crockpot pepper steak

Deliciously Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak

Welcome to a culinary journey where tender strips of beef mingle with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This crockpot pepper steak recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also conveniently easy to prepare. Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, and come home to a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced beef sirloin to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or oyster sauce to the sauce mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe according to your preferences. Mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas would be delicious additions.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Keto Version:

• Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
• Serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles.
• Make sure to use a low-carb soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce the carb count further.

Low-Carb Version:

• Substitute the cornstarch with xanthan gum or guar gum to thicken the sauce without adding carbs.
• Use low-carb vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower in place of bell peppers and onions.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce to reduce the sodium content if following a low-carb diet.

In conclusion, this crockpot pepper steak recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort. With its tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, it’s easy to adapt to different dietary preferences. So fire up your slow cooker and treat yourself to a satisfying and savory dinner that’s both comforting and convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak instead of sirloin steak. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for tenderness.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
   • Yes, you can certainly make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply follow the instructions up to step 4, then simmer the beef and vegetables in the sauce over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
4. How can I make this dish more spicy?
   • Add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat.
5. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
   • While fresh vegetables are preferred for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen sliced peppers and onions in a pinch. Just be aware that frozen vegetables may release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to adjust the thickness of the sauce accordingly