Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a cozy and tasty meal! Juicy beef and colorful bell peppers simmer together in a savory sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
I love coming home to the smell of this dish after a long day. Just throw everything in the pot, let it cook, and dinner is served. Perfect with rice or noodles—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking. If you can’t find flank steak, you can substitute with sirloin or skirt steak, both offering a great taste and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. If you want a different flavor, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers. They are sweeter and will make the dish a bit more colorful.
Beef Broth: This gives a rich base for the sauce. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option or even chicken broth if you prefer. If you’re making it vegetarian, just skip the meat and use mushrooms for a hearty substitute.
Soy Sauce: It brings a salty and umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try using tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos as a milder alternative. Both will still give you delicious results.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce. If you need a substitute, arrowroot powder or flour can work, but you’ll need to adjust the amounts slightly for the right consistency.
How Can You Achieve Great Flavors in the Crock Pot?
The secret to building flavor in this recipe lies in the searing process. Searing the steak and veggies first locks in juices and enhances flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the flank steak strips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
- Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides, then transfer it to the crock pot.
- Next, sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers in the remaining oil for 2-3 minutes, just until soft. This will intensify their flavor.
These steps will make your dish deliciously rich and savory. Remember to let it cook long enough in the crock pot for the steak to become tender. Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pepper steak takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need to cook in your crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, just set it and let it simmer while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the flank steak strips. Sear them until they are browned on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, transfer the steak to your crock pot.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. After that, transfer the vegetables to the crock pot with the steak.
3. Preparing the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a tasty sauce!
4. Combining Everything:
Now, pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot. Make sure everything is nicely coated with the sauce.
5. Cooking:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the steak to be tender and full of flavor.
6. Final Touches:
When the cooking time is up, give everything a good stir to mix the sauce with the steak and veggies. Then, it’s time to serve your hot and delicious pepper steak!
7. Garnishing:
Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal! It’s a wonderful crock pot dish that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Substitute a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can use other cuts such as sirloin or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so check for tenderness as it cooks. If using a leaner cut, aim for the lower end of the cooking time to avoid drying it out.
What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
No worries! You can substitute with another oil like vegetable or canola oil. While it won’t have the same nutty flavor, you can enhance the dish by adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds towards the end of cooking or garnishing with toasted sesame seeds when serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. You might also want to double-check the beef broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
