Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips or sirloin steak, cut into slices
- 3 large colorful bell peppers, sliced thick
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup hot beef broth
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Optional: Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice, noodles, or mashed/baked potatoes, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing glass, combine hot beef broth, beef bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Stir well, making sure to crush the bouillon cubes. This will create a flavorful sauce for your pepper steak.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the beef strips into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic on top of the beef. These colorful and aromatic vegetables will add great flavor and texture to your dish.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful pepper steak.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, check the consistency of the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the pepper steak is cooked to perfection and the sauce has thickened, stir well and transfer the dish to a serving dish. Serve the crockpot pepper steak over cooked rice, noodles, or alongside mashed or baked potatoes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Crockpot Pepper Steak! It’s the perfect fuss-free meal for a relaxing day, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day.
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use different cuts of beef for this recipe. Apart from sirloin, you can also use flank steak, ribeye, or even stew meat. Just ensure that the meat is cut into thin strips so it cooks properly in the slow cooker.
Q2: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the ingredients in the refrigerator overnight and then transfer them to the crockpot for cooking according to the recipe instructions.
Q3: Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
A3: Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of black pepper or by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the black pepper or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A4: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the crockpot.
Q5: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A5: Yes, you can double the recipe ingredients for a larger crowd. Just ensure that your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients. Cooking times may vary slightly with a larger batch, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it, especially if you’re using a different size crockpot.
Q6: How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last in the refrigerator?
A6: Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best quality and freshness. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce, as it can thicken in the fridge.
Q7: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop?
A7: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot or stovetop. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. For the stovetop, use a large skillet or wok, and cook the beef and vegetables over medium-high heat until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Enjoy your Crockpot Pepper Steak, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
