This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak combines tender strips of flank steak with colorful bell peppers and onions, all simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce made with soy, brown sugar, and garlic. The slow-cooked beef absorbs the flavorful sauce, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the bell peppers and onions retain a fresh, vibrant texture. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Effortless Comfort Food: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.
Tender, Juicy Beef: The long, slow cooking time tenderizes the flank steak to perfection, making each bite succulent and flavorful.
Perfect Balance of Savory and Sweet: The soy sauce and brown sugar blend create a delightful sauce that brings out the richness of the beef.
Vibrant Colors and Textures: With a mix of bell peppers and onions, this dish not only tastes amazing but also looks as good as it tastes.
Family-Friendly: With its mild sweetness and tender beef, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy.
Perfect Cut for Slow Cooking: Flank steak becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking. It’s flavorful and pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
Thin Slicing: For best results, slice the steak against the grain to keep it tender and easy to eat. If slicing is tricky, freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Alternative Cuts: If you prefer, you can use sirloin, chuck roast, or skirt steak, which also work well in the slow cooker.
Colorful Variety: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a vibrant look and a range of flavors, from mildly sweet to earthy.
Freshness Matters: Choose firm, glossy bell peppers to ensure they retain some bite after cooking. They’ll soften during the cooking time without becoming mushy.
Substitutes: If you want a bit of heat, add in a sliced poblano or a few thin slices of jalapeño alongside the bell peppers.
Sweet and Savory Notes: Yellow onions are ideal here for their mild sweetness that complements the sauce, but red or white onions work just as well.
Slicing Thinly: Thinly sliced onions cook quickly and melt into the sauce, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Thickening Agent: Coating the beef in cornstarch not only helps thicken the sauce but also gives the steak a velvety texture.
Gluten-Free Substitute: Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but arrowroot powder or potato starch can also be used if you prefer.
Sweet and Savory Base: Soy sauce provides a salty, umami base, while brown sugar balances with a slight sweetness. Together, they create a delicious sauce that brings out the best in the beef.
Low-Sodium Option: To reduce salt, choose a low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the brown sugar to taste.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Slice the Steak:
Begin by slicing 3 pounds of flank steak into thin strips. If the steak is difficult to slice, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make it easier.
Coat the Beef:
Place the sliced flank steak into a large ziplock bag and add ½ cup of cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake until all the beef strips are evenly coated. This will help thicken the sauce as the beef cooks.
Combine Sauce Ingredients:
In your slow cooker, mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1½ cups of soy sauce, 1½ cups of water, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Add the Beef:
Place the coated beef strips into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly in the sauce mixture to ensure each piece is submerged for maximum flavor absorption.
Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for approximately 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this will release heat and extend cooking time.
Prepare the Vegetables:
About 1½ hours before the cooking time is up, prepare 4 bell peppers (mixed colors for visual appeal) and 2 onions. Slice the bell peppers and onions thinly.
Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker:
Stir the sliced bell peppers and onions into the slow cooker. Re-cover and continue cooking for the remaining 90 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften without becoming mushy.
Check for Doneness:
Before serving, check that the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork, and that the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Serve:
Spoon the pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. The rich, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with rice or potatoes, making each bite satisfying.
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Steamed White or Brown Rice: Perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
Egg Noodles or Udon: A fantastic alternative to rice, these noodles are a delicious way to enjoy the sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting option, serve the pepper steak over creamy mashed potatoes.
Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of broccoli, green beans, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
Garnishes: Sprinkle with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak makes for fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and even improve after a day or two.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooled pepper steak in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Meal Prep Idea: Prep all the ingredients the night before, then simply add them to the slow cooker in the morning. This is a great solution for busy weekdays!
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is easy to customize to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
Asian-Inspired: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of grated ginger and a tablespoon of sesame oil to the sauce for a more Asian-inspired flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or serve over steamed vegetables for a low-carb meal.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or carrots in the last hour of cooking for more texture and flavor.
Pineapple Pepper Steak: For a sweet and savory twist, add a cup of pineapple chunks to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe combines ease and flavor into one dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Perfectly tender beef, a flavorful sauce, and colorful peppers create a meal that’s just as good for cozy family dinners as it is for meal prep. Follow these tips and variations, and you’ll have a pepper steak that’s truly mouthwatering. Enjoy!
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