Cozy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Weeknight Wonder
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for those hectic weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen.
Enter my Cozy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak – a dish that’s become a lifesaver in my household. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced (tip: pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing for easier cutting)
- 1 each: red, green, and yellow bell peppers, sliced (or whatever colors you have on hand)
- 1 medium onion, sliced (I like sweet onions, but any kind works)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (or more if you're a garlic fiend like me)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (dark or light, both work great)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (fresh grated ginger works too if you have it)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving (cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option)
- First things first, grab your slow cooker. No need to dirty extra dishes – we're going for easy cleanup here!
- Toss in your thinly sliced beef. Don't worry if it's not perfect; it'll all come together in the end.
- Next, add your rainbow of peppers, onion, and garlic. It's like a little veggie party in there!
- Whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and ginger in a bowl. Then pour this flavor bomb over the beef and veggies. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing in a few hours.
- Add the beef broth, giving everything a quick stir to make sure it's all coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let it work its magic. Set it on LOW for 6-7 hours if you're heading out for the day, or HIGH for 3-4 hours if you're starting this a bit later.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl about 30 minutes before you're ready to eat. Stir it into the slow cooker – it will thicken up the sauce and make it nice and glossy.
- Give it another 30 minutes on HIGH, and voila! Dinner is served.
A Little Bit of History
Did you know that Pepper Steak has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine? It’s a perfect example of how immigrants adapted their traditional dishes to local tastes and ingredients. This fusion creation became popular in the mid-20th century and has been a staple in American homes ever since. I love how food can tell stories of cultural exchange and adaptation!
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve this over a bed of fluffy white rice, but it’s equally delicious with noodles or even mashed potatoes if you’re feeling indulgent. Consider trying it with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed veggies for a lighter option. And if you’re like me and can’t resist a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews on top just before serving.
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak has saved my sanity on more busy weeknights than I can count. It’s comfort food that doesn’t break the bank or require a culinary degree. Give it a try – I bet it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation too!