If you are searching for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender beef with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, savory sauce, look no further. This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivers a dish bursting with comfort and bold flavors. The slow-cooked tenderness of the beef coupled with the robust character of Worcestershire sauce and garlic makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but important ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the dish. Each one plays an essential role to elevate this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe from good to unforgettable.
- 1 lb. beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled meat for the best tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour: Helps to lightly coat the beef, creating a nice texture and aiding in thickening the sauce.
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt: Adds a subtle savory kick to the beef and complements other spices perfectly.
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped into large chunks: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and sweetness to balance the savory meat.
- 1 tsp. minced garlic: Brings a fragrant, aromatic boost that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 can stewed tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth, creating a rich, hearty base for the sauce.
- 1 can beef broth: Provides moisture and infusion of meaty flavor throughout the dish.
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Brings tangy umami that deepens the flavor complexity and unites the ingredients.
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil: For searing the beef and bell peppers to lock in flavors before slow cooking.
How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Begin by mixing the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt in a small bowl until they are well combined. This mixture will coat the beef, adding texture and seasoning that is crucial to the dish’s flavor foundation.
Step 2: Coat the Beef
Sprinkle the seasoned flour mixture evenly over the beef stew meat. Toss the meat thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated well. This not only seasons the beef but also helps to create a gentle crust that locks in moisture.
Step 3: Sear the Meat and Peppers
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated beef and the large chunks of bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until the beef is seared on all sides, forming a nice brown crust, and the peppers start to soften. This initial searing is essential to developing deep flavors and color.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. The garlic releases its aroma and infuses into the oil, creating another layer of savory complexity that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 5: Transfer to Crockpot
Carefully pour the seared beef, softened peppers, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker or Crockpot. This transition step brings all the flavors together and sets the stage for slow cooking.
Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the can of stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. These liquids provide the perfect cooking environment to tenderize the stewed meat and marry the flavors into a rich sauce.
Step 7: Slow Cook
Cover your Crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 8 hours. The slow, gentle cooking melts the beef into tender, juicy perfection while allowing the peppers and sauce to infuse thoroughly. The result is an irresistibly comforting and flavorful dish you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and freshness that beautifully contrast the rich brown beef and vibrant peppers in this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs fantastically with steamed white rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. Mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are also excellent options to complement the hearty texture and flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak in a large hollowed-out bell pepper or over a bed of sautéed greens. You can also turn leftovers into tasty sandwich fillings or stuff tortillas for pepper steak wraps for a fresh meal idea the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after sitting, making the next meal even better.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe for longer, freeze portions in tightly sealed freezer-safe containers. It freezes well up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to warm up without drying out the tender beef and luscious sauce.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, chuck roast or sirloin cut into chunks can also work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if needed so the meat becomes tender.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a combination of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can provide similar umami and tangy notes to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on low heat in a covered pot for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
Are there options to make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the beef and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. This keeps the recipe safe without compromising taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Onions, mushrooms, or even carrots can be added along with the bell peppers to add extra texture and flavor, making the dish even heartier.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that warms not only the stomach but also the heart. This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy all at once. With its tender beef, vibrant peppers, and rich sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this unforgettable flavor experience!
Print
Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe features tender beef stew meat simmered slowly with colorful bell peppers, garlic, and a flavorful mix of stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Searing the meat before slow cooking enhances its rich flavor, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Coating
- 1 lb. beef stew meat
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped into large chunks
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 can beef broth (about 14.5 oz)
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt until well mixed to create the coating for the beef.
- Coat the Beef: Sprinkle the seasoned flour mixture evenly over the beef stew meat, tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Sear the Meat and Peppers: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef and chopped bell peppers, sautéing until the meat is browned on all sides and the peppers begin to soften, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the aroma of the dish.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Carefully transfer the seared meat, peppers, and garlic mixture into a slow cooker or Crockpot, preparing for the slow cooking process.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly within the Crockpot.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and juicy while the flavors meld together for a richly savory pepper steak.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to use different colored bell peppers to add vibrant color and varied sweetness.
- Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
