Southern Pepper Steak Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty Southern pepper steak—tender slices of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and onions simmered in a rich gravy, all served over fluffy rice. This one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Let’s dive into how to nail this classic dish with a blend of simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pepper Steak:

• 1.5–2 lbs sirloin steak (sliced thinly against the grain)
• 3 bell peppers (mix colors for visual appeal, sliced into strips)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef stock
• 3 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp Beef Better Than Bouillon (or substitute with 1 beef bouillon cube)
• ½ tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Cracked black pepper (to taste)

For Serving:

• 4 cups cooked white rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Sear the Steak

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the steak strips dry (this ensures a good sear) and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.

2. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened but still crisp. Southern cooks know the secret: a slight crunch adds texture to the dish!

3. Build the Gravy

Push the veggies to the side of the skillet. In a bowl, whisk together beef stock, cornstarch, and Beef Better Than Bouillon to create a slurry. Pour it into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits (that’s flavor gold!). Add tomato paste and whisk until the gravy thickens—this should take just 1–2 minutes.

4. Combine and Season

Stir the veggies into the gravy, then add the cooked steak back to the skillet. Season with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

5. Serve It Up

Spoon the pepper steak and gravy over steaming white rice. For an authentic Southern touch, pair it with buttery cornbread or collard greens.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the steak thinly against the muscle fibers ensures tenderness.
• Veggie Texture: Cook peppers and onions just until they start to soften—overcooking turns them mushy.
• Gravy Fix: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef stock. Too thin? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and stir it in.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish leans on bold, savory flavors without fussy techniques. The cornstarch slurry creates a glossy gravy that clings to every bite, while the tomato paste adds depth without overpowering. It’s a flexible recipe, too: swap sirloin for flank steak or add a dash of hot sauce for heat.Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort, Southern pepper steak delivers. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like home—no matter where you are.