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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Both cuts are great for this recipe. Flank steak is lean and flavorful, while sirloin is tender. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you could use chuck roast or chicken for a different twist.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for that vibrant look! If you’re in a pinch, canned or frozen bell peppers can work too. If bell peppers aren’t your thing, try using snap peas or zucchini for a different flavor.
Onion: Regular yellow onions are a good choice, but you can also use sweet onions for a milder taste. Red onions can add a pop of color and slightly different flavor, too.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works well for convenience. If you’re avoiding beef, vegetable broth or chicken broth can also be great substitutes.
Cornstarch: This is optional, but it helps thicken the sauce. If you’re looking for alternatives, try arrowroot powder or use a simple reduction by cooking the sauce longer without it.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Searing the Beef?
Searing beef is all about building flavor. This step creates that lovely crust on the meat that enhances the overall dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If the beef strips are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the meat brown for 2-3 minutes without moving it around too much. This way, you’ll get a good color.
- Once seared, immediately transfer the beef to the Crock Pot to keep it warm and prevent overcooking.
Following these steps will ensure your beef is rich in flavor and adds a depth to your stew-like dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (red), sliced
- 1 bell pepper (green), sliced
- 1 bell pepper (yellow), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry if used)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After you get everything in the pot, just let it do its thing while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the slices of beef. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a nice brown color. This step adds a lot of flavor to your dish, so don’t skip it!
2. Adding to the Crock Pot:
Carefully transfer the browned beef to your Crock Pot. It’s okay if some juices come along; that just adds to the flavor!
3. Mixing in the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers, the sliced onion, and the minced garlic to the Crock Pot. Toss them all together with the beef.
4. Preparing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this tasty mixture over the meat and veggies in the Crock Pot, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
5. Slow Cooking:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should come out nice and tender, making it super yummy!
6. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir this into the Crock Pot and let it cook for the remaining time. This will help give your sauce a lovely thickness.
7. Finishing Touches:
Before serving, taste your creation and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjusting the seasoning is key to making it just right!
8. Serving:
Now it’s meal time! Serve your wonderful Crock Pot Pepper Steak over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy every bite of your hearty, flavorful dish!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If you don’t have flank steak or sirloin, you can use cuts like chuck roast or round steak. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may need longer cooking times to become tender, especially if using the low setting on your Crock Pot.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute due to dietary restrictions, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium choice. Both work well and will still give a flavorful kick to your dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just chop them into similar sizes as the bell peppers so they cook evenly, and consider adding heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process for best results!
