If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free way to create a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender strips of succulent beef slow-cooked to perfection alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions, all bathed in a tangy, savory sauce that brings everything together beautifully. It’s a hearty dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare—your crock pot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the balance of fresh, everyday ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role, from juicy bell peppers offering sweetness and crunch to the savory depth provided by soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- 2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips: Choose a cut like sirloin or flank steak for tenderness after slow cooking.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, slightly fruity flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Balances the sweetness with a mild peppery bite.
- 1 onion, sliced: Provides a subtle sweetness that deepens as it cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and enhances savory notes.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: A rich, salty base that unites all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with tangy, umami depth.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the meat moist and infuses extra savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth thickening slurry.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and tying the dish together—go gentle since soy sauce is salty.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by layering your beef strips, sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot. This fresh combination will become wonderfully tender and flavorful as it slow cooks.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. This simple yet rich liquid blend is the heart of your pepper steak, providing a perfect balance of salty and umami flavors.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Pour the sauce evenly over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot, making sure everything is generously coated. This helps the ingredients meld together while enhancing their natural flavors.
Step 4: Cook
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or choose high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process softens the beef to a tender bite and allows the peppers and onions to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then mix this slurry into the crock pot. Continuing to cook in this final stage will thicken the sauce beautifully without any raw taste from the starch.
Step 6: Season
Give your dish a taste and add salt and pepper if it needs a little extra punch. Remember the soy sauce already adds a good amount of saltiness, so season sparingly to keep the flavor balanced.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak hot right out of the crock pot, spooned over warm rice or tender noodles. These sides soak up every bit of that tasty sauce, making each bite a delight.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your pepper steak with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a bit of texture contrast, elevating the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or buttery egg noodles, which absorb the savory sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it alongside sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try stuffing the cooked pepper steak into a soft tortilla for an Asian-inspired wrap, or pile it over crispy baked potatoes for a fun twist. The vibrant sauce makes it versatile and perfect for sharing in different ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak tastes just as amazing the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious meal.
Freezing
To enjoy this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe later, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it keeps its texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming without overcooking the beef. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps keep the sauce silky and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are ideal for tenderness, you can also use skirt steak or chuck steak cut into thin strips. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary to get that perfect tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce and double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy this dish safely.
Can I add other vegetables to the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe?
Definitely. Mushrooms, snap peas, or even thinly sliced carrots make great additions. Just add them at the start of cooking so they soften nicely along with the peppers and onions.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef should be fork-tender and easy to pull apart when it’s done. The slow cooker time suggested is a good guide, but if you prefer a firmer texture, check earlier on high heat and adjust accordingly.
What if my sauce is too thin after cooking?
You can easily thicken the sauce by mixing a little more cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in. Let it cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy a classic and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dinner that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. Give it a try—you’ll quickly discover just how easy it is to create something so delicious that everyone at your table will ask for seconds and maybe even the recipe itself.
Print
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepper Steak recipe slow cooks tender beef strips with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-based sauce, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish perfect for serving over rice or noodles. Utilizing a crock pot, it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping the beef juicy and tender.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the beef strips, sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot, arranging them evenly.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Set the crock pot to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld seamlessly.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot mixture to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for the remaining time until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the soy sauce already adds a notable saltiness.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains for a delicious and complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- To enhance flavor, marinate the beef strips in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can add additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or snap peas, for extra texture and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry quantity slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
