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CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK

Slow Cooker Comfort Food: The Ultimate Crock Pot Pepper Steak

CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK

Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this sensational crock pot pepper steak recipe. This dish is bursting with savory flavors, tender beef, and colorful bell peppers, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and requires minimal effort for maximum reward.

Ingredients (serves 4-6 people):

  • The Savory Beef:
    • 16 ounces beef stew meat – choose a cut with good marbling for added flavor, such as chuck roast or rump roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • The Vibrant Veggies:
    • 2 bell peppers (any color combination you like – red, yellow, green, or orange) – sliced into strips
  • The Flavor Builders:
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – for browning the meat
    • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – adds a tangy and savory depth of flavor
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic – a must-have for aromatic goodness
    • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced stewed tomatoes (undrained) – adds sweetness and acidity
    • 1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth – creates a flavorful base for the sauce
  • The Thickeners:
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – helps thicken the sauce to a delicious consistency
    • Seasoning salt – to taste – a blend of salt and other spices for added flavor


Instructions:

  1. Coating the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and season salt. Dredge the beef stew meat pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step helps brown the meat and adds a touch of thickening to the sauce later.
  2. Searing for Flavor: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated beef stew meat and cook for a few minutes per side, or until browned. Searing adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
  3. Aromatics and Peppers: Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute or two, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the peppers soften slightly.
  4. Transferring to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, peppers, and any browned bits from the skillet to your slow cooker.
  5. Creating the Savory Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), whisk together the stewed tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing process incorporates all the flavorful bits for a richer sauce.
  6. Thickening the Magic: Gradually whisk the flour into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth. This creates a delicious gravy base for the crock pot.
  7. Slow Cooker Magic: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the beef and peppers in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Letting the Flavors Mingle: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
  9. Serving Up Comfort: Serve your crock pot pepper steak hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion!

Tips:

  • Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the beef, don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
  • Adjust the Spice: Season salt already contains salt, so adjust the amount you add to taste based on your preference.
  • Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as sliced onions, mushrooms, or chopped carrots.
  • Leftovers Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers for lunch the next day.

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