Easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Slow-cooking pepper steak brings incredible flavor depths to an otherwise ordinary meal.

Tender beef strips absorb rich seasonings while simmering gently throughout the day.

Hearty ingredients merge beautifully in this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Busy home cooks appreciate how minimal preparation yields maximum deliciousness.

Minimal kitchen effort translates into a robust dinner that everyone will love.

Fragrant spices and succulent meat promise a comforting dining experience.

Savor each delectable bite and let this classic dish become your new weeknight favorite.

Highlights of Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Savor Slow-Cooked Tenderness: Crock pot method transforms tough beef strips into melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly soft meat that falls apart with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple swaps like different protein options, adjusting spice levels, or serving over various grains and noodles to match family preferences.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Minimal initial cooking steps mean you can quickly sear meat, dump ingredients, and let the crock pot work its magic while you enjoy your day without constant kitchen monitoring.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combines lean protein from beef with colorful bell peppers and onions, creating a balanced meal that delivers both taste and essential nutrients in a single convenient dish.

Ingredients for Pepper Steak Crockpot Meal

• Beef Strips: Tender meat that becomes soft and flavorful when slow-cooked in the crock pot.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth of flavor and color to the pepper steak dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, savory umami flavor to the steak.
• Beef Broth: Creates a delicious liquid base for the slow-cooking process.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a slight tanginess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in flavor and create a nice brown crust.

• Cornstarch, Water: Helps create a thick and glossy sauce for the pepper steak.

• Rice, Noodles: Traditional accompaniments that complement the pepper steak perfectly.

How to Cook Pepper Steak in Crockpot

Step 1: Sear The Beef

Heat a skillet with olive oil and quickly brown the beef strips on all sides.

This step locks in the rich, meaty flavors and creates a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 2: Prepare Crock Pot Base

Add the seared beef strips to the crock pot.

• Bell peppers (sliced)
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)

Step 3: Create Savory Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours.

The slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken The Sauce

Thirty minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Stir this into the crock pot to create a rich, glossy sauce.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the pepper steak over steamed rice or egg noodles.

The tender beef and vibrant peppers create a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Pro Tips for Tender Pepper Steak

• Searing beef strips before slow cooking locks in rich, deep tastes and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Use minimal liquid and avoid adding extra water to maintain a thick, robust sauce consistency.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps when thickening the sauce, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
• Substitute bell peppers with zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas for a personalized vegetable twist.
• Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours helps tenderize tough beef cuts, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Variations for Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Gluten-Free Pepper Steak: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch for thickening and serve over cauliflower rice.
• Low-Carb Pepper Steak: Skip rice or noodles. Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash for a lighter meal.
• Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan strips. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
• Spicy Asian-Inspired Pepper Steak: Add red pepper flakes, ginger, and a splash of sriracha sauce for extra heat and complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Pepper Steak

• Comfort Companion Plate: Fluffy white rice provides the perfect base to soak up the rich, savory sauce from the pepper steak, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Noodle Nest Delight: Serve over wide egg noodles or lo mein for a classic Asian-inspired twist that adds extra texture and comfort to the dish.
• Fresh Finish Toppers: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top to add a burst of color and a crisp, fresh element to the tender steak.
• Side Harmony Partners: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a light Asian-inspired slaw to balance the rich flavors and add nutritional variety to your meal.

Best Storage Practices for Pepper Steak

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour pepper steak into skillet, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

• How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?

Searing the meat before slow cooking helps lock in moisture and ensures tender, flavorful beef strips.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the traditional recipe contains soy sauce, which typically has gluten. Use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make it gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the crock pot in the refrigerator, then start cooking in the morning.

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory pepper steak simmers slowly in this hearty crock pot dish, blending tender beef with colorful bell peppers. Robust flavors meld together, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat beef strips dry with paper towels to ensure optimal browning and prevent steaming.
2. Sizzle beef strips in hot skillet with olive oil, creating a rich caramelized exterior for 2-3 minutes per side at medium-high heat.
3. Transfer browned beef to crock pot, maintaining the flavorful meat juices.
4. Layer sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic over the beef, distributing evenly.
5. Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste in a separate bowl, creating a robust liquid base.
6. Pour sauce mixture directly over meat and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Cover crock pot and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours, allowing meat to become tender and flavors to meld.
8. Thirty minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
9. Gently stir cornstarch mixture into crock pot to thicken sauce, stirring carefully to prevent breaking meat apart.
10. Plate over steamed rice or wide egg noodles, garnishing with fresh chopped green onions for brightness.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled cut like flank or sirloin steak for extra tenderness and rich flavor in the slow cooker.
• Searing beef before slow cooking locks in juices and creates a delicious caramelized exterior that boosts overall taste profile.
• Add fresh ginger or red pepper flakes during last hour of cooking for an optional spicy kick that elevates the traditional pepper steak recipe.
• For gluten-free version, replace standard soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 241 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg