Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of a warm, hearty dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while making dinner effortless, meet your new best friend: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. This dish perfectly marries tender, seared beef sirloin with vibrant green bell peppers and a savory sauce that simmers slowly to develop rich, deep flavors. Each bite bursts with a balanced mix of garlic, soy, and a hint of sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser any night of the week. Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is an absolute game-changer for those who love comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak together is a breeze, and the simplicity of this list is what makes the final dish so remarkable. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the juicy sirloin strips to the sweet and slightly tangy stewed tomatoes.

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips: The star protein, perfect for tender steaks that soak up all the flavors.
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic punch without overpowering the beef.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for searing the beef to lock in juices and create that gorgeous crust.
• 1 cube beef bouillon: Delivers a concentrated umami boost that deepens the sauce.
• ¼ cup hot water: For dissolving the bouillon and cornstarch, creating a thickened, flavorful base.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency, coating every ingredient.
• ½ cup chopped onion: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the meatiness.
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped: Offers a fresh, crisp contrast and bursts of color.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes with liquid: Adds a gentle acidity and body to the sauce, enhancing richness.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides saltiness and depth, amplifying the savory profile.
• 1 teaspoon white sugar: Balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of peppers and tomatoes.
• 1 teaspoon salt: To taste, tying all flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Start by sprinkling your beef sirloin strips generously with the garlic powder. Heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sear each strip for about 5 minutes per side until a rich, golden crust forms. This step is crucial because it seals in the juices and creates incredible flavor that will infuse the entire slow-cooked dish. Once seared, transfer those beautifully browned beef strips straight into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Next, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in ¼ cup of hot water, then stir in the cornstarch until everything is completely smooth—this mixture will become the luscious sauce that blankets your pepper steak. Pour this savory slurry over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauces

Add the chopped onion, rough-cut green bell peppers, and the canned stewed tomatoes with their liquid right on top. Then pour in the soy sauce followed by the white sugar and salt. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, letting all those flavors meld beautifully during the slow cooking process.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on High for 3 to 4 hours, or Low for 6 to 8 hours. Patience is key here, as the slow, steady heat will transform the beef until it’s meltingly tender and every ingredient has soaked up those luscious, peppery flavors. Your kitchen will start smelling like a dream come true!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Garnishes

For garnishing, fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds are wonderful options. They add a pop of freshness and a subtle nuttiness, giving the dish a delightful final touch that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with warm steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up the savory sauce perfectly. Alternatively, try it over egg noodles or alongside buttered quinoa for a slightly different but equally satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak over a bed of roasted vegetables or inside tender pita pockets for a pepper steak sandwich with a zesty, saucy filling. A drizzle of a light drizzle of lime juice right before serving can also brighten the dish and add a fresh zest that surprises and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak actually tastes even better the day after cooking because the flavors have more time to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy hearty, comforting meals later in the week.

Freezing

To keep your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak handy for busy days, freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain tenderness and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the pepper steak slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce remains luscious and the beef stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

Absolutely! While beef sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like flank steak or chuck, just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly as tougher cuts need more time to become tender.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing isn’t mandatory, but it really elevates the dish by locking in juices and adding a caramelized flavor that slow cooking alone can’t replicate. It’s worth those extra few minutes for the deeper taste.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the peppers and onions for a kick that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.

What can I substitute for stewed tomatoes?

In a pinch, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even fresh ripe tomatoes simmered a bit before adding. Stewed tomatoes, however, add a nice cooked-down sweetness that balances the sauce perfectly.

How do I know when the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is done?

Your pepper steak is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to a luscious consistency. This usually happens after 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about Slow Cooker Pepper Steak that makes it a staple in my kitchen. The ease of assembly, the slow cooking magic, and the vibrant, hearty flavors make it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Go ahead and try it this week—you might just discover your new favorite slow cooker meal!

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