There's nothing like the comforting aroma of Pepper Steak slow-cooking in your kitchen. With tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients could transform into such a satisfying meal. Now, it's a go-to in our household when we want something hearty, flavorful, and easy.

Why You'll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite crockpot recipe! Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the ultimate combination of convenience and taste, perfect for weeknights or when you’re hosting friends.

First, it’s practically hands-off. After a little prep, the slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you go about your day while dinner takes care of itself.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. Whether you prefer your steak tender and saucy or packed with bold, caramelized flavor, you can customize it to your liking.

Plus, the combination of savory soy sauce, sweet bell peppers, and tender beef makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal the whole family will love.

Finally, it’s a great way to use up those bell peppers in your fridge. Red, yellow, green – they all work beautifully here and add a burst of color to your plate.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make the perfect Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot:

Beef: Use sirloin steak, flank steak, or stew beef for the best results. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color. Choose firm, fresh peppers for the best texture.

Soy Sauce: The base of the savory sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add depth and warmth to the dish. You can substitute powdered versions in a pinch.

Beef Broth: Enhances the sauce and helps tenderize the meat. You can use chicken broth or even water if needed.

Cornstarch: A simple slurry thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Special Equipment: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. You'll also need a small saucepan to prepare the cornstarch slurry near the end.

How to Make This Pepper Steak

Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is as easy as chop, stir, and wait. Here’s how to do it:

Start by preparing your steak. Cut it into thin strips, about 2 inches long. This helps it cook evenly and ensures every bite is tender.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef strips until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. Add the beef to your crock pot.

Next, slice your bell peppers into strips and add them to the slow cooker. Don’t forget to reserve a handful of peppers for adding during the last hour of cooking – this keeps them crisp and colorful.

Combine soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and a dash of sugar in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the beef and peppers. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the beef while infusing it with all those savory flavors.

About 30 minutes before serving, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot. Add the reserved bell peppers for a pop of color and a slight crunch.

Serve the finished dish over steamed rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes. The tender beef and glossy sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pepper Steak tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pepper steak into an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Try these ideas to switch things up:

Swap the Beef: Use chicken strips or pork loin for a twist on the classic.
Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Kick Up the Heat: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.

Experiment and make it your own – this recipe is endlessly adaptable!

There you have it – an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish always hits the spot.