Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe? Look no further than this slow cooker pepper steak recipe! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a tender and flavorful steak that's perfect for the whole family.
What You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to prepare. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1.5 lbs. beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin is a great budget-friendly cut that becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
- 1 large onion, chopped. Sweet onions work particularly well here.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Adding different colored bell peppers adds visual appeal to your dish!
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup. You can substitute with cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- 1 cup beef broth. Low sodium is preferable to control the salt content.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce. Adds a savory depth to the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Enhances the overall umami taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This is essential for thickening the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Instructions:
This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Step 1: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a nice crust and intensifies the flavor of the steak.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the seared (or unseared) beef, chopped onion, and bell peppers.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the steak will become.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your slow cooker pepper steak hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. It's also delicious served with a side salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Mushrooms: For an even richer flavor, add a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
- Make it a Complete Meal: Add some cooked potatoes or other vegetables directly to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Conclusion:
This slow cooker pepper steak recipe is a simple, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a delicious weeknight meal. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful steak that’s perfect for the whole family. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Enjoy!
