Introduction
Gather around, friends! Today we’re diving into a deliciously cozy meal that will warm your heart and fill your stomach: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. This dish combines tender slices of flank steak with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onion, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that develops beautifully as it simmers away in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pepper steak is not just easy to prepare, but it’s also the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while it cooks. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, and black pepper to create a deliciously rich sauce.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak, searing it until golden brown on all sides. This step adds a delightful depth of flavor.
- Transfer the seared steak into the slow cooker. Layer the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic over the top of the steak.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure everything is well coated.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the steak to be fork-tender and infused with all the flavors.
- Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve the pepper steak over warm, fluffy cooked rice, and enjoy every bite!
Notes or Tips
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat. You can also mix up the types of bell peppers used, trying different colors or adding in some sliced mushrooms for variations. Leftovers can be refrigerated and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Cooking Techniques
Searing the flank steak before adding it to the slow cooker is a crucial technique that develops flavors and creates a caramelized crust. This helps to enrich the final dish, giving it a more complex taste that elevates the entire meal. Don’t skip this step—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes! While flank steak is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the meat.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! The pepper steak freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It should stay good for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delightful combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, making it a fantastic dish for family dinners or meal prep! It embodies the essence of comfort food and is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and treat yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal that warms both the belly and the soul!