Best Pepper Steak Crock Pot Recipe

The Best Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Succulent pepper steak simmers effortlessly in a crock pot, promising a mouthwatering meal that will make taste buds dance.

Slow cooking transforms tough cuts into tender, flavorful bites bursting with savory goodness.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious comfort.

Rich, aromatic spices meld together, creating a symphony of flavors that comfort and satisfy.

Simple ingredients work magic, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings warmth to your table with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable pepper steak that practically melts in your mouth.

Ingredients For Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Main Protein:
  • Beef Strips: Tender meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft when slow-cooked in the crock pot.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the pepper steak dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty umami flavor to the overall dish.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for the slow cooking process.
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
  • Garlic: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor to the pepper steak.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.
  • Ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the recipe.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Helps create a thick and glossy sauce for the pepper steak.
Cooking Base:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef strips to lock in flavor and create a nice brown crust.

Step-By-Step Pepper Steak Crock Pot Guide

Step-By-Step Pepper Steak Crock Pot Guide

Step 1: Sear The Beef

Brown the beef strips in a hot skillet with vegetable oil, creating a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in delicious flavors. Make sure each strip gets a golden-brown crust for maximum taste.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients In Crock Pot

Transfer the seared beef into the slow cooker. Add these colorful ingredients:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic cloves

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid

Whisk together these amazing sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Honey
  • Fresh ginger
  • Cracked black pepper

Pour the liquid mixture completely over the beef and vegetables.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Set your crock pot on low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3-4 hours until the beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 5: Thicken The Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this into the crock pot to transform the liquid into a luscious, clingy sauce.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Plate your pepper steak over steamed white rice or tender egg noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips For Tender Pepper Steak

  • Sear beef strips before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and prevent bland meat.
  • Choose tender beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture and best results.
  • Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes to create a glossy, restaurant-quality consistency.
  • Slice bell peppers and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the dish.
  • Adjust seasoning by reducing sodium in soy sauce or using low-sodium broth for a healthier version without compromising taste.

Alternative Versions Of Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Gluten-Free Pepper Steak: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Asian Pepper Steak: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter meal option for keto dieters.
  • Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan strips, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based protein option.

What Goes Well With Pepper Steak

  • Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this pepper steak over fluffy white rice, creating a comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Weeknight Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with steamed broccoli for a quick and delicious lunch option that keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
  • Cozy Weekend Comfort: Pair the tender beef with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty weekend dinner that feels like a warm hug.
  • Elegant Entertaining Twist: Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then serve in a beautiful ceramic dish to impress dinner guests with minimal effort.

Proper Storage For Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Use shallow containers to help the food cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer the steak and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Seal the container tightly to prevent odors from spreading in the fridge.
Method for Refrigeration:
  • Place cooled pepper steak in a clean, sealed container.
  • Label with the date of storage.
  • Keep the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

FAQs

  • Why sear the beef before putting it in the crock pot?

Searing locks in the meat’s natural juices and creates a delicious caramelized exterior, which adds deep flavor and helps prevent the beef from becoming bland or mushy during slow cooking.

  • Can I use different types of peppers?

Absolutely! While bell peppers work great, you can substitute with poblano, Anaheim, or even spicier peppers like jalapeños if you want more heat in your pepper steak.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since traditional soy sauce contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Everyone Loves

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Everyone Loves
  • Slow Cook to Perfection: Tender beef transforms with minimal effort as the crock pot works its magic, breaking down tough meat fibers for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Minimal prep means you can toss ingredients in the morning and return to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal without constant monitoring.
  • Packed with Flavor Punch: Searing beef before slow cooking locks in rich flavors, while the combination of soy sauce, honey, and spices creates a deeply satisfying taste profile that'll impress the whole family.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to serve over rice or noodles, making it a flexible dinner option that suits different preferences and can be customized with additional vegetables or garnishes.
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Best Pepper Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Best Pepper Steak Crock Pot Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delicious pepper steak with tender beef simmers slowly in a savory sauce, creating a comforting meal. Hearty flavors meld together, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (ground or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Caramelize beef strips in a hot skillet with vegetable oil until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior, developing deep flavor and sealing in moisture.
  2. Transfer seared beef into the slow cooker, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
  3. Incorporate crisp bell peppers and sliced onions alongside the meat, distributing ingredients evenly across the cooking surface.
  4. Whisk together a complex marinade combining umami-rich soy sauce, savory beef broth, sweet honey, minced garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, and zesty ginger.
  5. Pour the aromatic liquid mixture over the meat and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage and flavor infusion.
  6. Set the crock pot to low temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours, transforming tough meat into meltingly soft morsels.
  7. During the final 30 minutes, create a quick slurry by blending cornstarch with cold water, then gently fold into the cooking liquid to create a silky, glossy sauce.
  8. Once cooking completes, let the steak rest momentarily to redistribute internal juices.
  9. Plate the pepper steak over fluffy steamed rice or tender wheat noodles, garnishing with optional chopped green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Searing the beef before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the dish.
  • Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt content for those watching their sodium intake.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the sweet undertone.
  • Thinly slicing beef against the grain ensures maximum tenderness and easier chewing during the slow cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 296 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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