Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
A simple and flavorful Pepper Steak slow-cooked in a crock pot, featuring tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich savory sauce that melds together for a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal perfect for busy days.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables
- 1 each red, green, and yellow bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning)
Seasonings & Thickeners
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. Chop the bell peppers into strips and slice the onion to have all ingredients ready for layering in the crock pot.
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef strips just until browned around the edges to develop a caramelized crust and enhance flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the browned beef, bell peppers, and onions into the crock pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly and ensures the beef becomes tender without drying out.
- Final Touches and Serve: Before serving, stir gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly to ensure tenderness and even cooking.
- Don’t skip browning the beef to enhance flavor and develop a rich color.
- Add cornstarch as part of the sauce mixture to thicken it, providing a silky texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for best flavor and color; avoid canned or frozen if possible.
- Keep the crock pot lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent heat and timing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Pepper Steak, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Beef, Bell Peppers, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Meal Prep