Description
A flavorful and fuss-free slow cooker pepper steak with tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions in a tangy savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips
- 1 large onion (yellow or white), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into 1/4 inch strips. Toss the beef in a bowl with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Marinate while prepping veggies or up to 1 hour.
- Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and slice the onion similarly. Mince the garlic finely.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef strips in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through.
- Layer the sliced onions and bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the garlic on top, then spread the marinated beef evenly over the veggies. Pour any leftover marinade over everything.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until beef is tender and peppers are softened but not mushy.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the crock pot, then turn heat to high. Cook for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Searing the beef before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. Marinate beef for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If sauce is too thick after adding slurry, add beef broth to loosen. Can substitute tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version, cooking 2-3 hours on low.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crock pot pepper steak, slow cooker beef recipe, bell peppers and onions, easy dinner, flank steak recipe, weeknight meal