PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• ¼ cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Season and Sear the Beef:

Begin by sprinkling the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

2. Prepare the Bouillon Mixture:

In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Once dissolved, mix in the cornstarch until it forms a smooth mixture. This will act as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables well.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot:

Transfer the seared beef strips to the slow cooker. Pour the bouillon and cornstarch mixture over the beef. Add the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes with their liquid, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover the crock pot and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking on Low allows the flavors to develop more fully and ensures the beef becomes tender. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on High will still produce a delicious result.

Serving Tips:

1. Serve with Rice or Noodles:

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot pairs perfectly with steamed rice or egg noodles. The rice or noodles help to soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

2. Garnish for Extra Flavor:

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top of the dish before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that complements the savory beef and vegetables.

3. Accompaniments:

Serve this dish with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to add more nutrition and variety to your meal.

4. Adjust Seasoning:

Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:

Allow the Pepper Steak to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

2. Freezing:

For longer storage, place the cooled Pepper Steak in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to label the container with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

3. Reheating:

Reheat the Pepper Steak on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

4. Avoid Overcooking:

When reheating, be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough. Heat it just until it’s warmed through for the best texture and flavor.

Variations :

1. Spicy Pepper Steak:

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add 1-2 sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the crock pot. This will give the dish a spicy kick that balances well with the savory flavors.

2. Teriyaki Pepper Steak:

Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a tablespoon of honey. This variation will provide a sweeter and more complex flavor profile. You can also add pineapple chunks for an extra layer of sweetness.

3. Pepper Steak with Mushrooms:

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the crock pot along with the other vegetables. Mushrooms will absorb the sauce and add a hearty, earthy flavor to the dish.

4. Low-Sodium Pepper Steak:

For a healthier version, use low-sodium soy sauce and a reduced-sodium beef bouillon cube. This will lower the overall sodium content without sacrificing flavor. You can also add more fresh vegetables to enhance the dish.

5. Pepper Steak with Tomatoes and Basil:

Add a can of diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano instead of the stewed tomatoes. This variation gives the dish a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beef.

6. Sweet and Sour Pepper Steak:

For a sweet and tangy twist, add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the sauce. You can also include pineapple chunks and red bell peppers for more color and sweetness.

7. Pepper Steak Stroganoff:

Before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream to create a creamy, rich sauce. Serve over egg noodles for a comforting, stroganoff-style meal.

8. Gluten-Free Pepper Steak:

Ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. Serve the dish over gluten-free rice noodles or quinoa for a complete meal.

9. Pepper Steak with Asian Vegetables:

Add a mix of Asian vegetables like snap peas, baby corn, and bok choy along with the bell peppers. This variation adds more texture and a variety of flavors to the dish.

10. Mediterranean Pepper Steak:

Add olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. This Mediterranean twist brings a unique flavor profile that is both savory and tangy.

These variations not only provide different flavor experiences but also allow you to tailor the dish to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to find your favorite version of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot!

FAQs :

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak, chuck roast, or even beef stew meat. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized strips for even cooking.

2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can sear the beef and prepare all the ingredients the night before. Store them in the refrigerator and add everything to the crock pot in the morning.

3. How can I make this recipe more tender?

Using the Low setting on your crock pot and cooking for a longer time (6-8 hours) will yield the most tender results. You can also marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator to further tenderize it.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or even zucchini. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. If they are not very juicy, you might want to add a little extra liquid, such as beef broth or water.

6. Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.

7. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months.