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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a flavorful, hands-off meal featuring tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and a rich savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Perfect for busy schedules, this dish requires minimal prep and slow cooks to tender perfection, offering a comforting and convenient dinner that’s great for families and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

  • 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite-sized texture.
  2. Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat oil in a hot skillet and quickly sear the beef strips until browned. This step adds flavor and depth, then transfer beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and beef broth to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  4. Slow Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours. This allows the beef to become tender while softening the vegetables just enough to retain some crunch.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly to ensure quick tenderizing and better flavor absorption.
  • Searing the beef is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking to avoid a gummy sauce texture.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the most vibrant flavor and aroma.
  • Cook on low heat to achieve tender meat without toughness.

Nutrition

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