Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Craving a delicious and easy dish for dinner tonight? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe! Tender strips of beef, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce come together to create a mouthwatering meal that your whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of top sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the steak over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place the steak, bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour over the steak and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use a different cut of beef? – Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak as alternatives.
- Can I add other vegetables? – Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or carrots.
- Can I make this ahead of time? – This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge before cooking.
- Can I freeze leftovers? – Leftovers can be frozen and reheated for future meals.
- Can I use low-sodium soy sauce? – Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
- What can I serve with this dish? – It pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Can I add spice? – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat.
- Can I substitute the soy sauce? – You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
- Can I use a different sweetener? – Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar.
- How can I make this gluten-free? – Ensure the soy sauce and beef broth are gluten-free certified.
Helpful tips:
- Marinate the steak in the sauce for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with water and add to the slow cooker towards the end of cooking.
- Use a variety of bell peppers for a colorful dish.
- Try using different cuts of beef for varying textures.
- Experiment with different seasonings like ginger or garlic powder.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for extra greens.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the steak on high heat to achieve a nice sear before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Allow the flavors to meld by letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked noodles or potatoes to the mix.
- For a touch of freshness, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the finished dish.
- Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile.
- Top with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Make it a one-pot meal by adding grains like quinoa or barley directly to the slow cooker.
- For a richer sauce, add a dollop of tomato paste or a splash of red wine.