There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty meal after a busy day, and this crockpot pepper steak is exactly that. Using your slow cooker, you can have tender strips of beef simmered alongside vibrant bell peppers and a flavorful sauce—making dinner effortless and satisfying.
You’ll love how this crockpot pepper steak recipe fills your kitchen with inviting aromas while you relax. It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite made healthier and better right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooking means minimal hands-on time.
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients for a budget-friendly meal.
- Tender beef cooked low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Colorful bell peppers add natural sweetness and nutrients.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a family with hearty portions.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious crockpot pepper steak:
- 1.5 pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak – Hearty Beef Dinner at Home
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef strips for 2 minutes just to brown the edges. Transfer beef to the crockpot.
- Add sliced green and red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot. Sprinkle with black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to taste.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all elements.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and peppers are soft but not mushy.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over steamed rice or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Results
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Sear the beef before slow cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the peppers; they should remain slightly crisp for the best contrast.
- Use fresh bell peppers for vibrant color and sweetness.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover crockpot pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
For longer storage, freeze the beef and peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, flank steak or skirt steak are good alternatives that work well in slow-cooked dishes. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely. You can simmer the ingredients over low heat in a covered skillet or saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens, usually about 30-40 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot pepper steak?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snap peas, or sliced carrots can be great additions that complement the flavors and add nutrition.
What can I serve with crockpot pepper steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
