If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation. Packed with tender strips of steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar creates a rich, savory sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot.
- Customizable: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a versatile meal that fits your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 3 lbs flank steak (cut into thin strips)
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups soy sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 green peppers, sliced
- 2 red peppers, sliced
Optional: Serve with steamed rice, spaghetti noodles, steamed veggies, or quinoa.
Directions
- Prep the Steak: Start by cutting the flank steak into thin strips. Place the strips in a large ziplock bag, add the corn starch, seal the bag, and shake it well to coat the steak evenly.
- Brown the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated steak strips and brown them on all sides, stirring occasionally. This step locks in the flavor and should take about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Slow Cook the Steak: Transfer the browned steak to your slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours.
- Add the Veggies: After 4 1/2 hours of cooking, add the sliced onions, green peppers, and red peppers to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for an additional 1 1/2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the steak is fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak works beautifully in this recipe, but you can also use skirt steak or sirloin if you prefer.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli, for extra color and nutrition.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak lies in its simplicity. The slow cooking process allows the steak to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce infuses every bite with bold, savory flavors. The addition of fresh bell peppers and onions adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant color, making this dish both visually appealing and delicious.
Perfect Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Rice: A classic choice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Spaghetti Noodles: For a fun twist, serve it over noodles for a pepper steak pasta vibe.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, low-carb option that still tastes amazing.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a household favorite!