Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe. I can’t tell you how many times this dish has saved me on busy weeknights.
It’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. Just brown the steak, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. The aroma fills my kitchen as it simmers, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Plus, the tender steak pairs perfectly with hot cooked rice, making it a complete meal that everyone enjoys. I love how versatile it is, too—sometimes I add extra veggies or spice it up a bit.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
When it comes to making a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen, the ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak are key. They’re simple, readily available, and come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, you don’t need to be a culinary genius to whip this up. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can!
From juicy steak to colorful bell peppers, each ingredient plays a part in making this dish a family favorite.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this recipe:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 lbs boneless beef top sirloin steaks, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 green bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Hot cooked white rice (for serving)
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to check your pantry before heading to the store, make sure you have everything on hand.
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility, so if you’re short on something—like maybe you only have one bell pepper instead of three—don’t sweat it too much. You could even switch up the veggies and toss in some mushrooms or carrots if that’s what you have lying around.
And about the steak—don’t feel pressured to splurge on the most expensive cut. Top sirloin works great, but if you find a good deal on another type of beef, go for it. Cooking is all about making it work for you, right?
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is easier than you might think, and trust me, it’s going to be a hit at your dinner table. To kick things off, grab your 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat it in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in those 3 lbs of boneless beef top sirloin steaks that you’ve cut into strips. Remember, it’s best to do this in two batches to get a good sear on the meat. Sear them until they’re browned on all sides—this step makes a huge difference in flavor, so don’t rush it.
After about 5 to 7 minutes, add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir it for another couple of minutes, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
Now, it’s time to transfer everything—the browned steak, the garlic, and those tasty pan juices—into your slow cooker. You should feel like a pro by now. Next, throw in 1 medium chopped onion, 1/2 cup of reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good mix—like you’re trying to impress the ingredients with your culinary skills.
Cover it up and let it cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can stretch it to 10 hours, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about potentially overcooked steak.
As the hours pass and your house fills with mouth-watering scents, you’ll want to add in the 3 green bell peppers (cut into strips) during the last hour of cooking. This will keep them crisp and vibrant, adding that pop of color and flavor.
Finally, mix 1/4 cup of cold water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until it’s smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook it UNCOVERED on HIGH for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens beautifully.
Serve it all over hot cooked white rice, and voilà, dinner is served! Just imagine everyone digging in, the compliments flowing, and you feeling like the culinary superstar you are. Or at least, like you didn’t burn the house down. Either way, you nailed it!
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Substitutions & Variations
While preparing Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, I often think about how easy it’s to customize this dish to fit my taste or what I’ve on hand.
For instance, if I’m low on bell peppers, I might toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini instead. When it comes to the beef, I’ve used flank steak or even chicken for variety.
If I want to spice things up, I’ll add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. I also love experimenting with different types of soy sauce, like teriyaki for a sweeter twist.
Finally, I sometimes swap out the garlic for ginger, which gives the dish a fresh, zesty flavor. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Though I love savoring Slow Cooker Pepper Steak on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further.
I often serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the savory sauce beautifully. Steamed broccoli or green beans add a pop of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the steak.
For a heartier option, I might include some garlic mashed potatoes, which complement the flavors perfectly. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette does the trick.
Finally, don’t forget crusty bread; it’s ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce. Trust me, these sides will take your meal to the next level!
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, a few additional tips can enhance your cooking experience.
First, don’t skip browning the steak; it adds depth to the flavor. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
For a fresher taste, toss in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving.
If you’re short on time, you can prep the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them, making it easier to toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning.
Finally, remember to adjust seasoning to your taste before serving.
Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget the rice; it’s the perfect base for this flavorful dish!