If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce, it’s an easy crockpot meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want dinner ready without the fuss, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying dish that tastes like you spent hours cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work while you relax or focus on other tasks.
Deep, rich flavors: Slow cooking allows the beef and peppers to meld perfectly with seasonings, creating a mouthwatering taste.
Healthy and balanced: Packed with lean protein and fresh bell peppers, it’s a nutritious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Versatile meal option: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting, customizable dinner.
Great for meal prep: Makes leftovers that taste just as good the next day, saving time on busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component contributes essential texture, flavor, and color, making the dish not only delicious but visually appealing.

Beef strips: Choose flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced for tenderness and quick cooking.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers to add sweetness and vibrant color.
Onions: Provide a subtle savory base that enhances the overall taste.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of sharpness to the sauce.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty umami flavor that ties all ingredients together.
Beef broth: Keeps the beef moist while enriching the sauce with meaty undertones.
Black pepper: Essential for giving the dish its signature spicy kick.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: Helps thicken the cooking liquid into a luscious sauce.
Optional sugar or honey: Balances flavors by adding a mild sweetness.

Variations for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Feel free to customize this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe to match your preferences or dietary needs. It’s easy to swap ingredients or add extras to keep things exciting and tailored to your taste buds!

Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha for some heat that wakes up your senses.
Vegetarian-friendly: Replace beef with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version packed with umami.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and arrowroot instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free crockpot delight.
Extra veggies: Toss in snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to increase fiber and texture variety.
Herb infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary in the final hour to elevate aroma and flavor complexity.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness once cooked. Slice the bell peppers and onions into even-sized strips for consistent cooking, and mince the garlic to release its fragrant oils.

Step 2: Combine in the Crock Pot

Layer the beef, peppers, onions, and garlic directly into your crock pot. Pour in soy sauce, beef broth, a touch of black pepper, and optionally a small amount of sugar or honey. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors without breaking the meat apart.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for about 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the peppers to soften without losing their vibrant color.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch or arrowroot with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the juices into a rich, glossy sauce that coats every bite.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give the pepper steak a final taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors you’ve built with such little fuss!

Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Choose lean beef cuts: Opt for flank steak or sirloin to avoid excess fat in your crock pot.
Slice uniformly: Thin, even strips ensure consistent cooking and tenderness.
Don’t overfill your crock pot: Leave some space at the top for even heat distribution and better texture.
Skip the salt initially: Soy sauce adds saltiness, so adjust later to avoid an overly salty dish.
Add fresh herbs at the end: For maximum aroma and fresh flavor without overpowering the slow-cooked base.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a fresh burst of color and mild flavor that perfectly complements the slow-cooked pepper steak.

Side Dishes

This pepper steak pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak stuffed inside warm pita bread or wraps for a casual yet satisfying handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making next-day meals even better.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peppers in this recipe?

Yes, frozen bell peppers work well if fresh ones are not available, though they might be slightly softer in texture after slow cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?

Absolutely! The beauty of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is its hands-off preparation, making it ideal for busy schedules.

What cut of beef works best for crock pot pepper steak?

Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great choices because they become tender with slow cooking and slice nicely.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. Adding chili flakes, hot sauce, or even sliced jalapeños during cooking will give it a pleasant kick.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative or reduce the sauce by cooking uncovered for a thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, flavorful Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot that’s been simmering all day. This recipe hits the perfect balance of ease, taste, and comfort, making it a staple for busy households or anyone craving a simple yet delicious meal. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to dinner you’ll want to share with friends and family!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Author: Lina
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe offers a hearty, flavorful, and effortless dinner option. Tender strips of beef combined with colorful bell peppers and a savory sauce create a comforting, slow-cooked meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare, cooks all day, and can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 to 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 medium onion, sliced into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

Optional Variations

Chili flakes or sriracha, to taste (for spicy twist)
Portobello mushrooms or tofu substitute (for vegetarian version)
Extra vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (added in last hour)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Slice the bell peppers and onions into even strips and mince the garlic to release its aromas.
Combine in the Crock Pot: Place the beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic in the crock pot. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, black pepper, and optionally sugar or honey. Stir gently to mix flavors without breaking up the meat.
Cook on Low: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing beef to tenderize and vegetables to soften while keeping vibrant colors.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix cornstarch or arrowroot powder with cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce into a glossy coating.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish, adding extra salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful pepper steak.

Notes

Choose lean cuts of beef such as flank steak or sirloin to avoid excess fat.
Slice all ingredients uniformly for even cooking.
Do not overfill the crock pot; leave space for heat circulation.
Avoid adding salt initially since soy sauce contains salt; adjust seasoning at the end.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour for enhanced aroma.
Frozen bell peppers can be used if fresh are unavailable but may be softer after cooking.
For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: pepper steak, crock pot, slow cooker, easy dinner, beef recipe, gluten free, healthy dinner