Crockpot Pepper Steak

There’s nothing quite like a hearty beef dish simmered low and slow until every bite is tender, juicy, and infused with savory flavor. Crockpot Pepper Steak brings together thinly sliced beef strips, sweet bell peppers, and a rich soy-based sauce that melds beautifully as it cooks for hours in the slow cooker. The result is a comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or egg noodles, making it an instant family favorite.

This dish isn’t just about taste, it’s about convenience, too. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Crockpot Pepper Steak is a true blend of simplicity and comfort that will keep you coming back for more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and sear for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned (do not cook through).

2. Transfer beef to a crockpot and add bell peppers, onion, and garlic.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Pour mixture over beef and vegetables in the crockpot.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.

5. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into crockpot 30 minutes before serving.

6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Pepper Steak – A Flavorful and Comforting Classic

Crockpot Pepper Steak is one of those timeless comfort meals that beautifully balances tenderness, flavor, and convenience. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between homestyle cooking and restaurant-style flavors, giving you the best of both worlds without requiring constant attention in the kitchen. Imagine tender slices of beef simmering slowly in a rich, savory sauce, mingling with colorful bell peppers and onions until everything is perfectly infused with flavor. The beauty of preparing this dish in a crockpot is that it allows time and gentle heat to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

A Bit of Background on Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak has its roots in Asian-inspired cuisine, particularly influenced by Chinese-American dishes that became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. Traditionally, pepper steak is stir-fried quickly over high heat, featuring beef strips, soy sauce, and bell peppers. This method delivers fast results, but when adapted for the crockpot, the dish evolves into something richer and more comforting. Slow cooking tenderizes the beef, allowing the savory sauce to thicken slightly and coat every ingredient. This makes it ideal for serving over rice or noodles, turning it into a hearty, family-style dinner.

The crockpot version of pepper steak brings a more rustic charm to the dish, making it less about quick frying and more about deep, slow-simmered flavors. It’s a recipe that highlights how traditional techniques can be reimagined with modern kitchen tools to fit our busy lifestyles.

The Role of the Crockpot

A crockpot (or slow cooker) is a kitchen appliance designed to cook food at a low temperature for an extended period of time. For tougher cuts of beef, this is an especially valuable tool. Sirloin or flank steak, while flavorful, can become chewy if not prepared properly. The slow-cooking process gently breaks down connective tissue, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth strips of beef.

This “low and slow” method also allows flavors to meld in a way that quick stir-frying cannot replicate. The soy sauce, garlic, onion, and broth develop a deep umami profile, while the natural sweetness of the bell peppers balances the savory richness of the beef. The outcome is a saucy, savory dish that tastes as though it’s been simmering on a grandmother’s stove for hours, yet all the work is done for you by the crockpot.

The Key Ingredients and Their Importance

1. Beef Sirloin (or Flank Steak): The main protein of the dish. When sliced thin and cooked slowly, it turns succulent and tender. You can also use round steak or chuck steak depending on availability.

2. Bell Peppers: These add a vibrant pop of color and natural sweetness to the dish. Red, green, and yellow peppers create a visually stunning plate and add variety in taste.

3. Onions and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of flavor. As they cook, they release a rich, savory-sweet essence that enhances the overall dish.

4. Soy Sauce and Beef Broth: Together, these form the backbone of the sauce. Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami depth, while broth enriches the savory notes.

5. Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances the saltiness and adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness.

6. Cornstarch (Optional): Used for thickening the sauce toward the end of cooking if you prefer a gravy-like consistency.

7. Olive Oil and Seasonings: The oil helps with initial browning, while salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes elevate the flavors with just the right kick.

Each ingredient has a role to play, and when combined in the crockpot, they create a dish that feels complete and well-rounded.

Variations of Crockpot Pepper Steak

One of the reasons this dish is so popular is its adaptability. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, pantry availability, or taste buds. Here are some creative variations:

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Add sliced jalapeños or increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.

• Sweet and Savory Version: Swap brown sugar for honey or hoisin sauce for a more caramelized, slightly sticky finish.

• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.

• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli to increase the nutrient content and texture variety.

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and portion it into containers to enjoy throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Slice Beef Thinly: The thinner the beef strips, the more tender they will be after hours of slow cooking.

• Brown the Beef First: While optional, searing the beef adds a layer of depth and prevents the meat from tasting boiled.

• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Place the beef at the bottom and the peppers and onions on top for even cooking.

• Don’t Overcook the Peppers: If you prefer peppers with a bit of crunch, add them halfway through cooking instead of at the beginning.

• Thicken the Sauce if Needed: A cornstarch slurry stirred in during the last half hour gives the sauce a glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Pepper Steak is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few classic and creative ideas:

• Over Steamed Rice: The most traditional pairing. The rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.

• With Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles provide a comforting, hearty base.

• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that still offers the same sauce-absorbing satisfaction.

• Mashed Potatoes: For a rustic twist, serve the pepper steak over creamy mashed potatoes.

• Stuffed in Wraps: Use leftovers as a filling for tortillas or flatbreads for a delicious next-day lunch.

Why Families Love This Dish

The biggest appeal of Crockpot Pepper Steak lies in its simplicity and universal flavors. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and special. Children enjoy the tender beef and mild sweetness of the peppers, while adults appreciate the savory depth of the sauce. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that can feed a crowd, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, the hands-off cooking style makes it a reliable option for busy days when you want a homemade meal without hovering over the stove.

Nutritional Benefits

While Crockpot Pepper Steak is indulgent in flavor, it also has nutritional perks:

• High in Protein: Beef provides essential protein for muscle repair and energy.

• Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

• Customizable for Health Goals: By controlling the amount of sugar, sodium, and type of side dish, you can make this recipe as light or hearty as you prefer.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pepper Steak is more than just a recipe, it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and convenience. By blending simple ingredients with the magic of slow cooking, you can transform everyday beef and peppers into a dish that feels rich, hearty, and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re serving it over rice for a family dinner, preparing it in advance for weekly meal prep, or enjoying it on a chilly evening, this dish never disappoints.

It embodies the essence of home cooking: simple preparation, affordable ingredients, and flavors that bring people together around the table. Once you try it, Crockpot Pepper Steak may very well earn a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation.