If you’re looking for a cozy dinner packed with flavor, vibrant veggies, and melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, you’re in for a treat with this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. This dish expertly combines juicy steak strips, colorful bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce that cooks low and slow, creating comfort food magic with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd, each bite offers a delicious taste of an Asian-inspired classic made effortlessly in your trusty slow cooker. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot filling your kitchen—trust me, it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how straightforward (yet essential!) these ingredients are. Every element adds to the medley of flavors, creating the irresistible taste and texture that define Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Beef sirloin or flank steak (2 pounds): Thinly sliced for quick searing and ultimate tenderness after slow cooking.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for getting a perfect sear on the beef, locking in flavors before the long simmer.
Onion (1 medium, sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and savory depth throughout the sauce.
Bell peppers (3, any colors you like): For a pop of color and that classic, slightly sweet crunch; red, green, or yellow all work beautifully!
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Boosts the aromatic foundation with irresistible savory notes.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Brings umami richness to the sauce while keeping things light on salt.
Beef broth (1/4 cup): Intensifies the meaty base without overpowering the other flavors.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the saltiness with a gentle, caramelized sweetness.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Later whisked with water to thicken the sauce to glossy perfection.
Cold water (1 tablespoon): Needed for the cornstarch slurry, so your sauce thickens lump-free.
Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Lends a warming hint of spice that gives this dish its name.
Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds brightness and that unmistakable zing often found in stir-fries.
Cooked rice (for serving): The best base for soaking up all that savory sauce!
Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish): Offers freshness and a burst of color on top.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want to work in batches so the beef strips brown nicely without steaming. Searing locks in flavor and gives you that delicious golden edge on each piece—it takes just 2 to 3 minutes per batch, and you can set the browned beef right into your crock pot as you go.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables

Time to build layers! Pile the sliced onion, colorful bell pepper strips, and minced garlic right over the seared beef in the crock pot. Arranging the veggies on top means they’ll steam gently during cooking, maintaining their shape and a hint of crispness for that classic pepper steak texture.

Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger until the sugar dissolves. This sauce is where all the flavors mingle, turning simple ingredients into something mouthwateringly complex. Pour it evenly over the beef and vegetables to ensure every bite soaks up the flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Now comes the easy part—cover and cook your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The beef will become fork-tender while the peppers soften just enough. You’re aiming for vegetables that still have a slight crunch, offering great contrast to the tender meat.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Thirty minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce into that signature glossy finish. The transformation here is always satisfying—suddenly, you have a sauce that clings luxuriously to every strip of steak and pepper!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the finished Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot over piping hot, fluffy rice, letting the sauce soak right in. If you like, toss on a handful of chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish that begs you to dig right in.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions on top brings a bright pop of color and a burst of freshness. You can also add sesame seeds or even a drizzle of toasted sesame oil if you want an extra layer of flavor. Garnishing your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot not only makes it beautiful but gives every serving a bit of personality.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural match with fluffy steamed rice, but don’t hesitate to spoon it over noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter approach. For a little variety, consider adding a simple cucumber salad or some quick-pickled veggies alongside to cut through the richness and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot can easily become the centerpiece at your dinner table. Serve it family-style in a big bowl, or use single-serving mini bowls for a fun, casual touch. For parties, you can even serve bite-sized portions in lettuce cups as easy hand-held appetizers—guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so some say it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot freezes like a dream. Just portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers (minus the rice) and freeze for up to two months. Lay the bags flat for easy stacking, and you’re all set for future quick dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short bursts works too—just watch for hot spots and stir well between intervals.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are top choices for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, you can also try round steak or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness after slow cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, easy fix! Swap your regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative (like tamari) and check that your beef broth is also gluten-free. With those simple adjustments, your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot will fit a gluten-free lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or even thin carrot strips can be tossed in for more variety. Just remember that extra veggies may release more moisture, so your sauce might be a touch thinner unless you increase the cornstarch slurry.

What if I don’t have a crock pot?

No worries! You can make this dish in a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a tight lid. Sear the beef, layer everything inside, and bake at low heat (around 300°F) for about 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the peppers are cooked through.

How can I boost the flavor even more?

If you want to take your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot to the next level, try adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to your cooking liquid. A few shakes of toasted sesame oil just before serving can also add rich, nutty depth to the final dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so inviting about a big bowl of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot—the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and satisfying it is. There’s nothing better than coming home to a dinner that practically cooked itself, and this one’s truly a favorite worth sharing again and again!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the rich flavors of tender beef and colorful bell peppers in this easy-to-make Pepper Steak cooked to perfection in a Crock Pot. This Asian-inspired dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
cooked rice for serving
chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Vegetable Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the Beef: Quickly sear the beef strips in batches for about 2-3 minutes until just browned.
Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the seared beef to a 6-quart crock pot.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the beef.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger.
Cook in Crock Pot: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Serve: Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the cooking liquid.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-American