Savory Slow Cooker Pepper Steak for Easy Dinner Nights
Oh, let me tell you about this Savory Slow Cooker Pepper Steak! It’s like a big, warm hug on a plate… seriously, the moment it starts cooking, your kitchen fills up with this amazing, mouth-watering aroma that just makes you feel at home. Tender slices of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce all mingle together for hours… it’s comfort food like no other. Perfect for those nights when you don’t want to stand at the stove, right? Just set it and forget it, and you’ll be so glad you did!
Why You’ll Crave It
- It’s super simple, no fuss – just chop, toss, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- The flavors deepen so beautifully over time… trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Great for meal prep or family dinners, leftovers are just as tasty, if not better.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies, make it your own, you know?
- This dish genuinely feels like a warm, cozy evening wrapped up with loved ones.
Honestly, my family fights over the last bit of this stuff. It’s that good!
What You’ll Need
- Beef steak: about 1 ½ pounds, cut into thin strips against the grain.
- Bell peppers: 2 cups total, sliced up—mix those colors for pizzazz.
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced, because everything’s better with onion, right?
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced… it just brings everything to life.
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup, adds that lovely umami kick.
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup, helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, to thicken up that delicious sauce.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, because we like a little spice.
- Salt: to taste… go easy at first, you can always add more later!
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing those veggies.
- Optional: Cooked rice or noodles to serve it over, really makes it a meal!
Easy How-To
Let’s Get Cooking
Alright, first up, you gotta slice your beef into those thin strips—this is kinda important, it helps the meat stay tender as it cooks, you know? Then, chop up your bell peppers and onion, all nice and neat. Next, in a bowl, mix your beef with soy sauce and black pepper, just toss it around until everything’s coated… it’s like giving it a mini massage. Meanwhile, heat a skillet, add your olive oil, and sauté the onion until it’s translucent—that means soft and kinda see-through. Toss in the bell peppers and let them get just a little soft, too. Now, here’s where the magic happens! Transfer those veggies into your slow cooker, layer the beef on top, pour in that beef broth, and any other seasonings you like—garlic is a must! Cover it up, set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, then just kick back and relax… I mean, how easy is that? Oh! And don’t forget to whisk together some cornstarch and water about half an hour before you’re ready to eat to thicken up that sauce. It’s gonna be so good, you won’t believe it!
Good to Know
- Honestly, it’s best with cuts like flank or sirloin—really tender and flavorful!
- Feel free to throw in some other veggies if you have them lying around—zucchini could be nice.
- Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker, so peek at it a bit, and adjust if you need to.
Serving Ideas
- Serve it over a big bowl of fluffy rice or a nice, warm bed of noodles, it’s just perfection!
Top Tricks
- Mix and match those veggies. Whatever you have can add a fun twist to this classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of meat?
Oh, totally! You can swap in other cuts like sirloin or even round steak, just bear in mind that cooking times might change a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
How long should I cook pepper steak in a slow cooker?
So, typically, you want it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just until the beef is super tender… it’s worth the wait!
Can I add more vegetables?
Oh for sure! Adding in more veggies like carrots or even mushrooms? Yes, please! It makes the dish livelier and so much more colorful.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can certainly lighten it up! Use lean cuts of meat, reduce that oil a bit, and load up on those veggies to increase the fiber. You can feel good about it!
How do I store leftovers?
Just pop those leftovers in an airtight container and store ‘em in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat before serving, and it’ll be just as yummy!
Conclusion
So that’s it, the slow cooker pepper steak is this delightful dish that honestly pulls it all together… tender beef, crunchy peppers, that rich sauce—it’s like a hug, but in food form. Perfect for busy nights or laid-back evenings with friends. And the fact that you can tweak it however you like? That makes it a winner in my book!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Pair some colorful stir-fried veggies with tofu or chicken, it’s a quick and healthy complement to this pepper steak!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serving creamy garlic mashed potatoes on the side? Yesss, that’s a wonderful mix of comforting flavors!
Steamed Broccoli
Add in some steamed broccoli—it’s so vibrant and adds a nice crunch to your plate.
Asian Noodle Salad
Keep it light and refreshing with an Asian noodle salad, it pairs wonderfully!
Rice or Quinoa
And, of course, serving it over fluffy rice or quinoa lets you soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Enjoy!