Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
A comforting and flavorful dish, Slow Cooker Pepper Steak brings together tender beef, savory peppers, and a rich sauce, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker.
This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even special occasions, offering a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, allowing the peppers and savory seasonings to meld into a deeply flavorful sauce that is both comforting and delicious.
Whether served over rice or with your favorite side, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Introduction
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a one-pot meal that offers both simplicity and indulgence.
The dish features thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings.
As it cooks slowly, the beef becomes tender, and the peppers and onions soften, creating a delicious, aromatic sauce.
It’s a great meal to prepare in the morning and let cook throughout the day, so it’s ready by dinner.
With the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for an easy, yet flavorful, meal.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The concept of “pepper steak” is believed to have originated in Chinese cuisine, where peppercorns and other spices are commonly used to create flavorful stir-fried beef dishes.
Over time, various interpretations of pepper steak have developed in Western and fusion cuisines.
The slow-cooked version of pepper steak, often associated with American comfort food, utilizes the slow cooker to tenderize the beef and blend the flavors, making it a convenient, hands-off dish.
While this dish isn’t a traditional Chinese recipe, it takes inspiration from the bold, savory flavors of Chinese pepper steak but adapts them for the convenience of modern kitchens.
It’s a popular choice for busy families because it requires minimal prep work and provides a comforting meal at the end of the day.
Ingredients and Quantity
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (optional, for added depth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice (or brown rice) to serve alongside
Optional Additions
- Mushrooms, sliced, for added texture and flavor
- Carrots, julienned or sliced, for extra crunch and color
- Snap peas or baby corn, for an additional crunchy vegetable
- Chili paste or Sriracha for a spicier version
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds for a garnish and extra flavor
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for added freshness
- Red onion instead of yellow for a slightly different flavor
Tips for Success
- Sear the Beef First: While optional, searing the beef strips in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor and give the dish a richer taste.
- Slice the Beef Thinly: Make sure the beef is sliced into thin strips to ensure it cooks quickly and becomes tender in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar to your liking for balance in flavor.
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To control the salt content of the dish, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Add bell peppers and onions closer to the end of the cooking process so they remain tender yet retain their vibrant color and crunch.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid clumping.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak or sirloin into thin strips against the grain. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger (if using), and onions. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the Peppers: About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced bell peppers and any optional vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. Stir them into the sauce and continue cooking.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a little cold water and add it to the slow cooker. Stir, then cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak over freshly cooked rice, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
Description
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a satisfying, hearty dish that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort.
The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking, while the bell peppers retain just the right amount of crispness.
The savory sauce, made with soy sauce, beef broth, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
The dish is perfect for serving over rice, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly tasty.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin C (from peppers), iron (from beef), and calcium (from soy sauce).
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a savory sauce.
Perfect for busy families, this dish allows you to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal without much hands-on time.
The slow cooking process enhances the depth of the flavors, making each bite rich and full of taste.
Served over rice, this dish is both filling and delicious.
Recommendation and Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Although this dish is rich and comforting, there are several ways to make it a bit healthier.
To reduce the calorie count, use lean cuts of beef like sirloin, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
Adding extra vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, can increase the fiber content and nutrients.
You can also swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or serve the pepper steak over steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
This way, you can still enjoy the savory goodness of the dish while embracing a healthier approach to indulgence.