If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is your new best friend. Tender strips of beef slowly cooked with vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free dinner, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Set it in the crock pot and let it work while you focus on your day.
Rich, Tender Flavor: Slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender and infused with the sweet and tangy sauce.
Colorful and Nutritious: Bell peppers add a pop of color and a boost of vitamins to your meal.
Family-Friendly: A dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even wrapped in a tortilla for a quick lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create a flavorful and well-balanced dish. Each adds a unique texture or taste, making this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Beef strips: Choose flank steak or sirloin for tenderness and great flavor.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for vibrant colors and subtle sweetness.
Onion: Adds a natural savory note and balances sweetness from the peppers.
Soy sauce: Brings depth and umami to the sauce.
Beef broth: Keeps the meat juicy and enriches the overall flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic complexity.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the salty soy sauce.
Ground black pepper: The signature spice that gives the dish its name and zing.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.

Variations for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Feel free to tailor this recipe to your pantry, dietary lifestyle, or flavor preferences. The flexibility of the crock pot makes it easy to experiment and find your perfect version of pepper steak.

Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños for a signature spicy kick.
Low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to reduce salt without losing flavor.
Vegetable boost: Toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
Gluten-free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure broth and cornstarch are gluten-free.
Protein swap: Try chicken strips or tofu for a twist on the classic beef version.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice your beef into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. Chop your bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic finely to release full flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ground black pepper. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Step 3: Layer the Crock Pot

Add the beef strips at the bottom of the crock pot, then top with the sliced bell peppers and onions. Pour the sauce evenly over the ingredients, ensuring everything is coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should become tender, and the peppers will soften while still retaining some texture.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot and let it cook uncovered to thicken the sauce into a glossy finish.

Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Cut against the grain: This guarantees your beef stays tender after slow cooking.
Don’t overcook vegetables: Add peppers later in cooking if you want more crunch.
Brown beef first: Optional but can add depth through caramelization before crock pot cooking.
Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic outshines powdered garlic in flavor for this dish.
Let it rest: Once cooked, allow the dish to sit with the lid off for a few minutes to thicken further and meld flavors.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds bring a bright and crunchy finish that complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve your pepper steak over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal, alongside simple stir-fried greens or a crisp salad to add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try wrapping the pepper steak and peppers in warm tortillas for a scrumptious pepper steak fajita, or serve over buttered egg noodles to mix things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

Freeze portions in tightly sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or even stew meat; just be mindful that tougher cuts may benefit from longer cooking times to reach tenderness.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

While not required, browning beef strips beforehand adds a richer flavor and nice color to the final dish, enhancing overall taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

How long does it take to cook Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot?

Typically, it takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to achieve tender beef and perfectly cooked peppers in the crock pot.

What should I serve with Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes, alongside a light vegetable side like sautéed greens or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is truly a go-to meal when you want something delicious without stress. The melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with colorful peppers is a comforting combination that everyone at your table will adore. Give it a try tonight and experience how easy and rewarding crock pot cooking can be!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Print Recipe

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers slow-cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free dinner, the dish delivers hearty, colorful, and nutritious flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for the whole family.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb beef strips (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)

Vegetables

1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, freshly minced

Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium optional; use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Thickener

1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water (to make slurry)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release full flavor.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Whisk well until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the sauce is balanced with savory and sweet notes.
Layer the Crock Pot: Place the beef strips at the bottom of the crock pot. Top with the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly. Pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients, making sure everything is well coated.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef will become tender, and the peppers will soften while still retaining some texture.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot, cook uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken to a glossy glaze.

Notes

Cut against the grain to keep beef tender after cooking.
For crunchier peppers, add them later in the cooking process.
Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor and color but is optional.
Use fresh minced garlic for best aromatic results.
Let the dish rest uncovered for a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce further and meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: pepper steak, crock pot, slow cooker, beef recipe, easy dinner, gluten free, weeknight meal