Mastering Weeknight Dinners: Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak & The Add A Pinch Cookbook Review
Are you trapped in the endless cycle of trying to conjure up fresh, exciting yet easy weeknight dinners? I know I have been! For weeks now, I’ve been on a desperate quest to revitalize our dinner rotation, poring over cookbooks and magazines, searching for that perfect blend of simple preparation, wholesome ingredients, and undeniable flavor. My culinary breakthrough arrived just in time, in the form of my dear friend Robyn Stone’s latest creation: the Add A Pinch Cookbook.
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Discovering the Add A Pinch Cookbook: A Culinary Friendship
Robyn, the brilliant mind behind the popular blog Add A Pinch, is one of those special friends I’ve known since the nascent days of my own blogging journey. It’s truly incredible how connections forged online can feel so real, even if we haven’t yet shared a meal in person – a situation I’m determined to remedy this year, Robyn! Her cookbook, appropriately titled *The Add A Pinch Cookbook*, is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a beautiful culinary masterpiece. From the moment I first flipped through its pages, I was captivated by the stunning photography and the promise of delicious, heartwarming meals.
What sets Robyn’s cookbook apart is its embrace of Southern flair, seamlessly blended with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. As a passionate advocate for cooking with what’s in season, I found myself nodding in agreement with every principle she laid out. The recipes are vibrant, approachable, and truly celebrate the natural flavors of the ingredients. It’s a testament to her philosophy of simple, good food made with love.
The Star of the Show: Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
My copy of *The Add A Pinch Cookbook* is already adorned with countless bookmarks, each page promising a new adventure in the kitchen. But among all the tempting options, one recipe immediately caught my eye: the Easy Pepper Steak. My husband is an absolute enthusiast when it comes to pepper steak, so I knew this had to be the first recipe I tried. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
The beauty of this dish lies in its sheer simplicity and the magic of the slow cooker. With minimal effort, you achieve maximum flavor and tenderness. The steak emerged from the slow cooker so incredibly fork-tender it practically melted in our mouths. The rich, savory sauce, infused with peppers and tomatoes, was utterly delicious and incredibly satisfying. As someone who doesn’t cook beef recipes as often as I probably should, seeing my husband genuinely enjoy this meal made it all the more special. It truly felt like a special occasion dish, yet it was so remarkably easy to prepare on a busy weeknight.
Serving Suggestions: Cauliflower Rice vs. Brown Rice
Robyn’s cookbook offers thoughtful suggestions for serving, and I wholeheartedly embraced her idea of pairing this flavorful Pepper Steak with cauliflower rice for a lighter, healthier option. I confess, I’m a relatively recent convert to the cauliflower rice craze, but after stocking up on some from Trader Joe’s, I’ve become utterly hooked! It’s an ingenious way to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor or texture. I simply sauté it in a tiny bit of coconut oil, season with salt and pepper, and it’s ready – a truly fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It provides a wonderful, subtly nutty base that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pepper steak.
For the rest of my family, particularly the kids, I opted for a mix: brown rice, with a clever addition of cauliflower rice stirred in. It’s my sneaky but effective way of getting more vegetables into their diets, and they often don’t even notice the difference! This approach ensures everyone enjoys their meal while I can feel good about incorporating extra nutrition. The versatility of this dish allows for easy customization to suit everyone’s dietary preferences.
Why Slow Cooking is a Game-Changer for Busy Households
The slow cooker is an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, and this Pepper Steak recipe truly highlights its magic. The ability to simply combine a few ingredients, set it, and forget it, while a delicious, aromatic meal slowly simmers to perfection, is invaluable. Not only does it save time and effort, but the low and slow cooking process tenderizes the beef beautifully and allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. This means less stress in the kitchen and more quality time with family, enjoying a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
Other Recipe Reviews from Add A Pinch Cookbook:
If you’re as enamored with Robyn’s culinary style as I am, you’ll want to explore some of these other delightful recipes from the cookbook that fellow bloggers have reviewed:
- Southern Cheese Crackers – Perfect for entertaining or a savory snack.
