This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a flavorful and tender dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish slowly cooks to perfection in your crock pot, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. The beef sirloin becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the peppers and tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin – Cut into 2-inch strips. This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender after hours of simmering.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder – Adjust to taste; this adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil – For browning the beef before it goes into the crock pot.
- 1 beef bouillon cube – Enhances the beefy flavor of the dish.
- ¼ cup hot water – Dissolves the bouillon cube, creating a flavorful broth base.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- ½ cup chopped onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor.
- 2 large green bell peppers – Roughly chopped; these provide a fresh, slightly sweet, and crunchy texture.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes – Include the liquid, as it adds a rich, tomato-based sauce to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds umami flavor and complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar – Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Start by cutting the beef sirloin into 2-inch strips. Sprinkle the strips with garlic powder to season them evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. This step locks in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the beef.
- Dissolve the Bouillon:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in ¼ cup of hot water. Stir until the bouillon is fully dissolved.
- Mix in the cornstarch with the bouillon mixture until smooth. This will be added to the crock pot later to thicken the sauce.
- Assemble the Crock Pot:
- Place the browned beef strips into the bottom of your crock pot.
- Add the chopped onion and roughly chopped green bell peppers on top of the beef. These vegetables will cook down and release their flavors into the sauce.
- Pour the stewed tomatoes (with their liquid) over the beef and vegetables. The tomatoes will create a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add the soy sauce, sugar, and salt to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the Bouillon Mixture:
- Pour the bouillon and cornstarch mixture over the contents of the crock pot. Stir again to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook:
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- If possible, stir the contents of the crock pot once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sauce from sticking to the sides.
- Serve:
- Once the cooking time is up, your pepper steak should be tender and full of flavor. Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes. The rich, savory sauce is perfect for spooning over your side dishes.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Browning: While it might be tempting to skip browning the beef, this step is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the dish. It seals in the juices and adds a caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like red bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for added flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce slightly. Alternatively, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, then cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Variations
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the crock pot for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki Flavor: Substitute the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more pronounced flavor.
- Ginger and Garlic: For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh minced garlic and grated ginger to the crock pot before cooking.
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for those days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow-cooked beef, tender peppers, and rich tomato-based sauce come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Serve it over rice or potatoes, and enjoy a dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!
