Description: This flavorful and easy-to-make pepper steak is cooked in a slow cooker, resulting in tender beef and perfectly softened vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Preparation:
- Step 1: Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder. Ensure each strip is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate the beef without overcrowding.
- Step 3: Sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes per side, until browned. Searing helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Step 4: Transfer the seared beef strips to a slow cooker. Arrange them evenly at the bottom of the cooker.
- Step 5: In a separate container, mix the beef bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved. Then, mix in the cornstarch until dissolved, creating a slurry. This mixture will help to thicken the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Step 6: Pour the bouillon and cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker with the beef strips.
- Step 7: Stir in the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with their liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Instructions:
- Cover the slow cooker.
- Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables should be soft.
- Check the tenderness of the beef and the consistency of the sauce before serving. If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why will you love this recipe?
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Imagine coming home to a warm, savory, and comforting meal after a long day. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful dish that the whole family will love. The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the peppers and onions soften to perfection, infusing the sauce with their natural sweetness. Plus, the minimal prep time means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening. It’s a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Tips:
- For best results, use a good quality beef sirloin. Look for meat with good marbling for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial for developing a rich, caramelized flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder to your taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the bouillon mixture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery.
- If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes with a pinch of sugar.
- To save time, you can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the liquid before turning on the slow cooker.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: 700-900 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal!
Questions and Answers:
- Question: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Answer: Yes, while beef sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts of beef such as flank steak, round steak, or even chuck roast. Keep in mind that tougher cuts like chuck roast may require a longer cooking time to become tender. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and make sure the beef is fork-tender before serving.
- Question: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. Some great additions include sliced mushrooms, sliced carrots, diced celery, or even some frozen mixed vegetables. Add them along with the onions and green peppers for a more substantial and nutritious meal. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.
- Question: Can I make this recipe spicier? Answer: Yes, if you like a little heat, there are several ways to add spice to this Pepper Steak. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Another option is to use a spicier variety of stewed tomatoes, such as those with added jalapeños. Experiment and find the level of spice that you enjoy the most.
- Question: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? Answer: If the sauce is not as thick as you’d like after the cooking time is up, there’s a simple fix. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, and cook on High for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.
- Question: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Answer: Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the slow cooker on Low or in a pot on the stovetop until heated through. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more when the dish is made ahead of time, making it even more delicious!
