This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm, hearty dish perfect for busy days! It’s made with tender beef, bell peppers, and a tasty sauce that develops wonderful flavors as it cooks.
Cooking in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while it fills your home with delicious smells. I love serving it over rice, and my family does too. Who doesn’t enjoy easy, flavorful meals? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut gives a nice flavor and is usually tender when cooked properly. If you can’t find flank steak, you can use sirloin or skirt steak as alternatives. They both work well for this recipe and are also good at absorbing flavors.
Vegetable Oil: This oil is great for browning meat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil. They add different flavors but are still effective for high-heat cooking.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers give a vibrant color and taste. You can mix it up by using yellow or orange bell peppers instead for a sweeter taste. If you’re in a pinch, frozen bell pepper strips work too!
Soy Sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor. If you want to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. For gluten-free diets, tamari is a perfect substitute, offering a similar taste without gluten.
Cornstarch: It thickens the sauce beautifully. In case you need a substitute, try potato starch or arrowroot powder. Just remember to use these replacements in smaller amounts since they have different thickening strengths.
How Do I Ensure the Steak is Tender and Flavorful?
Getting tender steak requires the right cooking technique, especially since flank steak can be tough if not cooked properly. Browning the meat gives it a nice depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Heat the skillet well before adding oil and steak.
- Brown each side for 3-4 minutes. You want a little crust!
- Once in the Crock Pot, make sure the sauce covers the meat completely for even cooking.
- Cook for a longer time on low heat if you can—this breaks down the tougher fibers making the meat super tender.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crock pot pepper steak takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can set it to cook. It will need to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, plan for a total time from start to table of about 8 hours if you’re cooking it on low. Perfect for a day at work or a relaxing weekend!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Steak:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the flank steak strips. Brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You just want a nice color on them, then transfer the browned steak to the Crock Pot.
2. Adding the Veggies:
Next, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper right into the Crock Pot. Spread them out on top of the steak. This will help them get flavorful as they cook!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and some salt. Mix it well until everything is well combined. Now pour this yummy mixture over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot.
4. Cooking the Dish:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the steak to be nice and tender and the veggies cooked through. It’ll smell amazing!
5. Serving:
When ready to serve, scoop generous portions of the pepper steak over some hot cooked rice. Enjoy your hearty meal that’s packed with flavor!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank steak, you can use sirloin, chuck, or even round steak. Just be sure to cut it into similar sized strips for even cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so check for tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to maintain a savory taste.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables! Carrots, broccoli, or snap peas would all work beautifully. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the steak and peppers.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This will help keep it moist!
