Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

Hearty Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Home cooks adore this hearty pepper steak in a crock pot that promises comfort and rich flavors.

Slow cooking transforms tough meat into tender, mouthwatering bites that melt in your mouth.

Robust beef simmered with bell peppers creates a meal packed with incredible depth.

Weeknight dinners become simple and delicious with minimal prep work and maximum satisfaction.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an impressive dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Juicy strips of beef swimming in a savory sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

Come hungry and leave happy with this foolproof recipe that never disappoints.

Why Crock Pot Pepper Steak Deserves Attention

  • Slow-Cooker Convenience: Effortlessly prepare a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weekdays or when you want a stress-free cooking experience.
  • Tender Texture Triumph: Crockpot cooking transforms tough beef strips into melt-in-your-mouth meat, ensuring a succulent and flavorful dish that guarantees satisfaction.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic spices to create a rich, deeply seasoned sauce that elevates the entire pepper steak to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Serve over steamed rice or noodles, making it adaptable for different preferences and an easy crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak Ingredients

Meat:
  • Beef Sirloin, Beef Round Steak: Tender cuts perfect for slow cooking, best when sliced into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
Vegetables:
  • Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Onion: Colorful and flavorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish, providing a balanced and vibrant mix.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile with its rich, pungent taste.
Seasonings and Sauces:
  • Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that add depth and complexity to the meat's flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the meaty taste of the dish.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds richness and slight tanginess, helping to create a robust sauce.
  • Black Pepper, Ground Ginger, Salt: Essential spices that bring warmth, subtle heat, and balance to the overall seasoning.
Cooking Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a mild, smooth flavor to the dish.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry for thickening the sauce, ensuring a smooth and glossy consistency.

Crockpot Pepper Steak Cooking Guide

Step 1: Sizzle Beef Strips

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place beef strips into the hot pan and sear until they develop a rich, golden-brown color on both sides.

This process locks in the meat’s delicious flavors and creates a beautiful exterior.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Move the beautifully browned beef strips into the crock pot, creating a delectable base for your pepper steak.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

Toss in the vibrant ingredients:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onion
  • Garlic

These fresh vegetables will infuse the dish with incredible taste and texture.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Black pepper
  • Ground ginger

Whisk these together until well blended, then pour the savory mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

This slow cooking process will make the beef incredibly tender and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in a cornstarch slurry to create a rich, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the meat and vegetables.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles.

The result is a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress family and friends with its deep, complex flavors and tender meat.

Crockpot Pepper Steak With Flavor-Preserving Instructions

  • Sear beef strips quickly in a hot skillet to lock in juices and create a rich, caramelized exterior before slow cooking.
  • Adjust black pepper and add red pepper flakes for extra heat, tailoring the dish to your personal taste preferences.
  • Swap bell peppers with zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas to create different flavor profiles and add more nutritional variety.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free beef broth to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the meat.

Save Crock Pot Pepper Steak For Later Meals

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled steak to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Warm refrigerated steak in the microwave with a damp paper towel, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent meat from becoming tough.
  • Add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to restore moisture and prevent the sauce from drying out, ensuring the dish tastes just as delicious as when first prepared.

Dish Ideas for Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

  • Pair with Vibrant Red Wines: Choose bold, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complement the rich, savory flavors of pepper steak, cutting through the meat's richness with their robust tannins.
  • Enhance with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to add a complementary earthy texture that matches the pepper steak's hearty profile.
  • Serve with Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Select jasmine rice as the perfect base, which absorbs the steak's flavorful sauce while providing a delicate, aromatic backdrop to the bold pepper steak.
  • Match with Asian-Inspired Slaw: Create a crisp coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and green onions to provide a refreshing, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy pepper steak, balancing the dish's intense flavors.

Pepper Steak in the Crockpot with Asian Flavor Notes

  • Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and use low-sodium beef broth to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor intensity.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, use cornstarch from a certified gluten-free source, and serve over cauliflower rice or gluten-free noodles.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef strips with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keeping all other seasonings the same for a plant-based protein version.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes during cooking, and include sliced jalapeños with the bell peppers to increase heat level for spice lovers.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chuck roast, sirloin, or flank steak. Just ensure the meat is cut into thin strips for tender results.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional soy sauce contains gluten. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

  • Can I freeze pepper steak?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

  • How can I make the dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.

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Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling pepper steak in a crock pot brings tender beef and sweet bell peppers together in a savory comfort meal. Slow-cooked perfection delivers rich flavors that draw you into a hearty dinner experience with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (0.9 kg) beef sirloin or round steak, sliced into strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt to taste

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Caramelize beef strips in a hot skillet, creating a rich golden-brown exterior that locks in robust flavors and enhances the meat’s natural tenderness.
  2. Carefully nestle the seared beef into the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution across the base of the cooking vessel.
  3. Layer vibrant bell peppers, aromatic onions, and minced garlic over the beef, creating a colorful and fragrant foundation for the dish.
  4. Whisk together a complex sauce combining umami-rich soy sauce, hearty beef broth, tangy Worcestershire sauce, deep tomato paste, freshly cracked black pepper, and warming ground ginger.
  5. Pour the meticulously crafted sauce directly over the meat and vegetable layers, allowing the liquid to permeate and infuse every component with its bold flavor profile.
  6. Secure the lid and let the slow cooker transform the ingredients, gently simmering on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and succulent.
  7. During the final moments of cooking, introduce a cornstarch slurry to elegantly thicken the sauce, creating a luxurious, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the meat and vegetables.
  8. Plate the pepper steak atop a bed of fluffy steamed rice or tender noodles, allowing the rich sauce to cascade and mingle with the accompanying starch.

Notes

  • Searing the beef creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep flavor and prevents the meat from becoming bland during slow cooking.
  • Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture that breaks down beautifully in the crock pot.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make the dish safe for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking to introduce more nutrients and keep them from becoming mushy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 364
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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