Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious and convenient meal that requires minimal effort, then this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is perfect for you. Tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce come together in the slow cooker to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. The best part? You can just set it and forget it until dinner time!

Ingredients

For the pepper steak:

• 2 pounds beef steak, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For serving:

• Steamed rice
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by thinly slicing the beef steak, bell peppers, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned on all sides. This will give the beef a nice caramelized flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful sauce that will coat the pepper steak as it cooks in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker

Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker, along with the sliced bell peppers and onion. Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Slow cook the pepper steak

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time will result in more tender beef, so if you have the time, opt for the low heat setting.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

Once the pepper steak is cooked to perfection, serve it over steamed rice. You can garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.

Variations

While this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is delicious as is, you can always add your own twist to it. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef steak with tofu or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix. Mushrooms, carrots, and snap peas make great additions.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe:

• Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for a tender cut like flank steak or sirloin for the best results.
• Slice the beef thinly: Thinly sliced beef will cook more evenly and be more tender.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar to taste.
• Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin for your liking, mix some cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is a fantastic option for a flavorful and hassle-free meal. With minimal prep work and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Try out this recipe and savor the tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and rich sauce that come together in perfect harmony.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for beef steak, you can easily substitute it with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Let the pepper steak cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Follow the steps up to searing the beef in a skillet, then transfer everything to a large pot. Simmer over low heat, covered, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

What other side dishes go well with this recipe?

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak pairs perfectly with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with noodles, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. Steamed broccoli or a green salad make great side options to add some freshness to the meal.

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak and savor the flavors that come from this effortless and delicious recipe!