Step 2: (Optional) Sear the Beef
While this step is optional, searing the beef in a skillet with a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat enhances its flavor. Sear the beef strips for about 2 minutes per side until browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through—just enough to get that caramelized flavor. Then, transfer the beef to the crock pot.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables to the Crock Pot
Place the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic over the beef in the crock pot. This layering allows the vegetables to slowly release their natural sweetness and infuse the beef with flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, sugar (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The beef will become tender, and the vegetables will soak up all the flavors of the sauce. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—slow cooking works best with consistent heat.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook for the remaining time. You’ll end up with a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and vegetables.
Step 7: Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve your crock pot pepper steak over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Use tender cuts of beef: Flank steak, sirloin, or top round work best. Tougher cuts may require longer cooking times.
- Don’t skip searing: Browning adds depth of flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
- Keep vegetables crisp: If you prefer crunchier peppers, add them in the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
- Customize your sauce: Add hoisin sauce for sweetness, sriracha for heat, or fresh ginger for an aromatic kick.
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is more than just a simple slow-cooked meal—it’s a flavorful, comforting dish that fills your home with the aroma of savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for meal prep, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a sauce so rich you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
If you want, I can also make a shortcut version that takes under 30 minutes but still tastes like it was slow-cooked all day. Do you want me to do that?
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