Description
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak features tender beef strips slow-cooked to perfection with colorful bell peppers and a savory vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) blend. This easy, flavorful meal requires minimal hands-on time and fills your home with comforting aromas, offering a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 pounds beef strips (sirloin or tender cut)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Thickeners
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips, trimming any excess fat. Slice bell peppers and onion evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Mince garlic finely to release its flavor.
- Brown the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown beef strips for a few minutes until caramelized edges develop. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and add freshly cracked black pepper. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Cook Slowly and Low: Set slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours or set to high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch or natural gelling agent with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook briefly until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give the pepper steak a final stir, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa as desired.
Notes
- Use tender cuts of beef for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Browning beef before slow cooking enhances depth of flavor.
- Add natural gelling agent slurry gradually to control sauce thickness.
- Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain temperature.
- Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker pepper steak, beef pepper steak, slow cooked beef recipe, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, easy slow cooker meals, gluten free pepper steak