Introduction
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors with minimal effort. This savory, slow-cooked beef dish is packed with tender steak strips, bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce, making it a comforting and hearty meal for any night of the week. Using a crock pot (slow cooker) ensures that the meat becomes fork-tender and allows all the ingredients to blend together for a deep, satisfying taste.
This dish is inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, where thinly sliced steak is cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and peppers. Making it in a crock pot takes the effort out of cooking and allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes, this pepper steak will be a hit with the whole family.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making perfect crock pot pepper steak—from ingredient selection and preparation steps to variations, serving ideas, and storage tips.
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips (use red, green, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Chop the bell peppers and onions into thin strips.
- Mince the garlic finely.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Transfer the beef to the crock pot.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables & Seasonings
- Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the crock pot.
- Sprinkle with black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Add the Sauces & Liquid
- Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and drained diced tomatoes.
- Stir in brown sugar and dried oregano.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- The beef should be tender, and the flavors should be well combined.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cornstarch slurry.
- Stir well and let cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Variations
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
- Mushroom Pepper Steak: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Teriyaki Pepper Steak: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce.
- Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice and skip the cornstarch.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overcook the bell peppers; add them later if you prefer them crisper.
- Cut steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Use a mix of bell peppers for vibrant color and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
Serving Suggestion
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice.
- Try it over buttery mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
Tips for the Best Pepper Steak
- Use high-quality beef for the best texture.
- Sear the beef before slow cooking for added depth of flavor.
- Add peppers towards the end if you prefer them firmer.
- Make it in advance—the flavors deepen over time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) / 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, but fresh peppers offer a better texture.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast or round steak also work well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer on low for 1 hour after browning the beef.
Conclusion
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering tender beef, perfectly cooked peppers, and a delicious, savory sauce that pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
This versatile, make-ahead meal is great for meal prep, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Try different variations, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and enjoy a stress-free homemade meal packed with rich flavors.
So, grab your slow cooker and get started on this delicious crock pot pepper steak—a meal that’s guaranteed to impress! Enjoy!