There’s nothing more satisfying than coming home to the aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot simmering gently, promising a hearty meal packed with flavor and color. This slow-cooked classic takes tender strips of beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce and turns them into pure comfort—all with minimal effort. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a busy weeknight or just craving something delicious and unfussy, this recipe captures all the joy of a takeout favorite but lets you control the ingredients. It’s my go-to for easy family dinners and impressing friends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is its short list of wholesome, everyday ingredients. Each one adds something special: from the deep umami of soy sauce to the crunch and sweetness of colorful peppers and the irresistible tenderness of slow-cooked beef. Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen.
- Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak (1 1/2 pounds, thinly sliced): Use a flavorful cut that holds up to slow cooking and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): This helps to tenderize the beef and gives the sauce a luscious, silky finish.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the beef sear to golden perfection if you choose to brown it first.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (1/2 cup): For salty, savory depth without making the dish overly salty.
- Water (1/4 cup): Thins out the sauce just enough to keep everything juicy and moist.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the savoriness with a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): Brings aromatic punch and classic stir-fry flavor to the sauce.
- Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and plays perfectly with the soy and garlic.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A must for that signature peppery finish in every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Lends vibrant color and pops of natural sweetness.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, sliced): For a bit of earthiness and more classic pepper steak flavor.
- Yellow Onion (1, sliced): Melts into the sauce and gives the stew its classic savory sweetness.
- Cooked Rice (for serving, optional): The perfect neutral bed to soak up every drop of savory sauce.
- Chopped Green Onions (for garnish, optional): Freshness and crunch to finish each plate with flair.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef
Start by slicing your beef as thinly as possible—it helps everything get deliciously tender in the crock pot. Toss those slices with cornstarch in a bowl to ensure every strip is coated. This quick dusting isn’t just for thickening; it also guarantees melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional, but Totally Worth It!)
If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and give your beef slices a quick sear—just 1 to 2 minutes per side. This step isn’t essential, but that golden-brown crust adds amazing depth of flavor you can really taste in the finished Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. This simple mix brings everything together: it’s salty, sweet, a little spicy, and the perfect partner for beef and peppers.
Step 4: Layer Everything in the Crock Pot
Add your beef (whether you seared it or not) right into the crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top, making sure it coats each piece. Then scatter the sliced bell peppers and onions on top—no need to stir just yet. The veggies will steam and soften as everything cooks, infusing the whole dish with sweetness and color.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop on the lid, set your crock pot to low for 5–6 hours (or high for 2.5–3 hours), and let the magic happen. By the end, your beef will be melt-in-the-mouth tender, the peppers will be velvety, and the sauce will be rich and glossy. Be sure to give everything a good stir before serving.
Step 6: Serve Up Your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Spoon generous portions over hot cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. Every bite is saucy, savory, and packed with vibrant veggies—exactly as it should be.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Garnishes
Garnishing your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot elevates each serving from comforting to restaurant-worthy. I love showering mine with fresh green onions for cool crunch or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty twist. Slices of jalapeño or red chili add gentle heat for those who love a little kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this saucy delight over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A crisp cabbage slaw or a side of roasted broccoli pairs beautifully, offering crunch and bright flavor to balance the richness of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood to impress, try serving Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot in colorful bell pepper “cups” for a fun, edible bowl. Or, go fusion and pile it into lettuce wraps for a fresh and finger-friendly twist on the classic. You can even spoon leftovers into hoagie rolls and top with melted provolone for an Asian-inspired steak sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any remaining Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The flavors intensify overnight, making your leftovers even more irresistible. It’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days—perfect for lunch or a quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes remarkably well. Cool everything to room temperature, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, so you always have a delicious meal ready to defrost at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Reheat Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot gently on the stove over medium heat or pop portions in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly and bring back that silky, saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe without searing the beef?
Absolutely! While searing does add a lovely depth of flavor and color, you can skip it to save time. Your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot will still turn out beautifully tender and packed with flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, simply remove the crock pot lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you want it even thicker, whisk together a teaspoon or two of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce toward the end of cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce, your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is indeed gluten-free. Always double-check labels to make sure all your condiments are safe for your needs.
Can I use different types of peppers?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match bell peppers, add in orange or yellow for extra sweetness, or even toss in a spicier variety if you love heat. The recipe is incredibly flexible.
What’s the best way to slice the beef?
For the most tender bite, slice your steak thinly against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making each piece wonderfully soft after slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is pure weeknight magic—easy prep, big flavor, and comforting enough to become a new family tradition. If you’re ready for a hearty, homemade meal that tastes like you fussed for hours (but really didn’t), give this recipe a try. I promise, there won’t be leftovers for long!
Print
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and tender Pepper Steak made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This Asian-inspired dish features thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, and a savory sauce, perfect for serving over rice.
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
For Serving and Garnish:
- cooked rice (optional)
- chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Toss the Beef: Coat the beef slices with cornstarch.
- Sear the Beef: Brown the beef in olive oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Place beef in the crock pot, pour sauce over it, add peppers and onion.
- Cook: Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours.
- Serve: Stir before serving. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- You can skip searing the beef for a more hands-off recipe.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.
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