Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak in Crock Pot Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the slow-cooked hero your busy schedule needs. It’s bold, savory, tender, and dripping in a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite of steak and pepper. This one-pot wonder is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to casual weekend meals with the family.
And the best part? It tastes like you fussed all day but really, your Crock Pot did the work for you.
Pure Comfort
Pepper steak has that old-school diner comfort feel with a homemade twist. The beef becomes fork-tender after hours of low and slow cooking, while the peppers soak up all that rich, savory sauce. Served over fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes, it’s a complete comfort food meal warm, nostalgic, and completely satisfying.
Ingredients for Pepper Steak in Crock Pot
To bring this cozy dish together, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
What You Need
No fancy gear required:
- A Crock Pot or slow cooker
- A skillet for quick searing (optional, but builds great flavor)
- A mixing bowl for the sauce
- A cutting board & knife
Time to Cook Pepper Steak in Crock Pot
This recipe shines best when you give it time to develop flavor and tenderness.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total time: Up to 8 hours, but it’s mostly hands-off
Steps to Make Pepper Steak in Crock Pot
- Prep your ingredients: Slice your steak into thin strips across the grain. Slice your peppers and onions.
- (Optional) Sear the beef: In a hot skillet with a bit of oil, quickly sear the beef to add color and flavor. This step is optional but makes a difference.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, tomato paste, cornstarch, garlic, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer in the Crock Pot: Add the steak to the bottom, top with peppers and onions, then pour the sauce evenly over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until steak is tender and flavors meld together.
- Serve and garnish: Give it a stir, serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
Make Pepper Steak in Crock Pot Perfect
To get the best result:
- Slice beef thinly and evenly to ensure tenderness
- Don’t skip the cornstarch it thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze
- Searing the beef before slow cooking adds rich flavor
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness
Mix Pepper Steak in Crock Pot Up
Want to change it up a little?
- Use chuck steak or top round steak, both budget-friendly and great in the Crock Pot. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Beef Top Round Steak Recipes for more ideas.
- Add sliced mushrooms or baby corn for extra texture
- Use pineapple chunks for a tangy-sweet twist
Perfect Partners
This pepper steak is begging to be served over:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles or lo mein
- Even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli for balance.
Busy Day Hero
The magic of this Crock Pot pepper steak is its ability to cook while you’re at work or running errands. Toss everything in before you leave, and come home to a kitchen that smells like you’ve been cooking for hours.
Need more ideas for busy slow-cooker meals? Check out these Delicious and Easy Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes and the savory Slow Cooker Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef.
Work Ahead
Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead!
- Slice and store the beef and veggies in the fridge the night before.
- Whisk the sauce and keep it in a jar.
- In the morning, dump and go.
It also freezes beautifully combine everything raw in a freezer bag, label it, and thaw overnight before cooking.
Save Some For Later
This is a meal made for leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave
The flavor gets even better the next day!
Everyone’s Happy
Even picky eaters go back for seconds. Kids love the slightly sweet sauce, adults love the savory beef, and you’ll love how little effort it took to make.
Good For You Too
This dish is protein-rich and full of colorful veggies. To make it even healthier:
- Use lean beef cuts
- Add more peppers or even spinach toward the end of cooking
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce.
Easy Clean Up
One pot = fewer dishes = happy cook.
Line your Crock Pot with a disposable liner if you like, and use pre-sliced veggies to minimize prep mess.
Switch Pepper Steak in Crock Pot Up
You don’t always have to play by the rules:
- Swap beef for chicken strips or pork loin
- Use hoisin sauce or teriyaki instead of soy for a different flavor profile
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or Sriracha
Feeling fancy? Serve over coconut rice or with a side of homemade egg rolls.
Simply Perfect
This recipe nails everything a home cook wants: minimal prep, bold flavor, affordable ingredients, and guaranteed smiles. It’s hearty, cozy, and perfect whether you’re feeding a crowd or batch cooking for the week.
Want more melt-in-your-mouth beef dinners? You’ll love the Irresistible Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe and the Ultimate Guide to Cooking Beef Chuck Short Ribs Boneless.
FAQs for Pepper Steak in Crock Pot
Q1: Can I use frozen beef?
Yes! Thaw it first for best results and even cooking.
Q2: Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, on low. Just make sure your slow cooker has a timer or auto-warm setting.
Q3: Can I use a different protein?
Chicken or pork works great just adjust the cook time down by 1–2 hours.
Q4: Can I thicken the sauce more?
Absolutely add a cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before the end.
Q5: What cut of beef is best?
Flank steak, sirloin, or even chuck work well. Learn more in our Chuck Short Ribs Guide.
Q6: How do I avoid mushy peppers?
Add them in the last hour if you like more bite.
Conclusion
There’s something truly satisfying about setting it and forgetting it especially when you’re rewarded with a tender, flavorful, saucy beef dinner like this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly customizable. And with the help of your slow cooker, it’s just about the easiest way to impress without the stress.
Try it once, and you’ll see why this is a dish that shows up on family tables again and again.
Hungry for more slow-cooked beef magic? Check out this Ultimate Guide to Beef Top Round Steak Recipes for even more inspiration!
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the ultimate hands-off dinner. Juicy strips of beef slow-cooked with bell peppers in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a flavorful, fuss-free meal the whole family will love, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak sliced thin, 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 green bell pepper sliced, 1 onion sliced, 3 garlic cloves minced, ⅓ cup soy sauce, ½ cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, optional sesame seeds or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Slice beef and vegetables. Sear beef in a skillet with oil (optional). In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, tomato paste, cornstarch, garlic, and pepper. Add beef to Crock Pot, layer with peppers and onions, pour sauce on top. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes and garnish if desired.
Notes
Searing the beef enhances flavor but is optional. Add mushrooms, baby corn, or pineapple for variation. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness. For firmer peppers, add them in the last hour of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American/Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg