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Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak
To make this mouthwatering Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak (or your preferred cut of beef), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the steak)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or a mix of both)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (for rich flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (adds depth of flavor and saltiness)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (for an additional layer of savory flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (to balance the savory with a bit of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (to mix with the cornstarch)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for a burst of freshness)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for those who like extra heat)
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time and leaving you free to focus on other things while your Crock Pot works its magic. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Brown the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
While you can skip this step, browning the steak before adding it to the Crock Pot adds extra flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak to the pan in batches, searing each side for 1–2 minutes, or until browned. Once done, transfer the browned steak to the Crock Pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften, then transfer them to the Crock Pot with the steak.
Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, oregano, and paprika (if using) into the Crock Pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The steak will become tender, and the vegetables will soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the cooking time is complete, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the Crock Pot and stir well. Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on high to allow the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
Step 6: Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve! Spoon the pepper steak mixture over a bed of cooked rice, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Effortless Meal: With minimal prep time, the Crock Pot does all the work, making this a hassle-free meal for busy days.
- Tender, Flavorful Beef: The slow cooking method guarantees that the steak is tender and infused with rich, savory flavors.
- Customizable: Add more veggies, spice it up with hot sauce or crushed red pepper, or even swap out the beef for chicken if preferred. The recipe is flexible to suit your tastes.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of savory sauces, sweet brown sugar, and the subtle heat of black pepper creates a balanced and irresistible dish that will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Leftovers are a Bonus: Pepper Steak keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors only get better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or to enjoy later in the week.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Meal That’s Sure to Please
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is an easy, delicious, and comforting meal that delivers big on flavor without requiring hours of effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just a craving for tender beef with a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with rice to soak up all the delicious sauce, and enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness of this irresistible meal!
This recipe is a great example of how a Crock Pot can transform everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dish. Once you give it a try, you’ll be hooked on the ease and flavor of slow-cooked meals like this one!
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