, you can make this recipe on the stove. Brown the steak strips first, then add the other ingredients and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
    Yes, you can freeze leftover pepper steak for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal for the whole family. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, this slow-cooked steak dish is packed with savory flavors and tender meat. Whether served over rice or another side, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation for busy days when you want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss.

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