If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and utterly delicious meal to savor any day of the week, look no further than this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe. This dish beautifully combines tender strips of steak with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onions, slow-cooked to perfection in a savory sauce that’s rich with garlic, soy, and Worcestershire flavors. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding the ingredients into a hearty stew that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for busy nights or lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is one of its greatest charms. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures—from the juicy, tender steak to the colorful bell peppers adding crunch and brightness, all brought together by a perfectly balanced sauce.
- 680 grams flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced strips provide tender, flavorful beef that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow): Sliced for a colorful crunch and natural sweetness that complements the meat.
- 1 medium onion: Sliced to add a gentle sharpness and soften into a perfectly sweet contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for that essential aromatic depth enhancing every bite.
- 60 milliliters soy sauce: Adds a savory umami punch that is key to the dish’s rich flavor.
- 60 milliliters beef broth: Provides moisture and enhances the beefy goodness.
- 30 milliliters Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, complex layer of flavor that elevates the stew.
- 8 grams cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- 15 milliliters water: Combined with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat.
- 30 milliliters olive oil: Used to sear the steak and build those beautiful browned flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Steak
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the thinly sliced steak strips just until they’re browned on the edges, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step locks in the meat’s rich flavor and ensures the steak doesn’t become dry during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared steak to your slow cooker, then add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of a spicy kick. Gently stir everything together so the flavors begin to mingle even before cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer tenderizes the steak and softens the vegetables just right, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together into a hearty and comforting dish.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook uncovered, letting the sauce thicken until luscious and glossy — the perfect coating for the steak and veggies.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Serve your slow cooker pepper steak hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or tossed with noodles to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness. If you love a little extra zing, a few slices of fresh chili or a dash of sesame seeds make fantastic garnishes, elevating both taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, garlic butter noodles, or even a light quinoa salad. The rich, meaty sauce shines brightest when complemented by something mild and fluffy to soak it all up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff it inside warm pita pockets for a casual, handheld meal. You can also transform this into a hearty sandwich by layering the pepper steak and veggies on a crusty baguette with a smear of creamy horseradish sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the slow cooker pepper steak to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for convenient weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, this dish freezes well. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them with the date so you don’t forget this delicious treasure in your freezer.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the steak. You can also microwave leftovers on medium power in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce luscious and the meat tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe?
Yes! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and flavor absorption, you can use other quick-cooking cuts like skirt steak. Avoid tougher cuts unless you do a longer slow cook time to break them down.
Is it necessary to sear the steak before slow cooking?
Searing the steak isn’t absolutely required but it really boosts flavor by creating that appealing brown crust and locks in juices. It’s worth the little extra step if you have time.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adding crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker will give you a nice kick. Adjust to your spice tolerance—this dish is very versatile!
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth. Just be aware the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef and vegetables nicely without being gluey—think glossy and smooth. The cornstarch slurry helps you achieve this perfect consistency in the final step.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe enough. It’s a glorious, fuss-free dish that feels special yet easy enough for everyday cooking. The tender steak, the vibrant veggies, and that savory sauce come together like magic in the slow cooker, creating a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to comfort foods in no time!
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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe features tender strips of flank steak cooked low and slow with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory blend of soy sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef perfectly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish served best over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat
- 680 grams flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
Vegetables
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 60 milliliters soy sauce
- 60 milliliters beef broth
- 30 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Agent
- 8 grams cornstarch
- 15 milliliters water
Oils
- 30 milliliters olive oil
Instructions
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak strips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside but not cooked through. This step enhances flavor by creating a caramelized crust.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the seared steak strips to the slow cooker (Crock Pot). Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to mix the flavors evenly.
- Slow cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the steak is tender and the vegetables are thoroughly softened and infused with the savory sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken to a glossy consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker helps to lock in flavor and improves the texture of the meat.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to swap beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter broth option.
