Craving a delicious, flavorful dinner but short on time? This Pepper Steak Crock Pot recipe is your answer! Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove; let your slow cooker work its magic to create a tender, juicy, and incredibly satisfying pepper steak that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. This easy recipe delivers big on taste without sacrificing convenience – making it a staple in our house, and soon, hopefully, yours too!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning the beef (see tips below)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Beef (Optional Browning)
For even richer flavor, you can optionally brown the beef cubes before adding them to the slow cooker. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor.
Step 2: Assembling in the Crock Pot
Place the browned (or un-browned) beef cubes in your slow cooker. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
Step 5: Serving
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over cooked rice or noodles. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect on its own, but you can also add a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra tender beef: Use a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast or stew meat. The slow cooking process will break down the tougher fibers resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes or other root vegetables directly to the slow cooker during the cooking process.
- Thicken the sauce: If your sauce isn't thick enough after cooking, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and variations)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Pepper Steak Crock Pot recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it can be to create delicious, healthy meals using simple ingredients and minimal effort. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and the amazing flavors will keep your family asking for seconds! Enjoy!