There’s nothing better than coming home to the aroma of a slow-cooked meal, and this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a game changer. The tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and rich, flavorful sauce make it a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just set it and forget it!
Whether you’re looking for a meal prep option, a hearty family dinner, or a dish to impress guests, this slow-cooked pepper steak has you covered. Serve it over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a complete meal that’s both effortless and full of flavor.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef strips until browned on all sides. Transfer to the crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic for 2 minutes, then add them to the crock pot.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak: A Flavorful and Effortless Meal
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a well-prepared pepper steak. This slow-cooked version, made in a crock pot, takes the classic flavors of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and rich sauce to a whole new level. With minimal preparation and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a hearty homemade meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pepper Steak
One of the best things about this slow-cooker pepper steak is its simplicity. Unlike traditional stove-top versions that require constant attention, this recipe allows you to throw all the ingredients into your crock pot and let time do the work. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, enhances the flavors of the sauce, and ensures that every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Another major advantage of this dish is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, making it a flexible meal that can fit different dietary preferences. Plus, with just a few ingredient swaps, you can customize it to be lower in sodium, gluten-free, or even keto-friendly.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is one of the best ways to develop deep, rich flavors in a dish. By allowing the ingredients to cook low and slow over several hours, you create an environment where the beef can fully absorb the seasonings, and the peppers soften while still retaining their slight crunch. Unlike high-heat cooking methods that can sometimes dry out meat, slow cooking locks in moisture, resulting in ultra-tender beef that practically melts in your mouth.
Additionally, using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient. You can prepare the ingredients in the morning, set the crock pot, and return home to a fully cooked meal. This not only saves time but also reduces the need for extra dishes and cleanup.
The Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible. A combination of soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of savory, umami, and slightly sweet flavors. The beef releases its juices as it cooks, further enriching the sauce and making it thick and velvety.
For those who prefer a thicker sauce, a cornstarch slurry is added toward the end of the cooking process. This gives the dish a rich, glossy finish and helps coat every piece of beef and pepper with deliciousness.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can also add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a subtle kick.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Best Cuts of Beef for Pepper Steak
While sirloin is commonly used in this dish, you can also experiment with other cuts of beef. Flank steak, round steak, and even chuck roast work well in a slow cooker, as they become tender over time. The key is to slice the beef thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
Bell Peppers: The Star of the Dish
Bell peppers are essential for this recipe, providing a sweet, slightly tangy contrast to the rich beef and sauce. Using a mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers not only adds flavor variety but also makes the dish visually appealing. Red peppers are the sweetest, while green peppers have a slightly bitter taste that complements the savory sauce.
The Role of Aromatics
Garlic and onion are must-haves in this dish, as they add depth and fragrance. Fresh garlic cloves provide a pungent, slightly spicy taste, while onions bring a natural sweetness that balances out the bold flavors of the sauce. If you want an even richer flavor, caramelizing the onions before adding them to the crock pot can enhance the dish even more.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Sear the Beef First – While this step is optional, browning the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor and creates a more complex taste. The caramelization that occurs during searing helps deepen the dish’s overall richness.
- Don’t Overcook the Peppers – To keep the bell peppers slightly crisp, add them in the last hour of cooking rather than at the beginning. This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste – If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little extra brown sugar. For a more savory flavor, increase the soy sauce or add a splash of oyster sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers make a huge difference in the final dish. Pre-packaged or frozen versions can sometimes have a milder taste and different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This slow-cooked pepper steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of the best options to complement the meal:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice – A classic choice that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds a hearty base to the meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory sauce and tender beef.
- Egg Noodles – A great option if you prefer a pasta-like dish. The thick noodles hold onto the sauce well.
- Cauliflower Rice – For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great substitute that still pairs nicely with the flavors of the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, this dish stores incredibly well, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply allow the pepper steak to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. The tender beef, vibrant peppers, and rich sauce create a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a hassle-free meal prep option, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
By following a few simple tips, such as choosing the right cut of beef, adjusting the sauce to your taste, and serving it with the perfect side dish, you can customize this dish to suit your preferences. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Try this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak today and experience just how easy and delicious slow-cooked meals can be!