Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Crockpot Pepper Steak is a delightful Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe that brings together tender beef and vibrant peppers in a savory sauce. It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or gatherings, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed goodness: The combination of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to prepare: Simply dump ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or attend to other tasks.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or as a side with baked potatoes—there’s something for everyone!
- Family-friendly: This recipe appeals to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Leftover friendly: The flavors deepen when reheated, ensuring delicious meals can be enjoyed for days.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe successful, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing glass or bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This gadget allows for hands-off cooking, transforming tough cuts of meat into tender bites while enhancing flavors.
- Mixing glass or bowl: A sturdy mixing container helps combine ingredients easily without spills.
- Cutting board & Sharp knife: These tools ensure safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and meat.

Ingredients
For this flavorful Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the Beef and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips (or sirloin steak cut into slices)
- 3 large colorful bell peppers (sliced thick)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves
For the Sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing glass, combine hot beef broth with bouillon cubes.
- Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch/flour.
- Stir well until the bouillon cubes are crushed and ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Place beef strips into the slow cooker.
- Pour the prepared sauce on top.
- Layer sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic over the beef.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- If possible, stir the ingredients halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy over rice or noodles or alongside mashed or baked potatoes.
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe will surely become a staple in your home due to its simplicity and robust taste!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. You can serve it in different ways to suit your taste and preference, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Over Rice
- Serve your pepper steak over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
With Noodles
- Toss the pepper steak mixture with egg noodles or rice noodles for a noodle bowl that adds texture and flavor.
Mashed Potatoes
- Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes. The richness complements the savory beef and peppers beautifully.
In Tacos
- Use tortillas to create delicious pepper steak tacos. Add toppings like avocado or salsa for an exciting twist.
As a Stuffed Pepper Filling
- Use the pepper steak as a filling for halved bell peppers, then bake until heated through for a creative presentation.
On a Salad
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh take. Drizzle with your favorite dressing to enhance the flavors.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, consider these helpful tips:
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Choose Quality Meat: Opt for beef sirloin strips or steak to ensure tenderness and flavor. High-quality cuts make a noticeable difference.
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Prep Ingredients Ahead: Slice your vegetables and meat beforehand. This makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to cook.
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Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce, honey, or spices according to your taste preferences for a personalized flavor profile.
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Stir Halfway Through: If you can, stir the ingredients halfway through cooking. This helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
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Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and improves texture.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that adds crunch and color, steamed broccoli complements the rich flavors of the steak.
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Fried Rice: Make a simple fried rice with vegetables and eggs as an Asian-inspired accompaniment that pairs perfectly with pepper steak.
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Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers in olive oil and roast them until tender for added flavor.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon juice provides freshness alongside the hearty pepper steak.
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Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory beef, making baked sweet potatoes an excellent choice.
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Garlic Bread: For something comforting, serve some warm garlic bread on the side; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
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Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness to each bite while balancing out the richness of the pepper steak dish.
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Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds add elegance and flavor, enhancing your dining experience alongside this hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended ingredient amounts for best results.
- Skipping the searing step: While optional, searing beef strips before adding them to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Consider browning them in a pan first.
- Neglecting to stir halfway through: Stirring helps distribute flavors evenly. If possible, give it a stir at the halfway mark during cooking.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is key to flavor. Choose a high-quality beef broth for the best taste in your pepper steak.
- Not adjusting seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then heat covered in a baking dish for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe?
The best cuts are sirloin or flank steak due to their tenderness and flavor, making them ideal for slow cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs for beef. Adjust cooking time as needed since chicken cooks faster.
How do I make my pepper steak spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for an extra kick of heat.
Can I add vegetables other than bell peppers?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is not only easy to make but also delicious and comforting. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or protein options. Give it a try today, and enjoy a hearty meal that will impress your family and friends!
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish combines tender beef sirloin strips with vibrant bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. With minimal preparation, simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. This versatile meal can be served over rice, noodles, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers, making it a crowd-pleaser. Experience the deliciousness of this comforting dish that also makes for fantastic leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips
- 3 large colorful bell peppers
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine hot beef broth with bouillon cubes until dissolved. Stir in soy sauce, honey, ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch.
- Place beef strips in the slow cooker and pour sauce over them. Layer sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic on top.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours; stir halfway through if possible.
- Once cooked, mix well and serve over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
