Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a delightful dish that combines tender beef with colorful bell peppers and a flavorful sauce. It’s an easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy days. Just set it in your crock pot and let it cook for a few hours, filling your home with a wonderful aroma.

Why Make This Recipe There are many reasons to make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. First, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s also a one-pot dish, which means less cleanup for you! The slow cooking process helps the beef become incredibly tender. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the vegetables and seasonings.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Start by sprinkling garlic powder over the beef sirloin strips. You can add more or less depending on your taste.
2. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until they are browned.
3. Once the beef is seared, transfer it to your slow cooker.
4. In a separate container, mix the beef bouillon cube with 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir until the bouillon is dissolved. Then add the cornstarch and mix until it is dissolved.
5. Pour this bouillon and cornstarch mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
6. Add the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with the liquid), soy sauce, white sugar, and salt. Stir everything well to combine.
7. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender the beef will become.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Once the dish is done, you can serve it hot over rice or noodles. This will soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’d like to add a little color and flavor.

How to Store Pepper Steak If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.

Tips to Make Pepper Steak

• Use a meat thermometer to check if the beef is tender and fully cooked.
• You can add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• For a little kick, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Variation If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can use chicken instead of beef. Follow the same steps, but reduce the cooking time slightly since chicken cooks faster.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
   Yes, but it’s better to thaw the beef first for even cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare and cook it the night before and just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
   Yes, adding some chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce can spice things up nicely!

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is sure to become a family favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Enjoy!