There’s something truly magical about the slow melding of flavors in a crock pot, especially as the seasons shift and the air gets a chill. 🍂 My latest culinary adventure took me back to a cherished family recipe that screams comfort with every spoonful: Crock Pot Pepper Steak. This dish is a warm embrace on a cool evening, perfect for those busy days when you just want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal that feels like a hug.
My journey with this recipe began a few autumns ago after a brisk day of apple picking with friends in upstate New York. We returned, cold and famished, to the delightful aroma of pepper steak that had been slowly cooking while we were away. It was then, amidst laughter and leaf-peeping stories, that I realized the power of a good slow cooker recipe.
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about how simple spices, a good cut of beef, and fresh vegetables can transform into something spectacular with a little time and low heat. The blend of diced tomatoes, tender strips of beef, and a mix of bell peppers and onions, all steeped in a savory soy sauce base, makes each bite deeply satisfying.
For those who love a twist or perhaps a little tweak here and there, consider adding a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor or a sprinkle of chili flakes to turn up the heat. Each modification not only enhances the dish but also makes it uniquely yours. And isn’t that what home cooking is all about?
So, whether you’re reminiscing about good times, creating new memories, or simply rushing between work and home, this pepper steak recipe promises to pause time, even if just for dinner. Dive into the detailed recipe below and let your crock pot do the rest!
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
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We will need:
- 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 pound beef round steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1 red or green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by placing the beef pieces in the slow cooker. Combine with flour, salt, and pepper, mixing by hand to evenly coat each piece of meat.
Introduce the onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms, and soy sauce to the slow cooker, layering them over the meat.
Secure the lid and set the cooker on LOW. Let it cook for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
To serve, spoon the pepper steak over a bed of freshly cooked rice if you like.
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours Preparation Time: 15 minutes Total Time: About 8 hours and 15 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a popular dish known for its rich flavors and tender meat. By using a slow cooker, the steak becomes incredibly juicy and infused with the aromatic ingredients. With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of this flavorful recipe.
FAQs:
Can I add other vegetables to this Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe?
Indeed, this recipe is quite versatile. Alongside the bell peppers and onions, consider adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or even snap peas for added texture and flavor. Importantly, these should be added towards the end of the cooking process, as they cook faster and can become overly soft if cooked too long.
How can I thicken the sauce in my Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
To thicken the sauce, you can whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. Once mixed, gradually introduce this mixture into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. This method will enhance the sauce consistency without altering the flavor significantly.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the Crock Pot?
Browning the beef is not strictly necessary but it is highly beneficial. By doing so, it not only enhances the meat’s flavor through caramelization but also adds a richer, deeper color to the dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef round steak cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large onion sliced thinly into half-moons
- 1 red or green bell pepper seeded and sliced
- 1 can 14 to 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can 4 ounces sliced, mushrooms, drained
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Cooked rice if desired, for serving
Instructions
- Place the pieces of beef in your slow cooker. Sprinkle with the flour, salt and pepper. Toss with your hands to coat the meat with the flour. (For extra flavor I used a couple of teaspoons of Montreal Steak Seasoning, instead of salt and pepper.)
- Add the onion, pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms and soy sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Serve over cooked rice, if desired.
