Are you looking for a super easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a midweek dinner? Then this Creamy Garlic Pepper Beef is just what you need! It’s loaded with savory garlic and a bit of spice, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy with your family. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or even potatoes so you can switch it up depending on what you have on hand!

Method

Prep the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients needed for the dish. First, take the stir-fry beef strips and season them with salt to taste. Then, in a small bowl, mix the dry seasonings black pepper, garlic powder (or fresh garlic, depending on your preference), paprika, chili flakes, and oregano or parsley. This seasoning mix is what will infuse the beef with all its delicious flavors. Once the seasoning is ready, place the seasoned beef strips into the slow cooker. Add the beef stock, light butter, and a bit of cornflour to the mix. The butter will help make the sauce creamy, while the cornflour will thicken it as it cooks. Stir everything together briefly to ensure the beef strips are evenly coated with the seasoning and the butter melts into the stock. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours, depending on how much time you have. The slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Add the creamy goodness: After the beef has cooked and become tender, it’s time to make this dish extra creamy and delicious. Take the slow cooker lid off and stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. The cream cheese will give the sauce a smooth, rich texture, while the Parmesan adds a delightful cheesy flavor. The spinach not only adds a pop of color but also brings in a fresh, earthy taste to balance out the richness. Stir everything well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. If the sauce appears a bit too thin for your liking, mix a tablespoon or two of cornflour with some water in a separate bowl and pour it into the slow cooker. Stir the mixture in and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.Serve and enjoy: Once your creamy garlic pepper beef is ready, it’s time to serve! Prepare some cooked white rice and place a generous portion of the beef mixture over the top. This dish works wonderfully with rice, as the creamy sauce soaks into the grains, making each bite mouthwatering. Before serving, sprinkle a little extra oregano and chili flakes on top to give it that final kick of flavor. For an added touch, you can also top the dish with some extra Parmesan cheese for a bit of extra cheesiness. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this dish with your family or friends.

Necessary Tools

Slow cooker
Measuring spoons
Knife and chopping board
Stirring spoon
Bowl for mixing cornflour with water (optional)

Creamy Garlic Pepper Beef: A Delicious Midweek Meal

Recipe by Simon Davies

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: PhilippinesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes

Ingredients

800g stir fry beef strips
Salt (to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1.5 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you prefer)
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp oregano or parsley
25g light butter (add more if you like)
350ml beef stock
150g light cream cheese (I used Philly)
40g grated Parmesan
Handful of spinach

Directions

Prep the ingredients: Dump the beef strips, all dry seasonings (black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, and oregano), beef stock, butter, and cornflour into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
Add the creamy goodness: Once the beef is cooked and tender, add the cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach. Stir until everything is nice and creamy. If the sauce needs to be thicker, mix cornflour with a little water and add it to the slow cooker.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the creamy garlic pepper beef over some freshly cooked rice. Before serving, sprinkle with a little extra oregano and chili flakes to add a fresh kick of flavor.

Notes

Cooking Time: Make sure to check the beef after the cooking time to ensure it’s tender. If you’re cooking on low, it might take a bit longer, but the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, don’t worry! Simply mix some cornflower with water and add it to the slow cooker. Let it cook for a bit to thicken up.
Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add a little extra cream cheese or butter it’ll give the sauce a lovely, velvety finish.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic pepper beef is delicious on its own, but you can switch things up with a variety of sides:

Rice: Serve with a bowl of cooked white rice to soak up all that amazing sauce.
Pasta: A bed of pasta would make this a hearty meal, think spaghetti or penne!
Potatoes: Serve it with mashed or roasted potatoes for a comforting twist.

Pair with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal. You can even add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.

Fun Fact

Did you know that garlic has been used for centuries not just as a tasty ingredient, but also for its potential health benefits? It’s believed to have antimicrobial properties and may even help lower blood pressure! So while this dish is delicious, it’s also a little bit good for you!

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Pepper Beef is everything you could want in a dinner: creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with whatever side dish you like best. Whether you’re serving it over rice, pasta, or potatoes, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Enjoy this cozy comfort food with family and friends,it’s bound to make them smile!