Rocky Mountain Comfort: Colorado Style Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Photo byRecipes Kooking

When the temperatures drop and the crisp mountain air fills your lungs, there’s nothing like a hearty meal to warm you up from the inside out. Colorado, with its stunning vistas and cool weather, is the perfect setting for comfort food that fills both your stomach and your soul. One dish that captures this essence beautifully is the Crock Pot Pepper Steak, a Colorado-inspired recipe that brings together the flavors of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce, all slowly simmered to perfection.

A Taste of Colorado Comfort

Imagine coming home after a long day of outdoor adventures in the Rockies. The scent of a delicious, slow-cooked meal greets you at the door. The Crock Pot Pepper Steak, with its tender slices of beef sirloin, is a dish that's made for these moments. The combination of beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth is not just a meal—it’s an experience that reflects Colorado's love for wholesome, hearty cuisine.

This recipe is perfect for those chilly Colorado nights when you crave something warm and filling. The magic of this dish is in its slow-cooked preparation, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully while you enjoy the day. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal attention, making it ideal for busy individuals and families who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe: Colorado Style Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• ¼ cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Start by seasoning the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder to add a hint of flavor.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef strips in the hot oil for about 5 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned. This step is crucial to lock in the juices and enhance the beef's flavor.
3. Transfer the seared beef strips to a slow cooker, which will become the heart of this dish.
4. In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Once dissolved, mix in the cornstarch until it’s fully combined and there are no lumps. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, which will help create a rich sauce as it cooks.
5. Add the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with their liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are well mixed.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer, slower cook time will yield more tender meat, so choose your setting based on how much time you have.
7. Once the cooking time is up, your Crock Pot Pepper Steak will be ready to serve. The beef should be tender, and the sauce rich and flavorful, with the vegetables adding a fresh crunch.

The Perfect End to a Colorado Day

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a meal that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The Crock Pot Pepper Steak is not only easy to make, but it's also a dish that embodies the spirit of Colorado’s home-cooked, hearty meals. Whether you're hosting friends for a cozy dinner or simply want a comforting meal after a day in the mountains, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The rich flavors and tender meat create a comforting experience that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Enjoy this Colorado-inspired Crock Pot Pepper Steak with a side of rice or mashed potatoes, and let the flavors transport you to a cozy cabin nestled in the Rockies. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a taste of Colorado’s welcoming embrace, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Here are some great sources for making Crock Pot Pepper Steak, a delicious slow-cooked dish perfect for a cozy meal.

1. Allrecipes offers a comprehensive guide on preparing Crock Pot Pepper Steak with step-by-step instructions. They recommend using beef sirloin, green bell peppers, and a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and stewed tomatoes to create a rich, savory sauce. The recipe includes cooking the steak on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours to achieve tender, flavorful meat. You can find more details about this recipe on Allrecipes​(Allrecipes).
2. Slow Cooker Meals provides variations for the Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe, such as using different proteins like chicken or pork, adding extra vegetables, or making it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. They also suggest serving the dish over rice, noodles, or vegetables and give tips on how to achieve the best texture and flavor. You can explore their recipe and suggestions at Slow Cooker Meals​(Slow Cooker Meals).
3. Taste of Home features a Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe that uses ingredients like ground ginger, garlic, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This version recommends adding tomatoes and green bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to keep the vegetables tender-crisp. This recipe is perfect if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile or want to explore some variations like using fresh ginger or adding sesame seeds for garnish. For more details, check out Taste of Home​(Taste of Home).

These sources provide detailed recipes and helpful tips to make your Crock Pot Pepper Steak a success!