If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that truly delivers on every front, let me introduce you to the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy beef stew meat with the sweet crunch of bell peppers and a rich, savory sauce that simmers gently to perfection. It’s a comforting classic that never fails to impress, bursting with bold flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is a brilliant way to nourish both body and soul with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building bold, layered flavors. From the tender beef to the bright bell peppers, every component adds character and balance to this dish.
- 1 lb. beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for the best tenderness and juiciness.
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour: Helps to create a luscious, slightly thickened sauce that clings to every bite.
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt: Adds a subtle blend of spices that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped: Use colorful bell peppers for a pop of sweetness and texture.
- 1 tsp. minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that ties everything together.
- 1 can stewed tomatoes: Provides a rich, tomatoey base that’s slightly tangy and comforting.
- 1 can beef broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to keep the stew juicy.
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami punch that makes the flavors irresistible.
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil: Essential for searing the meat to lock in flavor and texture.
How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Begin by combining the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt in a small bowl until they’re thoroughly mixed. This mixture will coat the beef and help create a wonderful crust as well as thicken the sauce later on. It might seem like a small step, but it sets the foundation for that rich, irresistible texture.
Step 2: Coat the Beef
Take your beef stew meat and sprinkle the seasoned flour mixture over it, tossing gently so each piece is evenly coated. This coating ensures the meat caramelizes beautifully when seared, locking in those juicy juices everyone loves.
Step 3: Sear the Meat and Peppers
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your coated beef along with the bell pepper chunks, sautéing for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll want to get a nice golden-brown crust on the meat while letting the peppers soften just a bit. This step enhances both flavor and texture dramatically.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook everything together for just 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing aromatic fragrance. Garlic’s addition at this stage breathes extra life into the dish, intensifying the savory notes.
Step 5: Transfer to Crockpot
Carefully pour the sautéed beef, peppers, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker or Crockpot. This move moves the dish into “slow-cooking magic,” where all the flavors will meld and the beef will become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine these wonderful liquids with the beef and peppers. These layers of moisture and flavor are what make this the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe.
Step 7: Slow Cook
Cover your Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This long, gentle cooking time is key to tenderizing the beef and marrying all those delicious flavors. You’ll be rewarded with a dish so tender and bursting with deep, rich taste; it’s worth every minute.
How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to this dish. A sprinkle of black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can also amp up the flavor and give it a little kick if you prefer it spicier.
Side Dishes
Serve your pepper steak over fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible sauce. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad provide nice balance with some fresh crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this pepper steak in individual rustic bowls garnished with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Or plate it family-style over a bed of rice, letting everyone savor the rich sauce freely. A crusty piece of bread on the side also makes for great dipping and is always welcome.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you can always have a comforting meal ready when you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick after refrigerating or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works great, you can also use sirloin or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! After searing, you can simmer everything in a large pot with the lid on over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Onions, mushrooms, or even carrots can add extra flavor and texture—just add them during the sauté step or place them into the slow cooker so they soften along with the beef.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce mixed with a touch of lemon juice or vinegar can provide a similar umami kick. Just adjust to taste so the sauce isn’t too salty.
How spicy is the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced but very flavorful. If you want a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking will easily turn up the spice level.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe a try very soon because it’s truly one of those dishes that brings pure joy with every forkful. It’s warm, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious—perfect for making memories around your dining table. Once you taste it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe features tender beef stew meat coated in seasoned flour, seared with bell peppers and garlic, then slowly cooked in a blend of stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 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 (approximately 14.5 oz)
- 1 can beef broth (approximately 14.5 oz)
- 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 thoroughly combined to create an even coating blend for the beef.
- Coat the Beef: Sprinkle the seasoned flour evenly over the beef stew meat. Toss the meat pieces well so that each piece is coated thoroughly with the flour mixture, ensuring even browning and flavor.
- Sear the Meat and Peppers: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef along with the large chunks of bell peppers. Sauté them together for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning the beef to sear it evenly on all sides while allowing the peppers to start softening.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic into the skillet, and continue sautéing for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the aroma and flavor.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Carefully transfer the seared beef, softened peppers, and garlic mixture into a slow cooker or Crockpot, distributing everything evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the can of stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat and vegetables in the Crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- 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 harmoniously, resulting in a rich and satisfying pepper steak dish.
Notes
- You can substitute stew meat with sirloin or flank steak cut into chunks if desired.
- For more heat, add black pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Bell peppers can be substituted with poblano or a mix of colored bell peppers for additional flavor and color.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
