Pepper Steak is a classic, comforting dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. When prepared in a crock pot, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. This slow-cooked version of pepper steak allows the beef to become incredibly tender while absorbing the flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and stewed tomatoes. The addition of bell peppers adds a fresh and slightly sweet contrast, making it a well-balanced dish perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips: Sirloin is a tender cut of beef that holds up well to slow cooking, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste: Garlic powder infuses the beef with a deep, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for browning the beef, which adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish.
- 1 cube beef bouillon: Adds a concentrated beef flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- ¼ cup hot water: Dissolves the bouillon cube and helps to create the base of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it a perfect consistency that clings to the beef and vegetables.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing the savory and umami flavors.
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped: The bell peppers provide a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the rich beef and sauce.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid: Stewed tomatoes add acidity and a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the beef and soy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami flavor that enhances the taste of the beef.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Begin by cutting the beef sirloin into 2-inch strips. This size ensures that the beef cooks evenly and becomes tender throughout the slow cooking process.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Sprinkle the beef with the garlic powder as it cooks. Sear the beef on all sides until it is browned. This step is crucial as it locks in the beef’s juices and adds a depth of flavor through caramelization.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot:
- Once all the beef strips are browned, transfer them to your crock pot. The crock pot will allow the beef to cook slowly, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in the hot water. Stir in the cornstarch until it is fully dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Pour this mixture over the beef in the crock pot. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and green bell peppers to the crock pot. These vegetables will soften as they cook, absorbing the flavors of the sauce while adding their own sweetness and crunch.
- Pour the can of stewed tomatoes, along with their liquid, over the beef and vegetables. The liquid from the tomatoes will combine with the bouillon mixture to create a flavorful sauce.
- Season the Dish:
- Add the soy sauce, white sugar, and salt to the crock pot. These ingredients balance the flavors of the dish, ensuring it’s savory, slightly sweet, and well-seasoned.
- Stir everything together to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook the Pepper Steak:
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- As the dish cooks, the sauce will thicken and the vegetables will soften, creating a perfectly balanced and hearty meal.
- Final Touches:
- Once the cooking time is complete, give the pepper steak a final stir to ensure everything is well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, soy sauce, or sugar according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or alongside mashed potatoes. The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect for soaking into the rice or potatoes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Success:
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef. This process not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the meat’s juices, making it tender and delicious.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as red bell peppers for a sweeter flavor, or mushrooms for an earthy note.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the crock pot about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ease of Preparation: The crock pot does all the work in this recipe, allowing you to prepare a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, stewed tomatoes, and beef bouillon creates a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the tender beef and fresh bell peppers.
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow-cooked beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the bell peppers add a fresh crunch. Serve this dish over rice or potatoes for a comforting and filling dinner that your whole family will love.
