Crock Pot Pepper Steak: A Slow-Cooked Classic

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that basically cooks itself, look no further than Crock Pot Pepper Steak. This slow-cooked dish transforms humble beef strips, bell peppers, and a savory sauce into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. By using a slow cooker, all the ingredients gently simmer together, allowing the flavors to deepen and the meat to become incredibly soft without constant supervision.

This recipe blends Asian-inspired flavors—like soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce—with classic comfort food appeal. The bell peppers and onions cook down into a sweet, aromatic base, while the thickened sauce coats every bite of beef perfectly. Whether served over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes, this meal is versatile, satisfying, and a guaranteed family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
2. Incredible Flavor – The sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, complementing the tender beef.
3. Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – A guaranteed hit for family dinners or potlucks.
5. Customizable – Easy to tweak with extra veggies or spice based on what you have.

Ingredients

• Beef steak, cut into thin strips
• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Green bell pepper, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Add Heat: Toss in red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Swap the Meat: Try it with chicken or pork strips for a twist.
• Boost the Veggies: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn.
• Make it Sweet & Spicy: Add a spoonful of honey or brown sugar to the sauce.
• Use Coconut Aminos: A great soy-free alternative with less sodium.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth until well combined.

Step 3: Add to Crock Pot

Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice meat thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Use a lean cut like flank steak or sirloin to prevent excess grease.
• Don’t overcook the peppers if you prefer them a bit crisp—add them halfway through.
• Mix the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid clumps.
• Stir gently before serving to distribute the sauce and flavors evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this Crock Pot Pepper Steak over steamed white rice, brown rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It also pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled pepper steak in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

1. What cut of beef should I use?

Flank steak, sirloin, or round steak work best—just slice thinly across the grain.

2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Sauté the beef and veggies, then simmer in the sauce for 20–30 minutes.

3. Can I use frozen bell peppers?

You can, but fresh peppers hold their shape and texture better during slow cooking.

4. Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

Not for this recipe—everything goes in raw, saving time and dishes.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger slow cooker and extend cooking time slightly if needed.

6. How do I keep the peppers from getting mushy?

Add them in the last 1–2 hours of cooking if you prefer a firmer texture.

7. What can I serve with it besides rice?

Mashed potatoes, quinoa, egg noodles, or even a hoagie roll for a sandwich!

8. Can I add ginger for more Asian flavor?

Yes—1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger adds great flavor.

9. Is it gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check your Worcestershire sauce.

10. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown beef, then cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a natural release.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dinner. It’s packed with flavor, family-friendly, and incredibly easy to customize. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker favorite brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Make it once, and it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your comfort food rotation.

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