Okay, friends, get ready for a weeknight dinner game-changer! We’re talking about ridiculously tender, flavor-packed pepper steak, made effortlessly in your crock pot. Yes, you heard that right! Ditch the takeout and prepare to fall in love with this super easy, melt-in-your-mouth recipe. Trust me, once you try Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it this way all along. OMG, you DON’T want to lose this recipe!
Why Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a Lifesaver
Let’s face it, life is busy. Between work, kids, and everything else, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel impossible. That’s where the slow cooker swoops in to save the day! Crock pot pepper steak is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it also results in incredibly tender beef and perfectly softened veggies. Plus, the low and slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The Magic of Slow Cooking for Pepper Steak
The key to incredible pepper steak is tender beef. Traditional recipes often require searing and careful monitoring to avoid tough meat. The slow cooker bypasses all that fuss! The low temperature and extended cooking time break down the tough fibers in the beef, resulting in a fall-apart tender texture that’s simply irresistible. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal.
- Tenderizes the beef: Low and slow cooking breaks down tough fibers.
- Enhances flavor: Allows flavors to meld and deepen over time.
- Super convenient: Minimal hands-on cooking time.
What Kind of Beef to Use?
While you *can* use a more expensive cut like sirloin, the beauty of slow cooking is that it can transform a budget-friendly cut into something amazing. Chuck roast is the absolute best choice. It’s relatively inexpensive and has enough marbling to become incredibly tender and flavorful during the long cooking process. Round steak can also work, but might require a slightly longer cooking time.
Making the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak: The Recipe Breakdown
Ready to dive into the recipe? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate crock pot pepper steak. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 – 2 lbs Chuck Roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion, sliced
- 2 Bell Peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Cold Water
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp Brown Sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
- Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the crock pot. Top with the seared beef (or unseared if skipping the searing). Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. If using, stir in the brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pepper steak over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Don’t overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking can result in dry or mushy beef. Check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, or pepper to your liking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or celery to the crock pot for added flavor and nutrients.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use more cornstarch. Just be sure to mix it with cold water first to prevent clumps.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner
So there you have it! Crock pot pepper steak โ an incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Ditch the takeout, embrace the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the most tender and flavorful pepper steak you’ve ever had. Don’t forget to save this recipe โ you’ll thank me later!
