Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender as it absorbs the rich flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for busy days, this recipe is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and serves up beautifully with rice or noodles.
This recipe is ideal for meal prep, filling the house with an amazing aroma as it cooks, and yields a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, requiring only simple prep and minimal monitoring.
• Rich, Savory Flavor: A blend of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar makes a robust sauce that perfectly complements the beef and peppers.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking.
Ingredients:
• 3 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips
• 4 bell peppers, sliced (mix of colors for vibrant presentation)
• 2 onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups soy sauce
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Steak
• Slice the flank steak into thin strips. Place the sliced steak in a large ziplock bag with the cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake until all beef strips are evenly coated. This step helps thicken the sauce and gives the steak a tender texture.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
• In the slow cooker, combine olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Add the Beef
• Place the coated beef strips into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to ensure they’re submerged in the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
• Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for approximately 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain heat and ensure the meat cooks evenly and tenderly.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
• About 1 1/2 hours before the end of the cooking time, slice the bell peppers and onions and add them to the slow cooker. Re-cover and let the vegetables cook until they are tender but still vibrant.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
• Once done, give the pepper steak a gentle stir to mix everything well. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the flavorful sauce with each bite of tender beef.
Tips:
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and bell peppers will give the dish a more vibrant flavor.
• Customize the Heat: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve an additional tablespoon of cornstarch in a small amount of water, then stir it into the sauce at the end and let it cook for a few more minutes.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
• Freezer: This dish freezes well. Transfer cooled pepper steak to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the warmth of home-cooked flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
