This tasty Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a simple and satisfying meal. Tender beef, colorful peppers, and a savory sauce cook together slowly for a delicious dish that’s full of flavor!
It’s perfect for busy days! I love throwing everything in the pot in the morning and coming home to a scrumptious smell. Serve it over rice, and dinner is ready—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for this recipe as it becomes tender when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for a substitution, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Both will work well, just ensure they are sliced thinly.
Bell Peppers: I like using a mix of green and red for color and flavor variety. If you prefer other colors, yellow or orange bell peppers can add a nice sweetness. You can even add a bit of chopped poblano for a mild spice.
Oyster Sauce: This ingredient boosts flavor, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, try using hoisin sauce or simply omit it. You won’t lose too much flavor, and it’ll still taste great!
Beef Broth: Using beef broth adds richness, but vegetable broth or chicken broth can be good alternatives if you’re looking for something lighter.
How Do I Get the Steak Perfectly Tender in a Crock Pot?
The key to tender steak lies in the slow cooking method. Searing the flank steak first adds flavor and helps maintain juices. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the olive oil until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Add the beef strips in batches; don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes until browned, then remove to prevent overcooking.
- Combine the seared steak with veggies and sauce in the crock pot, ensuring everything is coated.
Slow cooking lets the flavors meld while breaking down the fibers in the meat. Just be patient; cooking it on low for 6-8 hours yields the best results!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty crock pot pepper steak takes about 20 minutes to prep, then you let your slow cooker do the work! Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender and flavorful. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced flank steak. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely browned. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
In your Crock Pot, add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and the minced garlic. Give it a gentle stir so the veggies are well mixed.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, black pepper, salt, and ground ginger (if using). Whisk it all together until smooth. Pour this delicious sauce over the vegetables in the Crock Pot.
4. Combine Meat and Veggies:
Place the seared flank steak on top of the veggies and sauce in the Crock Pot. Gently stir everything together so that the steak is mixed in with the vegetables and sauce.
5. Cook It Up:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the steak to be tender and the vegetables to be cooked just right.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give everything a good stir to combine. Serve your flavorful crock pot pepper steak hot over your choice of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can use sirloin, chuck roast, or even round steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; tougher cuts may need a bit longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can simply omit it or substitute it with a bit of hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a dash of sugar for a similar sweet and salty flavor.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots work great in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different vegetables might cook at different rates; add quicker-cooking veggies later in the process.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist while reheating.
