Description
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender beef strips slow-cooked with a colorful mix of bell peppers and onions in a rich, savory sauce made with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and grape juice. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings and can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a versatile family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean beef strips (such as sirloin or flank steak)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips and chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves to maximize their flavor release in the dish.
- Sauté the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef strips until browned on all sides to lock in the juices and deepen the flavor. Then transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, grape juice, freshly cracked black pepper, and minced garlic until well blended.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Layer the sautéed beef strips in the slow cooker first, then add the chopped bell peppers and onions on top. Pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients and gently stir to ensure even coating.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and the peppers are soft but still vibrant in color.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the natural gelling agent with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce, giving it a luscious texture that clings well to the beef and peppers.
Notes
- Use lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for best tenderness and flavor.
- Do not skip browning the beef as it seals in flavor and improves the dish.
- For firmer, crunchier peppers, add them halfway through the cooking time.
- Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Add the natural gelling agent towards the end to prevent over-thickening.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours low or 3 to 4 hours high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: slow cooker pepper steak, beef pepper steak, slow cooked beef, easy dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
