PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT

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Introduction

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. This recipe combines tender slices of flank steak with colorful bell peppers and onions, all simmered in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether served over rice or noodles, this pepper steak is an easy-to-make dish that packs a flavorful punch.

What You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

To make this delicious Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

  • Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): Essential for the slow cooking process that makes the steak tender and flavorful.
  • Mixing Bowls: For combining the sauce ingredients and making the cornstarch slurry.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing the flank steak and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for prepping the ingredients.
  • Whisk or Fork: For mixing the cornstarch slurry smoothly.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:

  • 2 Pounds Flank Steak, Sliced into Thin Strips: The flank steak is a lean cut that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
  • 1 Onion, Sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper and 1 Green Bell Pepper, Sliced: Provide vibrant color and a slight sweetness that complements the savory sauce.
  • 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, salty flavor that enhances the steak.
  • 1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a tangy, umami flavor that deepens the overall taste.
  • 1 Cup Beef Broth: Serves as the base of the sauce, adding richness and moisture to the dish.
  • 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper and 1 Teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
  • 1/4 Cup Cornstarch and 1/4 Cup Water: Mixed together to create a slurry that thickens the sauce.
  • Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving, providing a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredient Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Slice the Steak and Vegetables: Begin by slicing the flank steak into thin strips, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips as well. This step ensures that everything cooks evenly and melds together in the crock pot.
  2. Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the dish.

Instructions

Assembling the Crock Pot

  1. Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced flank steak, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into the crock pot. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful base that will absorb the savory sauce as it cooks.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure that all the seasonings are fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
  3. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot, ensuring that everything is well-coated. This sauce will penetrate the meat and vegetables, infusing them with rich, savory flavors.

Cooking the Pepper Steak

  1. Cook the Steak: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the steak, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the meat becomes.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Serving the Dish

  1. Serve Hot: Once the sauce has thickened and the steak is tender, serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles. The rice or noodles will absorb the savory sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
  2. Enjoy: This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is now ready to be enjoyed. The combination of tender steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce makes this dish a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

Additional Tips

  • Choosing the Meat: While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin if preferred.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the crock pot for additional flavor and texture.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Sweet and Savory: For a slightly sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the steak and vegetables.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a classic, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. The slow cooking process ensures that the steak becomes tender and absorbs all the rich, savory flavors of the sauce. Paired with colorful bell peppers and served over rice or noodles, this dish is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this pepper steak recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful goodness that this dish brings to the table!

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