Pepper Steak (Crockpot)
Try this Pepper Steak Crockpot recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pepper Steak Crockpot recipe, or contribute your own.
- garlic powder to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 lbs beef sirloin cut into 2 inch strips
- 1 cube beef bouillon or 1/4 cup beef broth (if using omit water)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes do not drain
- 1 large green bell pepper sliced into strips (i tend to use whatever color peppers i have on hand)
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced into strips
- Carbohydrate 90.7161044486499 g
- Cholesterol 471.7360648 mg
- Fat 162.800305263215 g
- Fiber 22.6902000659855 g
- Protein 206.26315587135 g
- Saturated Fat 54.9988281300672 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2371g)
- Sodium 534.257092492183 mg
- Sugar 68.0259043826644 g
- Trans Fat 18.4247665056864 g
- Calories 2641 calories
Step-by-step
- Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder.
- Preheat a large skillet over high heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips.
- Do not cook the beef, you just want to brown it fast, about a minute is all it takes if your oil is hot enough (it will sizzle when you place the meat in the pan).
- Do not crowd the beef in the pan, brown it in batches.
- Transfer to a crockpot.
- Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved. You can use beef broth in place of the bouillon cube and water.
- Mix the cornstarch in the broth until dissolved.
- Pour into the crockpot with meat.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and white sugar.
- Pour into the crockpot and stir to combine with the meat and bouillon mixture.
- Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
- About an hour and a half before serving, add the peppers and onion to the crockpot. Adding them at this point will cook them and retain their crispness. I find that adding them at the beginning will overcook them and be mushy.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a mixture of 1 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the crockpot when adding the vegetables.
- Serve over rice.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Crockpot Pepper Steak
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other things that fill a typical day, spending hours in the kitchen simply isn't an option. That's why I've become a huge fan of crockpot recipes, and this Pepper Steak recipe is a real winner in my household. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and tastes amazing! The best part? It's ready just in time for dinner, even on the busiest of days. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a future night, because we can never seem to have enough!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You essentially brown the beef, toss it in the crockpot with a few simple ingredients, and let the magic happen. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tender, flavorful steak that's incredibly satisfying. I love the versatility of this recipe too. You can easily adapt it to your liking. For instance, if I'm feeling adventurous, I might throw in some mushrooms or different types of peppers. Sometimes, I even add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of depth. The possibilities are truly endless!
Why this recipe works so well:
- Minimal prep time: The browning process takes only a few minutes, and the rest is simply mixing and pouring.
- Hands-off cooking: Once it's in the crockpot, you're free to focus on other things.
- Delicious and satisfying: The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked vegetables make for a truly enjoyable meal.
- Adaptable: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep: Easily double the recipe and freeze for future meals.
I often serve this Pepper Steak over rice, but it's also fantastic with mashed potatoes or even just a simple green salad. It's a complete meal in itself, offering a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. It's become a staple in our family's weekly meal rotation, and I'm sure it will quickly become a favorite in yours too. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a bit of patience. The slow cooking process transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. It reminds me that even on the busiest days, there's always time to create something nourishing and delicious. The aroma that fills the house as the pepper steak simmers is a comforting reminder that even amidst chaos, there's always room for simple joys and good food.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a reminder that taking care of ourselves, even in small ways, is essential. It’s a reminder to prioritize nourishment, both for our bodies and our souls. And let’s be honest, who doesn't need a little bit of that in their lives?
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Experiment with different types of peppers – poblanos, jalapeños, or even a mix of colors.
- Add other vegetables, like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Use a different cut of beef, such as chuck roast or stew meat.
- Thicken the sauce further by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
