Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe. Tender, slow-cooked beef stew meat mingles beautifully with vibrant bell peppers and just the right balance of savory seasonings, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends at dinner, this recipe takes classic pepper steak to new heights with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the classic, robust flavor and satisfying texture of the dish. From the tender beef stew meat to the colorful bell peppers, each item is thoughtfully selected to bring everything together harmoniously.
- 1 lb. beef stew meat: The star of the dish, perfect for slow cooking until tender and juicy.
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour: Helps coat the beef for a deliciously thickened sauce.
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt: Adds a savory depth and well-rounded seasoning to the meat.
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped into large chunks: Provides vibrant color, sweetness, and a slight crunch.
- 1 tsp. minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and flavor complexity.
- 1 can stewed tomatoes: Adds acidity and richness, enhancing the sauce’s body.
- 1 can beef broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for slow cooking.
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Introduces umami and subtle tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil: For searing the beef and peppers, locking in flavor and texture.
How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt in a small bowl. This mixture will coat the beef, helping to create a slightly thickened sauce as it cooks, which makes the whole dish wonderfully satisfying.
Step 2: Coat the Beef
Next, sprinkle the flour mixture evenly over the beef stew meat. Toss gently to make sure every piece is fully coated. This step not only aids in thickening the sauce later but also helps seal in the meat’s natural juices for an absolutely tender result.
Step 3: Sear the Meat and Peppers
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef pieces along with the chopped bell peppers. Sauté until the beef is beautifully seared on every side and the peppers begin to soften slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. This initial cooking step builds intense, caramelized flavors that are essential for that unforgettable taste.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds more. This brief sauté releases the garlic’s fragrance, adding an aromatic layer without overpowering the dish.
Step 5: Transfer to Crockpot
Carefully transfer the seared beef, softened peppers, and sautéed garlic mixture into your slow cooker or Crockpot. This is where the magic begins, as the low and slow cooking will meld all these flavors into something truly special.
Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything to combine thoroughly, ensuring every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness that’s synonymous with the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe.
Step 7: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook gently for a full 8 hours. This slow simmering tenderizes the beef to perfection and deepens the sauce’s flavors, making your kitchen smell irresistible and your pepper steak unforgettable.
How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off this classic dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the slow-cooked sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak is perfect when paired with fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try garlic sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad to add some refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the pepper steak in individual cast iron skillets for an appealing rustic look. Or spoon it over buttered egg noodles for a cozy, comforting twist that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Your pepper steak will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your pepper steak gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the beef tender and prevent the sauce from scorching. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just be sure to give it enough time to become tender and adjust cooking times if necessary.
What types of bell peppers work best?
Any color bell peppers will work beautifully in this recipe. Red, yellow, and orange provide sweetness and vibrant color, while green peppers add a slightly more bitter bite. Mixing colors can make the dish especially eye-catching.
Can I make this recipe without a Crockpot?
Yes! You can achieve similar results by simmering the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pot on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I add heat?
The recipe as written is mild but full of flavor. If you prefer some heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic or sprinkle some cayenne pepper to the seasoned salt mix before coating the meat.
What wine pairs well with Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel pairs wonderfully. These wines complement the rich, savory flavors without overwhelming the dish, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe that you just can’t find anywhere else. Its tender beef, vibrant peppers, and rich sauce come together in a way that makes every mouthful a delight. I hope you give this recipe a try soon because once you do, it might just become your new favorite dish to make and share.
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Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe features tender beef stew meat sautéed with bell peppers and garlic, then slow cooked with stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal with rich, savory notes and tender beef that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 lb. beef stew meat
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt
Vegetables
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped into large chunks
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 can beef broth
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt until well combined to create a flavorful coating for the beef.
- Coat the Beef: Sprinkle the seasoned flour evenly over the beef stew meat and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the flour mixture.
- 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 to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the beef is seared on all sides and the peppers begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant to build depth of flavor.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Carefully transfer the seared meat, softened peppers, and garlic from the skillet into a slow cooker or Crockpot for the next phase of cooking.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the can of stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce into the Crockpot, then stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low heat for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and juicy while the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh bell peppers and quality beef stew meat.
- Do not skip searing the beef as it helps develop a deeper flavor and better texture.
- If short on time, the recipe can be cooked on high for 4-5 hours, but slow cooking on low is ideal for tenderness.
- Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
