Why You’ll Love this Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself, you’ll love this Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak recipe.
I adore how it fills my home with mouthwatering aromas while I go about my day. The best part? It’s simple! Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
The tender beef mingles beautifully with the vibrant peppers and savory sauce, creating a satisfying dish that warms the soul. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients of Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
When it comes to making a delicious Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak, having the right ingredients is key to bringing all those rich flavors together. The wonderful thing about this recipe is that it requires simple, everyday ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge. You don’t need anything fancy, just good quality beef and some fresh veggies to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some colorful peppers and onions, which are always a hit.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
- 2 lbs top round steaks, trimmed (1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can peeled chopped tomatoes, undrained
- 2 large green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch wide strips
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Hot cooked noodles or rice (for serving)
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations when gathering your ingredients. First off, don’t be shy about using fresh bell peppers; they add such a vibrant crunch and flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even swap out the green peppers for red or yellow ones for a sweeter twist. Also, when it comes to the beef, top round is great for slow cooking, but feel free to experiment with a different cut if you have a favorite.
Just remember, the key to tender steak is low and slow cooking, so whatever you choose, make sure it’s suitable for that.
And hey, if you’re like me and occasionally forget to pick up soy sauce, you can always use a substitute like tamari or even make a simple homemade version in a pinch. The world of cooking is all about flexibility, right?
How to Make Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
To make a delicious Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak, start by prepping your ingredients. First, take 2 lbs of top round steaks and cut them into roughly 3-inch pieces. This will help them cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.
Heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown those steak pieces until they’re nice and golden on all sides. It’s a bit of a dance in the kitchen, but trust me, that browning is where the flavor magic happens.
Once they’re beautifully browned, transfer the steak pieces to a 4-quart slow cooker.
Now, let’s pile on those beautiful veggies. Open a 14 1/2 ounce can of peeled chopped tomatoes (don’t drain it; we want all that juicy goodness) and toss it into the slow cooker along with 2 large green bell peppers cut into 1-inch wide strips and 1 cup of chopped onion.
It’s like a colorful party in there already. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Pour this flavorful mixture over the steak and veggies in the slow cooker. Cover it up and set that slow cooker on high for about 7 hours.
When the time’s up, you’ll want to thicken it up a bit. So, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of cold water in a small bowl, stirring until it’s all smooth.
Pour this into the slow cooker, mix it in gently, and then cook uncovered on high for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will give your pepper steak a nice, rich sauce that just begs to be spooned over hot cooked noodles or rice.
And voilà, dinner is served! Just remember, if you’re like me and sometimes forget to set the timer or get lost in the wonderful world of cooking, it’s totally okay. Just embrace the journey, and your pepper steak will still turn out delicious.
Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak recipe is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore to make it your own.
For a leaner option, try using chicken or turkey instead of beef. You can switch up the bell peppers with colorful varieties like red or yellow for a sweeter taste.
Adding mushrooms or zucchini can boost the veggie content, too. If you want a kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Finally, experimenting with different sauces, like teriyaki or hoisin, can give your dish a unique twist that’ll excite your taste buds!
What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
After exploring some tasty substitutions and variations for Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this flavorful dish.
I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or hearty egg noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. A crisp green salad adds a revitalizing crunch, while steamed broccoli or green beans brings in some color and nutrients.
For a heartier meal, consider garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. Finally, don’t forget a glass of red wine or a light iced tea to enhance the dining experience.
Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although it’s tempting to dive right into enjoying your Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak, a few additional tips can enhance your experience.
First, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes after cooking; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
I also recommend using fresh bell peppers for better texture and flavor. Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables, like mushrooms or broccoli—there’s no right or wrong here!
Enjoying your meal over hot, fluffy rice or noodles makes every bite even more satisfying.