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Pepper Steak With Gravy sizzles with the bold aroma of cracked black peppercorns and tender beef tips, all drenched in a silky, savory gravy that elevates dinner to unforgettable heights. Each mouthful marries the gentle heat of green peppers with the deep richness of homemade gravy, creating a luscious harmony of flavors. This recipe transforms simple ingredients—lean beef, vibrant bell peppers, and pantry staples—into a restaurant-quality feast that satisfies without stretching your schedule. Ideal for busy families or intimate gatherings, Pepper Steak With Gravy brings both comfort and excitement to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak With Gravy
- Features a peppercorn-crusted steak au poivre–style crust for a dramatic flavor punch
- Silky gravy made from pan drippings intensifies every savory note
- Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner guests
- Customizable with cube steak, hamburger steak, or chopped steak for budget flexibility
- Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles for endless serving options
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 20 minutes |
| Total Time: | 30 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free* (use GF flour) |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- Steak tips – lean, protein-packed beef coated with cracked peppercorns
- Green bell peppers – tender-crisp sweetness balancing the pepper heat
- Onion – aromatic base enriching gravy’s depth
- Unsalted butter – creates a silky pan sauce and helps brown steak
- All-purpose or gluten-free flour – thickens gravy to luscious perfection
- Beef broth – deepens umami and ensures smooth gravy
- Worcestershire sauce – adds tangy complexity to the sauce
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper – essential seasoning for steak and gravy
- Fresh parsley – bright garnish that adds color and freshness
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes – ideal bases for soaking up every drop of gravy
Pepper Steak With Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat steak tips dry and season with salt and cracked black pepper. Sear in melted butter over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion and green bell peppers. Cook until softened and aromatic, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, forming a smooth gravy.
- Return steak tips to the skillet. Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes until gravy thickens and steak is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter off the heat.
- Let steak rest covered for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
How to Make the Pepper Steak With Gravy
Transforming simple steak and peppers into a decadent pepper steak with gravy is easier than you think, thanks to one-pan cooking.
Step 1: Season and Sear
Pat steak tips dry and season liberally with salt and peppercorns. In a hot skillet with melted butter, sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until a deep crust forms. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add sliced onion and green peppers. Cook until softened, scraping up browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 3: Build the Gravy Base
Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to eliminate raw taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Return steak to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5–7 minutes until gravy thickens and steak reaches desired doneness.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Season gravy with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. For extra depth, whisk in a knob of butter off-heat.
Step 6: Rest the Steak
Allow steak to rest covered for 3 minutes to lock in juices before slicing or serving whole.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over steak and gravy. Serve hot atop rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Pro Tips for Making the Pepper Steak With Gravy
- Use cube steak for a budget-friendly variation—gravy masks any uneven texture
- Toast flour briefly to develop a nutty flavor in your gravy
- Deglaze with a splash of white wine before broth for a bright acid note
- If gravy is too thick, stir in extra warm broth until desired consistency
- For extra “peppered gravy,” crush additional peppercorns and sprinkle on the finished dish
How to Serve Pepper Steak With Gravy
Elevate your pepper steak with these inspired serving suggestions:
- Top mashed potatoes with peppered gravy and sliced steak
- Serve over steamed rice for a classic pepper steak and rice combo
- Accompany with buttery egg noodles to catch every drop of gravy
- Pair with roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition
- Garnish with pickled jalapeños for contrasting tang and heat
- Offer crusty bread to mop up extra sauce
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette
- Add a dollop of horseradish cream for a zesty finish
- Top with fried onions for extra crunch
- Pair with a glass of red wine to complement the beefy flavors
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
• Refrigerate up to 3 days for best quality
• Keep steak and gravy together to maintain moistness
• Label with date and reheat instructions for easy use
Freezing
• Cool and portion into freezer-safe containers
• Freeze up to 2 months, leaving headspace for expansion
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
• Stir in extra broth when reheating if gravy has thickened
Reheating
• Gently reheat on stovetop over low heat, stirring to prevent sticking
• Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals
• Add a splash of broth or water to revive gravy’s silky texture
• Cover while reheating to lock in moisture
FAQs
What are the health benefits of steak and gravy?
Lean beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins essential for muscle repair and energy metabolism. Homemade gravy adds flavor without excessive fat when made with minimal butter and broth.
Can I substitute hamburger steak in this recipe?
Yes—use hamburger steak or chopped steak for a cost-effective twist; the rich gravy ties it all together beautifully.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Boost flavor with fresh herbs, a dash of smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon juice instead of adding more fat or salt.
Can I meal prep Pepper Steak With Gravy?
Absolutely! Cook and portion into containers for quick reheating. The gravy intensifies in flavor after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
Pepper Steak With Gravy brings together the bold punch of peppercorns and the comforting richness of homemade gravy in a dish that’s both elegant and approachable. Its quick one-pan method and versatile protein options ensure this recipe fits any budget and schedule. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this pepper steak and gravy recipe never disappoints. Serve it over rice, potatoes, or noodles—and watch it become a family favorite that brings warmth and flavor to every meal.
