If you’re on the hunt for a dish that warms the soul and bursts with flavor, look no further than this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe. It combines tender beef stew meat with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, savory sauce that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe is comfort food at its finest, blending simple ingredients into a meal that feels both hearty and indulgent. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called the best ever—every bite is a perfect balance of satisfying textures and delicious depth of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create this classic dish. Each component plays a unique role, from adding color and crunch to building layers of mouthwatering flavor.
- 1 lb. beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for juicy, tender pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a nice coating.
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt: Adds a kick of savory flavor to the beef and peppers.
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped into large chunks: Red and green peppers bring vibrant color and a sweet, slightly crisp texture.
- 1 tsp. minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic kick that complements the beef.
- 1 can stewed tomatoes: Adds a luscious, tangy base for the sauce.
- 1 can beef broth: Enriches the stew with deep, meaty flavor and ensures a tender result.
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory umami boost that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in flavor and create a nice crust.
How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt in a small bowl. This seasoned coating will give the beef pieces an extra layer of flavor and help thicken the sauce later on. Toss your beef stew meat with the flour mixture until every piece is nicely coated—this step is key for that signature texture and taste.
Step 2: Sear the Beef and Peppers
Next, heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef and chopped bell peppers, sautéing until the meat develops a rich brown crust and the peppers begin to soften—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This quick searing locks in juices and brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the beef and peppers are sizzling, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant; this will infuse the dish with a wonderful aroma that preps your taste buds for the feast ahead.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef, peppers, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker or Crockpot. This hands-off method allows all the flavors to meld over time, creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with bold and comforting notes.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together so that the sauce is evenly distributed. Cover and set to cook on low for 8 hours—this long, slow simmer is what transforms the meat into a succulent dream and produces the rich, flavorful sauce this recipe is famous for.
How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions make for lovely garnishes, adding a pop of color and a touch of brightness that complements the hearty sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also enhance the dish’s peppery notes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce. For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad or lightly steamed greens provides balance and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe in warm pita pockets or over a bed of buttered egg noodles. It can also be spooned over roasted cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that’s equally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pepper steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
To keep this delicious dish longer, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain optimal texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much to keep it nice and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works best for tender results after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if pieces are larger or thicker.
Do I have to use a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient and flavorful, you can adapt it to a stovetop by simmering gently in a covered pot for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender.
Can this recipe be made spicy?
Definitely! Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to give the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe a spicy kick.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a bit of sugar can mimic its umami and tangy flavor effectively.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch and double-check your Worcestershire sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals that come together with little fuss but deliver big on flavor. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want comfort food that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite family dinner!
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 slow-cooked with vibrant bell peppers, savory garlic, stewed tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. Perfectly seared before simmering slowly, this dish delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal comforting meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 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 (approximately 14.5 oz)
- 1 can beef broth (approximately 14.5 oz)
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
- Mix Seasoned Flour: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt thoroughly to create a seasoned coating mixture.
- Coat the Beef: Sprinkle the seasoned flour mixture evenly over the beef stew meat. Toss gently to ensure every piece is well coated with the seasoned flour.
- Sear Beef and Peppers: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef along with the chopped bell peppers. Sauté the mixture until the beef is browned on all sides and the peppers begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the seared beef, softened peppers, and garlic into the slow cooker or Crockpot to begin the slow cooking process.
- Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the mixture on low heat for 8 hours. This long, gentle cooking will tenderize the beef and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding sliced onions or mushrooms along with the bell peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day.
