If you crave a hearty dinner that’s loaded with flavor and absolutely no fuss, Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together tender strips of beef, a rainbow of bell peppers, and a savory soy-based sauce—all gently simmered to perfection. Set it and forget it, then enjoy a meal so delicious and colorful, you’ll wonder why you ever fussed with stir fries on the stovetop. With just a handful of simple ingredients, Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner right in your own kitchen.

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element is chosen for maximum flavor, vibrant color, and a combination of tender and crisp textures that make this dish a true standout.

Flank steak or sirloin (1 1/2 pounds): Thinly sliced cuts absorb flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours in the slow cooker.
Bell peppers (3, red, green, yellow): Using all three colors not only looks stunning but adds layers of sweetness and crunch.
Medium onion (1): Sliced onion brings a mild savory note that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for adding depth and that irresistible aroma.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): This gives the sauce a rich, salty base—use low-sodium if you prefer.
Beef broth (1/4 cup): Adds extra savory undertones and helps keep everything juicy.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): For that hint of umami and tang that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Works as a thickener so your sauce hugs every bite.
Water (1 tablespoon): Combines with cornstarch to create the perfect slurry.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): A gentle heat and a fragrant finish for your steak and peppers.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Kick up the heat if you like things spicy—add to taste!
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the steak for big, bold flavor before slow cooking.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start things off by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced steak and let it sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, just until you get a golden-brown sear on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking it through—the slow cooker will handle that. Searing locks in those beefy flavors and gives the finished dish a bit of irresistible caramelization.

Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot

Once your steak is beautifully browned, transfer it right into your Crock Pot. Now, pile on the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This combination infuses the beef and veggies with a robust, savory sauce as it cooks. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the flavors reach every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Let It Slow Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The magic of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is that all those beautiful flavors meld together as the beef turns incredibly tender and the peppers soften without losing all their crunch. No need to stir or fuss—just let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the Crock Pot, then cover loosely or leave the lid slightly ajar for the last half hour of cooking. This thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats every savory bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the pepper steak and its glossy, rich sauce over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or noodles. Every forkful is packed with juicy beef, tender-crisp peppers, and a mouthwatering sauce that brings it all together. Get ready for clean plates and plenty of compliments at the dinner table.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions or parsley on top of your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. If you like, a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a handful of sesame seeds makes this comfort classic even more special. Don’t be shy about a squeeze of lime for a little zing!

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic over steamed white or jasmine rice, but you can also try it with egg noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. A simple green salad or steamed broccoli on the side balances out the savory richness and makes for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take advantage of the vibrant colors by serving Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot on a large platter, family style. For individual servings, ladle it into wide bowls over rice and top with crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts for extra crunch. You can even wrap the pepper steak mixture in lettuce cups for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot freezes beautifully! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag (lay it flat for easy stacking) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture of the steak and peppers.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, simply warm your pepper steak gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through. For a microwave option, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely; heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring every so often, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are traditional choices for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, you can also use round steak or even skirt steak—just make sure to slice it thin for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check your Worcestershire sauce to keep the whole dish gluten-free without skipping any flavor.

How spicy is this pepper steak?

With just half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, the dish offers a gentle warmth, but feel free to dial it up or down, depending on your spice preference—or leave the flakes out entirely for a milder version.

Can I prep Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot ahead of time?

Definitely! You can have all the ingredients sliced and ready the night before. Some home cooks even add everything to the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then just pop it in the base and start cooking the next day.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

The cornstarch and water slurry added about 30 minutes before serving will do the trick. Don’t skip uncovering the Crock Pot for that last stretch, as it lets the sauce thicken up perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra comforting about coming home to the savory aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot bubbling away. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let its bold flavors and easy preparation become a favorite in your own kitchen!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender slices of steak with colorful bell peppers and onions cooked in a savory sauce, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a convenient and flavorful dish perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak:

1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips

Vegetables:

3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced steak for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
Prepare the Crock Pot: Transfer the seared steak to the Crock Pot. Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the steak is tender and vegetables are cooked.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and water. Stir the mixture into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce. Cook uncovered for the remaining time.
Serve: Serve the Pepper Steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the steak in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired