Are you ready to dive into a hearty, mouthwatering dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying? Let me introduce you to Crockpot Pepper Steak—a delicious blend of tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce that simmers beautifully in your slow cooker. With its juicy flavors and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something ‘Wow’ for dinner.
Interestingly, this recipe is one of those unsung heroes of comfort food. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafting through my kitchen reminded me of my grandma’s cooking—lovingly made, simple yet utterly delightful. The best part? You can toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the magic, so you can focus on the important things, like catching up with family or maybe binge-watching your favorite series.
What truly sets this crockpot recipe apart is its easy preparation and family-friendly appeal. It pairs wonderfully with rice, making it an all-in-one meal that everyone will love. If you’re already a fan of classic dishes like beef stew, I invite you to explore this delightful twist that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Let’s get cooking!
What is Crockpot Pepper Steak?
You’ve probably seen it on menus or maybe your friend raves about it, but what exactly is Crockpot Pepper Steak? Well, it’s a delectable dish featuring colorful bell peppers, tender strips of beef, and a savory sauce that works together like an ensemble cast in a feel-good movie. But why the name “pepper steak,” you ask? It turns out that the term comes from the fact that peppercorns and other spices elevate the dish’s flavors, creating a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. And let’s be real—who can resist a dish that promises to win over the heart through stomach satisfaction? It’s like that classic saying: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
Now that you’re curious about trying this recipe, I encourage you to grab your slow cooker and give it a whirl. I promise, you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pepper Steak
How could you resist a recipe like Crockpot Pepper Steak? First and foremost, its standout feature is the meltingly tender beef that’s marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, making each bite heavenly. Who doesn’t love a dish that can practically melt in your mouth?
Secondly, making this dish at home is a fantastic way to save money without sacrificing flavor. You’ll often find restaurant prices adding up, but with this recipe, you can feed the whole family for a fraction of the cost.
Lastly, the colorful bell peppers not only add a pop of color to your plate but also contribute a delightful crunch and vibrant flavor. Imagine a bowl filled with hearty beef, bright greens, and reds, all swirling together in a luscious sauce that’s calling for your attention!
If you enjoy similar recipes like beef stew or any other slow-cooked delights, I encourage you to explore this one. It’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive into this delightful dish!
How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak
Quick Overview
The beauty of Crockpot Pepper Steak lies in its effortless preparation. Toss together fresh ingredients and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. With a total time of just about 8 hours (ideal for a workday setup), you’ll find that this dish is both hassle-free and utterly delicious.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Pepper Steak
- 1.5 pounds of flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by slicing your flank steak into thin strips. This helps to ensure that they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- In your slow cooker, layer the sliced beef, bell peppers, and onions. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. If you like a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch last.
- Pour the savory sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- If you like your sauce thicker, you can transfer the contents back to a saucepan, mix with a bit more cornstarch, and cook until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot over rice and enjoy!
What to Serve Crockpot Pepper Steak With
To create a balanced meal, consider serving Crockpot Pepper Steak with fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice. The rice will soak up all the delicious sauce, making every bite delightful. You might also enjoy pairing it with steamed broccoli or crispy green beans for a refreshing crunch and added nutrients. Are you a fan of salads? A simple side salad would make for a refreshing accompaniment.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Pepper Steak
- Cut Against the Grain: To ensure tender slices, always cut the flank steak against the grain.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in additional veggies like carrots or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Customize the Spice: Add or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, they make delicious toppings for a hearty sandwich or a filling for tacos the next day!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you end up with leftovers, no worries! You can store Crockpot Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to keep it moist. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
With its rich flavors and warm, filling ingredients, Crockpot Pepper Steak is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!
Crockpot Pepper Steak
Ingredients
Method
- Start by slicing your flank steak into thin strips.
- In your slow cooker, layer the sliced beef, bell peppers, and onions.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. If you like a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch last.
- Pour the savory sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If you like your sauce thicker, transfer the contents back to a saucepan, mix with more cornstarch, and cook until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot over rice and enjoy!
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