Introduction
Welcome to a comforting dish that is sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds: Crock Pot Pepper Steak! This easy-to-make recipe features tender strips of flank steak simmered in a rich, savory sauce with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this dish comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones while dinner cooks itself.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and allow it to warm. Once hot, add the flank steak strips and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides. This step will lock in the flavors! Transfer the browned steak to your crock pot.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened and fragrant. Pour the vegetables into the crock pot, layering them atop the steak.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, ground black pepper, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This savory sauce will bring everything together beautifully!
- Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is well coated and combined.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Once cooked, serve the pepper steak hot over a generous scoop of fluffy cooked rice. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced carrots or snap peas to the mix. You can also adjust the level of spice according to your preference by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad on the side!
Cooking Techniques
Brown the steak before adding it to the crock pot for a richer flavor and to enhance the dish’s overall depth. Searing caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars, creating a delightful contrast to the tender, slow-cooked texture. Additionally, sautéing the vegetables before adding them helps to release their appreciated flavors and aromas.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal, you can use sirloin or round steak as alternatives for a similar result.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients a day before and store them in the fridge. Just throw everything into the crock pot in the morning and let it cook throughout the day.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a quintessential comfort food that invites warmth and satisfaction into any meal. It’s not just easy to prepare; it’s also packed with flavor and nourishing goodness. Gather around the table with family or friends and indulge in this wholesome dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. Happy cooking!