- Poppy Seed Fruit Salad – A refreshing and vibrant side dish.
- Tarragon Chicken Salad – A sophisticated twist on a classic.
Easy Pepper Steak from Add A Pinch Cookbook
Author: Aggie Goodman
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Beef
Method: Slow Cooker
Transform your weeknights with this healthy and incredibly flavorful beef dinner, cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. This Easy Pepper Steak comes together with minimal fuss and is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
This fantastic recipe is sourced directly from the Add A Pinch Cookbook by the talented Robyn Stone, making it accessible and enjoyable for every home cook.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef round steak, trimmed of excess fat and cut into strips approximately 1/2-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to add a savory depth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika, for color and a mild, peppery flavor
- 2 teaspoons Stone House Seasoning (see note below for this versatile blend)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into long, thin slices
- 4 or 5 medium plum tomatoes, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped, contributing sweetness and acidity
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into uniform slices
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into uniform slices, adding color and mild sweetness
- 6 cups cooked long-grain rice, for serving (see note for alternative suggestions)
Instructions
- Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the prepared beef round steak strips evenly at the bottom of the cooker. Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, flour, paprika, and Stone House Seasoning over the beef. Toss everything gently to ensure the steak is thoroughly coated with the seasonings. Finally, layer the sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, and both green and red bell peppers over the seasoned beef. There’s no need to stir these in; they will cook down perfectly.
- Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set the cooker to the “low” setting and allow it to cook undisturbed for 8 hours. The prolonged, gentle cooking will ensure the beef becomes incredibly tender and the flavors fully meld. Once cooked, the vegetables will be soft, and the sauce rich and inviting. To serve, simply spoon generous portions of the tender pepper steak, vegetables, and their delicious juices over your choice of prepared rice or other preferred side.
Notes
Stone House Seasoning: This versatile homemade seasoning blend consists of 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons granulated garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a finer texture). Mix these ingredients together and store in an airtight container. This recipe makes approximately 1/2 cup of seasoning, which can be used in many other dishes!
Lightened Up Serving Suggestions: For a more traditional yet healthy twist, consider using nutrient-rich brown rice instead of white rice. If you’re aiming for a lower-carb option, I highly recommend serving this Pepper Steak with cauliflower rice – it’s a delicious and satisfying alternative that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce and tender beef. You can even mix a little cauliflower rice into regular rice for a subtle nutritional boost.
Slow Cooker Recommendation: A reliable slow cooker is essential for this recipe. If you’re in the market for one or curious about what I use, this is the slow cooker that consistently delivers excellent results in my kitchen.
Still Trying to Up Your Easy Weeknight Dinner Game? Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes:
The journey to effortless and delicious weeknight meals doesn’t end here! If you enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Pepper Steak, you’ll love these other go-to recipes designed to make your dinner routine easier and more exciting:
- Cheesy Southwest Beef and Potato Skillet: A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Baked Bean, Sausage and Kale Skillet: A rustic and wholesome dish, packed with flavor and nutritious greens.
- Pesto Pasta with Turkey and Kale: A quick, fresh, and light pasta dish perfect for busy evenings.
Craving More Beef? Try These Easy & Healthy Beef Recipes:
For all the beef lovers out there, expanding your repertoire of healthy and simple beef dishes is a fantastic way to keep your meals interesting and satisfying. Here are some of my top recommendations that are as easy to make as they are delicious:
- London Broil with Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic Marinade: An impressive yet simple dish with incredible depth of flavor from a zesty marinade.
- Grilled Flank Steak with Brown Sugar Rub: A wonderfully sweet and savory rub transforms flank steak into a grilling sensation.
- Beef and Spinach Stuffed Peppers: A classic comfort food, made healthier and bursting with savory fillings.
I hope this Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe becomes a cherished addition to your meal plan, bringing joy and deliciousness to your family’s table, just as it has to mine. Happy cooking!