This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a simple and tasty dish that brings together tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce. Just toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it do the work!
I love how easy this meal is—perfect for busy days! Just serve it over rice or noodles, and you have a hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Who knew relaxing could taste this good? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. If you can’t find flank steak, sirloin or round steak can work as alternatives, just slice them thinly against the grain.
Bell Peppers: I love using both green and red for a splash of color and sweetness! If you prefer more heat, try using a jalapeño or poblano pepper. For a milder taste, yellow peppers are a nice option.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. For a gluten-free version, look for tamari or coconut aminos. If you want it less salty, low-sodium soy sauce is perfect too.
Worcestershire Sauce: It gives depth to the dish. If you’re out, mix a bit of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and sugar to mimic the flavor.
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger is a fantastic substitute and adds a nice zing! Just use a little extra if using fresh, about a tablespoon of grated ginger will do.
How Can I Get My Flank Steak Perfectly Tender?
To achieve perfectly tender flank steak, the key is both slicing and cooking it right. After you brown the steak in your skillet, cooking it low and slow in the Crock Pot allows the meat to develop that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Always slice flank steak against the grain—that means cutting across the muscle fibers, which makes each bite easier to chew.
- Brown the steak well in oil for maximum flavor.
- Don’t rush the slow-cooking process; it’s worth the wait!
- For best results, once cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing before serving.
Delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Thickening (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
To Serve:
- Cooked rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a leisurely dinner or a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Flank Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and cook it for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides. Once done, transfer the browned steak to your Crock Pot.
2. Add the Vegetables:
In the Crock Pot, add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper over the flank steak. This will brighten up your dish with delicious colors and flavors!
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir well and then pour this mixture over the ingredients in the Crock Pot. It’s going to make everything so flavorful!
4. Season and Stir:
Add salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients and seasonings together nicely.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot, and cook your pepper steak on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and juicy.
6. Thicken the Sauce (if desired):
If you like a thicker sauce, just mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir it in well. This will give your sauce the perfect consistency!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your pepper steak is done, serve it over cooked rice. Spoon the delicious sauce and colorful vegetables generously over the top. Dig in and enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can substitute it with sirloin or round steak. Just make sure to slice it against the grain for tenderness. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so check for doneness accordingly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can customize your pepper steak with additional vegetables! Consider adding sliced carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like a kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Crock Pot along with the other ingredients. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance to find your perfect heat level!
