Crockpot Steak Bites with Dr Pepper

Oh, the school run! Some days, it feels like a marathon, doesn’t it? By the time I’m back, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s when my trusty slow cooker becomes my best friend. These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are a lifesaver. They’re ridiculously easy to prepare, the kids adore them, and the Dr. Pepper adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that elevates the whole dish. After countless attempts to find the perfect quick meal, this has become a regular on our meal plan. I promise you, this is a dish that will become your easy weeknight hero!

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, we all want delicious meals without the fuss. This recipe ticks all the boxes for busy families. After 8+ years of home cooking, I’ve learned that simplicity is key. Here’s why these Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are a winner:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply chuck everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Minimal chopping, minimal effort!
• Kid-Approved Flavour: The slight sweetness from the Dr. Pepper makes these steak bites incredibly appealing to children (even my fussy little monsters gobble them up!).
• Budget-Friendly: Using a less expensive cut of beef and simple pantry staples makes this a very affordable meal.

Ingredients

• 750g chuck steak, cut into 2.5cm cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 340ml can Dr. Pepper (classic flavour)
• 120ml beef broth
• 60ml tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)

Ingredient Notes

A few notes on the ingredients:

• Chuck Steak: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes wonderfully tender. If you can’t find chuck steak, braising steak works well too.
• Dr. Pepper: The classic flavour is essential for that unique sweetness. I wouldn’t recommend diet Dr. Pepper, as it lacks the depth of flavour.
• Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky depth. If you only have regular paprika, that will do in a pinch, but the smoked version is worth seeking out.
• Beef Broth: I usually use a good quality stock cube dissolved in water. It’s a budget-friendly option that works perfectly well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear. This step adds great flavour!
2. Step 2: Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared steak and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Pour in the Dr. Pepper, beef broth, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The steak should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork. The smell will be amazing!
5. Step 5: Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with cold water) to thicken the sauce. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.
6. Step 6: Serve: Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this recipe even easier and tastier. Here are a few of my favourite tips:

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the steak is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavour. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavours.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce. My kids aren’t too keen on spice, so I keep it mild!
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker pot in the fridge. In the morning, just plug it in and let it cook!
• Tender Steak Every Time: Ensure the steak is submerged in the liquid while cooking. This helps keep it incredibly tender and prevents it from drying out.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these steak bites in soft rolls for a delicious and easy sandwich.
• For Fussy Eaters: If your little ones are vegetable-averse, you can finely chop the peppers or even blend them into the sauce after cooking.

Storage & Meal Prep

These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are fantastic for meal prepping!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These steak bites freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: As mentioned above, you can prep all the ingredients the night before. You can also fully cook the steak bites and reheat them later in the week.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are a few ways you can adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions. Also, use cornflour to thicken the sauce.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Vegetarian: Whilst this recipe uses steak, I have successfully made a similar sauce with chunky mushrooms for a vegetarian option – although my kids weren’t as impressed!
• Chicken: Swap the chuck steak for chicken thighs for a milder flavour.
• Different Soda: While Dr. Pepper is the star, some people have used Coca-Cola with good results. I personally prefer the Dr. Pepper for its unique blend of flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, I often do this on Sunday evenings before the busy school week. Simply prepare everything up to the cooking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll save yourself precious time.

How do I know when the steak is done?

The steak is done when it’s incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. It should be falling apart in the sauce. If it’s still tough, it needs to cook longer.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While chuck steak is ideal, braising steak also works well. Avoid leaner cuts, as they can become dry during slow cooking. The key is to use a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking.

My sauce is too thin. What can I do?

Make sure you are using the cornflour slurry at the end of the cooking time. If it’s still too thin, mix another tablespoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in. Allow it to cook for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Sear the steak and sauté the vegetables using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.

Do children usually enjoy this recipe?

In my experience, yes! The slight sweetness from the Dr. Pepper makes it appealing to most kids. Of course, every child is different, but the feedback I’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. My two are my harshest critics, and they clear their plates every time!

Can I scale this recipe for a larger or smaller family?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally to suit the number of people you are feeding. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly if you significantly increase the quantity of beef.

Serving Suggestions

These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of our favourite ways to serve them:

• Over Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
• In Soft Rolls: Pile the steak bites into soft rolls for a quick and easy sandwich.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Alongside Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal.

And there you have it, my lovely friends! Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites – a proper crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into the hustle and bustle of family life. It’s the kind of meal that lets you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing dinner is sorted and everyone will be happy. Give it a go, let me know what you think in the comments, and be sure to share any tweaks you make to suit your family’s tastes. If you like this, why not try my slow cooker chicken casserole, it’s another family favourite. Don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter so you never miss a recipe!

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