Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table with loved ones, the air thick with the tantalizing aromas of a lovingly cooked meal. Picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday evening, and the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow throughout your home. As the clock ticks closer to dinner time, your slow cooker hums softly in the background, slowly transforming fresh ingredients into a comforting dish that beckons everyone to gather. This is exactly the feeling you’ll get with this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe — a dish that’s not only delicious but also filled with nostalgia and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is not just another meal; it’s an experience that brings the family together. Let’s explore why you’ll fall in love with this easy recipe:
- Comforting Goodness: This meal oozes comfort, with tender beef and vibrant bell peppers dancing in a rich sauce that wraps you in nostalgia.
- Quick Dinner Idea: With minimal prep time, you can set your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-made dinner that feels like a big hug.
- Family Favorite: The flavors are kid-friendly and appealing to adults, making it a sure hit at your dinner table.
- Versatile and Healthy Option: Feel free to customize the veggies, making it a fabulous way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this dish fits right in.
Ingredients
To bring this delicious dish to life, you will need the following ingredients:
- Beef sirloin – Cut into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
- Bell peppers – A mix of red, green, and yellow for added color and sweetness.
- Onion – Freshly chopped to add a savory depth.
- Garlic – Minced for a burst of flavor.
- Soy sauce – For an umami kick; use low sodium for a healthier option.
- Beef broth – To create a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Cornstarch – For thickening the sauce, giving it that perfect velvety texture.
- Black pepper and salt – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
Substitutions: Swap the beef with chicken for a lighter dish, or use tofu for a vegetarian encounter!
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
With a little bit of prepping early in the day, this delightful meal will be ready and waiting for you when you return home. That’s far quicker than takeout!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep your ingredients: Start by slicing the beef sirloin into thin strips. Chop the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Each cut will fill your kitchen with hallowed aromas of home.
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Combine the base: In your slow cooker, layer the beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The colors alone will lift your spirits!
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Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, black pepper, and salt. Pour over the meat and veggies, letting the flavors mingle beautifully.
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Slow cook: Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Let it work its magic until the beef is juicy and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
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Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water until smooth. Stir it into your slow cooker and watch the sauce thicken.
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Serve it up: Once the time is up, give everything a gentle stir. Serve your pepper steak over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, allowing the beef and vegetable medley to shine.
Tips and Variations
- Add some heat: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Make it festive: During the holidays, add a splash of cranberry juice to the sauce for a sweet and tart flavor.
- Healthier alternatives: Swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is like a warm, inviting hug on a plate. Pair it with fluffy white rice or hearty egg noodles to soak up all that flavorful sauce. A crisp green salad on the side adds freshness, while a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the meal perfectly. Imagine chatting over dinner with family, laughter ringing out as you share stories from your week.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Brown the beef: For extra flavor, consider searing the beef strips in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the dish with a splash of color and freshness right before serving.
- Cooking times may vary: Always check the tenderness of the beef; slow cooking times can vary from one slow cooker to another.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in a regular pot?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to the stovetop. Sear the beef in a pot, add the veggies and sauce, then simmer on low until the beef is tender.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! It has a mild flavor profile, but you can always add heat with spices if you prefer.
3. Can I use frozen beef?
While fresh is ideal, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to allow it to thaw and cook evenly.
Conclusion
As the last bits of your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe disappear from the table, take a moment to bask in the warmth of togetherness. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s about making memories and cherishing evenings spent with family and friends. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll want to add it to your family traditions. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a go — I promise, it will become a comforting staple in your home! Let’s cook together, share a laugh, and create something beautiful in the process.
Contents
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin strips For maximum tenderness.
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (red, green, yellow) For added color and sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Adds savory depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For a burst of flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low sodium for a healthier option.
- 1 cup beef broth Creates a luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
- to taste black pepper and salt Enhancing all the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the beef sirloin into thin strips. Chop the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
- In your slow cooker, layer the beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
Sauce Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and veggies, allowing the flavors to mingle.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Check that the beef is juicy and tender.
Thickening the Sauce
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and watch the sauce thicken.
Serving
- Once the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir. Serve your pepper steak over rice or noodles.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest