When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a comforting, home-cooked meal waiting for you at the end of the day. That’s where this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe comes in. With tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce, this recipe is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food. It’s effortless to make, full of flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Just toss the ingredients into your crock pot, and let it do all the work! Trust me, the rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks will make everyone excited for dinner. Whether served over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, this dish is a winner.
So, grab your crock pot and let’s get started on this foolproof recipe for pepper steak perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Tender and Juicy Beef: Slow cooking ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Rich, Savory Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger gives this dish its signature taste, while bell peppers add a sweet and vibrant contrast.
- Easy to Make: Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and dinner is practically ready!
- Customizable: Add more veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or packed lunches.
What Does Crock Pot Pepper Steak Taste Like?
Imagine strips of beef that are tender enough to cut with a fork, coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. The soy sauce and ginger provide a depth of flavor, while the bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Serve it over fluffy white rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting all in one.
Ingredients for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious meal:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced into strips)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Tools You’ll Need
- A crock pot or slow cooker
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl (for the sauce)
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Protein Options: Swap beef for chicken or pork strips for a different take on the dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas to make the dish even more veggie-packed.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
This recipe is as simple as it gets! Follow these steps to make the ultimate pepper steak in your slow cooker:
Prep the Ingredients
- Slice the beef into thin strips and season lightly with black pepper.
- Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips, and mince the garlic.
Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch.
Add to the Crock Pot
- Place the beef strips into the crock pot.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the beef.
- Pour the sauce mixture over everything, ensuring the beef and veggies are well coated.
Slow Cook
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible to ensure the sauce thickens evenly and coats the beef and veggies.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened, serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
What to Serve with Pepper Steak
- Steamed Rice or Cauliflower Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Egg Noodles or Lo Mein Noodles: Add a bit of an Asian-inspired twist to your meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: A fun and flavorful side to complement the dish.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Sirloin or flank steak work best for tender, juicy results.
- Cut Meat Against the Grain: This ensures the beef is tender and not chewy.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- Add Veggies at the Right Time: If you prefer your bell peppers on the crisp side, add them halfway through cooking instead of at the start.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the liquid ingredients to ensure you have plenty for serving!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Allow the pepper steak to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but thaw the beef fully before slicing and adding to the crock pot for the best results.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check the Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can. Simply cook the beef and veggies in a large skillet, then pour in the sauce and simmer until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
Conclusion: A Slow Cooker Favorite for the Whole Family
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and sweet bell peppers come together in the slow cooker to create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights or when you’re craving a hands-off meal that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest so I can see your creations.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check these out:
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 15g
Save this recipe and let your slow cooker do all the work! ❤️
PrintPepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe: A Flavorful Slow Cooker Favorite
- Total Time: 2 minute
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is the ultimate slow cooker comfort food. With tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish is effortless to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Let your crock pot do all the work, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced into strips)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Slice the beef into thin strips and season lightly with black pepper.
- Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips, and mince the garlic.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch.
- Add to the Crock Pot:
- Place the sliced beef strips into the crock pot.
- Add the bell peppers and onion on top of the beef.
- Pour the prepared sauce over everything, ensuring the beef and veggies are well coated.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:
- Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor, if desired.
Notes
Notes:
- Protein Options: Swap the beef for chicken or pork strips for a different variation of this dish.
- Extra Veggies: For a more veggie-packed meal, add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 3H
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pepper steak in a crock pot, slow cooker pepper steak, easy crock pot recipes, beef recipes, crock pot dinner recipes, healthy pepper steak