Hearty Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe: Fuss-Free Comfort Food

Slow cooker pepper steak promises a mouthwatering journey into comfort food magic that brings tender meat and vibrant flavors together.

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by an aroma that whispers promises of a delicious meal waiting to surprise you.

Rich, savory notes will dance through your home as this classic dish simmers gently, developing complex layers of taste with minimal effort.

The magic happens when simple ingredients meld together, creating a culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Tender strips of beef nestle among colorful bell peppers, absorbing incredible seasonings while cooking effortlessly throughout the day.

Your dinner becomes an adventure of taste, crafting basic ingredients into something remarkable with just a few simple steps.

This recipe offers a perfect solution for busy individuals seeking a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak That’s Tender and Flavor-Packed

• Slow cookers transform tough flank steak into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat with minimal hands-on preparation, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.
• The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic creates a deeply rich, sweet-savory sauce that perfectly coats the beef and vegetables, delivering restaurant-quality taste at home.
• This recipe eliminates multiple cooking steps by allowing all ingredients to simmer together, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation incredibly simple and stress-free.
• Whether you prefer rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this pepper steak adapts to different side dishes, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Flank Steak: Tender cut perfect for slow cooking, best when sliced against the grain for maximum softness.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy exterior on the beef and thickens the sauce, works best when coating meat evenly.

• Olive Oil, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce, Water: Creates a rich, sweet, and savory liquid foundation for the slow-cooked steak.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce, fresh is best for maximum taste.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Provide color, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the dish, mixed colors make the presentation more vibrant.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Tender Beef Strips

• Cut flank steak into thin strips using a sharp knife
• Place beef strips in a large resealable plastic bag
• Add cornstarch to the bag
• Seal and shake vigorously until beef is completely coated
• Set aside for marinating

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Grab your slow cooker
• Pour in olive oil
• Add brown sugar
• Combine soy sauce
• Include water
• Toss in minced garlic
• Whisk ingredients until sugar completely dissolves
• Gently add coated beef strips
• Spread strips evenly across sauce

Step 3: Slow Cook The Meat

• Cover slow cooker with lid
• Set temperature to low
• Cook for approximately 6 hours
• Avoid opening lid frequently to maintain consistent heat
• Let meat slowly tenderize in rich sauce

Step 4: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Slice bell peppers into strips
• Chop onions into medium-sized pieces
• Add vegetables to slow cooker
• Stir gently to combine
• Continue cooking for final 1.5 hours

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

• Transfer pepper steak to serving platter
• Pair with steamed rice
• Alternative serving options: noodles or mashed potatoes
• Spoon extra sauce over dish
• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired

Cooking Tips for a Juicy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Coat Carefully: Ensure each beef strip is completely and evenly covered with cornstarch for a perfect crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Minimize Lid Lifting: Keep the slow cooker sealed to maintain consistent temperature and prevent heat loss, which helps achieve tender, succulent meat.
• Slice Strategically: Cut beef strips against the grain into thin, uniform pieces to guarantee maximum tenderness and easier eating experience.
• Timing is Key: Add bell peppers and onions later in cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
• Sauce Sensation: Let the steak simmer in the rich, sweet-savory sauce to develop deep, complex flavors that will make this dish absolutely delicious.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Pepper Steak Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pepper steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed thoroughly.
• Revive on Stovetop: Gently warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and restore the sauce's original consistency.

Flavor Pairings That Work with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Boost Sweet-Savory Contrast: Pair this rich pepper steak with a crisp Riesling wine that balances the dish's sweetness and cuts through the soy sauce's saltiness.
• Complement Hearty Flavors: Serve alongside roasted garlic green beans or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw to add brightness and crunch to the tender meat.
• Cool Down with Refreshment: Match the meal with an ice-cold Asian beer like Sapporo or Tsingtao, which will cleanse the palate and enhance the pepper steak's robust flavors.
• Create Textural Harmony: Top the dish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions to introduce a nutty crunch that contrasts the soft, slow-cooked beef and peppers.

Unique Variations on the Classic Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Asian Fusion Pepper Steak: Replace brown sugar with honey and add ginger and sesame oil for an authentic Asian flavor profile. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra complexity.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Pepper Steak: Incorporate chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder into the sauce. Serve with warm tortillas and top with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Pepper Steak: Substitute soy sauce with red wine, add rosemary and thyme. Mix in kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes during the last hour of cooking for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pepper Steak: Skip the cornstarch coating and replace rice with cauliflower rice. Add extra bell peppers and reduce sauce for a keto-friendly version that maintains rich, savory flavors.

Questions About Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, Answered

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with chuck roast or sirloin. Just ensure the meat is sliced thinly for the best texture and tenderness.

• How long can I store leftover pepper steak?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain moisture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the soy sauce contains gluten. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Can I freeze this pepper steak?

Absolutely! Cool the steak completely, then freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pepper steak simmers with rich Asian-inspired flavors, bringing comfort and depth to classic dinner plates. Tender beef strips mingle with sweet bell peppers and savory sauce, delivering a simple meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) flank steak (sliced into thin strips)

Vegetables:

• 4 bell peppers (sliced, mixed colors)
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (60 grams) corn starch
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar (packed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flank steak by cutting it into thin, uniform strips, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
2. Thoroughly coat the meat strips with cornstarch by placing them in a sealed bag and gently shaking, creating a light, protective layer that will help thicken the sauce and provide a delicate exterior.
3. Create a rich cooking liquid in the slow cooker by whisking together olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and minced garlic until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is well-integrated.
4. Carefully arrange the cornstarch-coated beef strips into the liquid, spreading them evenly to ensure maximum flavor absorption and consistent cooking.
5. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the meat to simmer gently for approximately 5-6 hours, maintaining a sealed environment to preserve moisture and develop deep, complex flavors.
6. Roughly 90 minutes before the cooking cycle completes, slice bell peppers and onions into colorful, substantial strips that will add texture and sweetness to the dish.
7. Gently fold the sliced vegetables into the slow cooker, ensuring they are nestled among the beef strips without disturbing the cooking process.
8. Once cooking is complete, the beef should be incredibly tender and infused with the savory sauce, with vegetables softened but still retaining a slight crispness.
9. Serve the pepper steak over your preferred base such as steamed rice, fluffy noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to cascade over the accompaniment.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by coating with cornstarch, which helps create a crispy exterior and locks in moisture during slow cooking.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
• Cooking on low heat for 6 hours breaks down tough muscle fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender steak strips.
• Add bell peppers and onions later in the cooking process to maintain their texture and prevent overcooking.
• Versatile serving options include rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 473
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg