👉 peppersteak – Recipes on a Budget

Crockpot Pepper Steak: A Simple, Comforting Classic for Busy Women

There’s something deeply soothing about the simplicity of a slow-cooked meal, especially one that practically makes itself while you’re out and about. Crockpot Pepper Steak is the ultimate “set it and forget it” recipe that fills your home with irresistible aromas and gives you a hearty, flavor-packed dinner when you’re ready. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, tender noodles, or enjoy it as a low-carb option, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Let’s dive into how you can make this pepper steak a breeze with my personal touches and expert tips!

Beef Sirloin Strips
The star of the dish! Sirloin is tender and flavorful, but you can use any cut of beef that holds up well to slow cooking, like flank steak. Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for the best texture.

Bell Peppers
Choose colorful bell peppers—red, yellow, and green. They not only add a sweet crunch but also make the dish visually appealing. Thick slices ensure they maintain their structure during slow cooking.

Onion
A large onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Slice it thickly so that it doesn’t turn mushy in the crockpot.

Garlic Cloves
Garlic enhances the savory richness of this meal. Use fresh cloves for the best flavor, but in a pinch, minced garlic from a jar works too.

Beef Broth & Bouillon Cubes
These two work together to create a robust base. The beef broth provides the liquid, while the bouillon cubes boost the umami flavor. Feel free to substitute with low-sodium broth and cubes if you’re watching your salt intake.

Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce
These bring the savory, tangy depth that gives the dish its Chinese-inspired flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, use tamari in place of soy sauce.

Honey
Just a hint of honey balances out the saltiness with a touch of sweetness. You could also use brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing glass or bowl, combine the hot beef broth, beef bouillon cubes (crushed), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Add a pinch of ground ginger, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon cubes completely.

2. Arrange the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Layer the beef sirloin strips evenly on the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. Pour the sauce over the beef, making sure every piece is coated.

3. Add Vegetables on Top
Place the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves on top of the beef. This prevents the veggies from becoming too mushy by shielding them from the direct heat at the bottom of the crockpot.

4. Cook on Low or High
Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

5. Stir and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, give the dish a good stir to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Valuable Tips for Seamless Cooking

Prep Ahead
If you’re pressed for time in the mornings, prep everything the night before. Slice the beef and veggies, and mix the sauce so all you have to do is toss everything into the crockpot.

Choose the Right Beef Cut
If you can’t find sirloin, flank steak or even chuck roast will work. Just adjust the cooking time—tougher cuts need a longer cooking period to become tender.

Don’t Skip the Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the dish, providing all the flavor. If you like a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the beef broth before pouring it into the crockpot.

Make it Low-Carb
Skip the rice or noodles and serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing
Let the leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 4 days.

Freezing
You can freeze Crockpot Pepper Steak for up to 3 months. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, lay flat in the freezer for easy stacking, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or beef broth to prevent it from drying out, and stir occasionally until warmed through.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the beef overnight in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I substitute the beef for chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Sure! Mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots would make great additions, though be mindful that softer veggies may become mushy if cooked too long.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce for some heat.

7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your crockpot is large enough to handle the extra ingredients without overflowing.

8. Can I use powdered garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for the fresh garlic cloves.

9. How do I prevent my vegetables from getting too soft?
Place them on top of the beef, as the slow cooking process can make them soft if they sit in the liquid for too long.

10. Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?
Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours.

11. How do I cut the bell peppers evenly?
Use a sharp knife and slice them lengthwise for even, thick slices that hold up to the slow cooking.

12. Can I use a different kind of broth?
Yes, chicken or vegetable broth can be used in place of beef broth.

13. Is it possible to cook this dish without honey?
You can omit the honey if you prefer or replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

14. Can I add potatoes?
Yes, small diced potatoes can be added, but be aware that they might soak up some of the sauce.

15. How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
Reduce the soy sauce slightly and avoid adding any spicy elements.

16. What should I serve this with for a complete meal?
Rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes pair perfectly. A side salad or steamed veggies would complement it well too.

17. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, flank steak, chuck roast, or even stew meat works if cut into strips.

18. How do I keep the meat tender?
Slow cooking on low heat is key to keeping the beef tender. Avoid overcooking on high.

19. Can I use light soy sauce to reduce sodium?
Yes, light soy sauce is a great alternative for a lower-sodium dish.

20. What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep the dish moist.