Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
If you crave bold flavors and crave a meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. This recipe takes tender beef, fresh bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce, then lets your slow cooker transform them into pure dinnertime magic. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weeknight dinner hero, or just love fuss-free cooking, Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of fresh, colorful, and pantry-friendly ingredients work together to create a mouthwatering meal. Each item is essential for building the deep, balanced flavors and juicy textures that make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot simply irresistible!
- Beef sirloin or flank steak (2 pounds, thinly sliced): Choose tender cuts for the best texture and rich, meaty flavor after slow cooking.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Offers saltiness and umami depth, keeping things balanced but bold.
- Beef broth (1/4 cup): Infuses the sauce with even more savory flavor and extra moisture.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a subtle sweetness and beautiful caramel notes.
- Sesame oil or vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Adds nuttiness and silkiness to the overall dish.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the dish with classic aromatic zing.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and classic Asian-inspired flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle kick and signature peppery finish.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Provides sweetness and a burst of bright color.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Balances the red pepper with freshness and earthiness.
- Medium onion (1, sliced): Rounds everything out with mild sweetness and extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Layer the Beef in Your Slow Cooker
Start this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot adventure by arranging the thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures that every bite will soak up maximum flavor and turn silky-tender as it cooks, giving you juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak with every serving.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Aim for a smooth, lump-free sauce (it should smell incredible even before it cooks!). This mixture creates the bold, glossy base that coats the meat and veggies from the very start.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce and Coat the Beef
Pour your prepared sauce evenly over the beef in the Crock Pot, making sure every piece gets some love. Give everything a gentle stir so the beef slices are coated in that savory, sweet, and slightly garlicky goodness. Don’t worry if it looks a little thin right now—the magic thickening happens as it simmers slowly.
Step 4: Add the Peppers and Onion
Layer the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion on top. Placing the veggies at this stage ensures they cook just enough to become tender, but still keep their vibrant color and a little bit of crunch—perfection for classic Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the sauce will thicken and cling to every piece. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can crack the lid during the last 30 minutes or stir in a quick cornstarch slurry at the end. Stir before serving so everything gets tossed in that flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds brings out the best in your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, adding color, crunch, and a hint of extra flavor. For a spicy twist, drop a few red chili flakes on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
The absolute best way to enjoy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot? Serve it steaming hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or tender egg noodles. For a lighter option, consider jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad also make perfect partners for this savory stew.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just want to switch things up, try serving Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot inside hollowed bell pepper “bowls” or ladle it over a platter of stir-fried veggies. Another fun idea: spoon it into crusty sandwich rolls for a savory, saucy twist on a steak sandwich. However you present it, this dish always gets rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot holds up beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
Need a make-ahead meal? This recipe freezes like a dream! Portion the fully cooled pepper steak and sauce into sealed freezer bags or containers. Label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot back to life, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave covered portions in short bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if you’d like to loosen the sauce a bit.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak deliver the best tenderness, you can use chuck steak or even pre-sliced stir fry beef to make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. Just slice thinly against the grain for the most tender result.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you enjoy a thicker, stickier sauce for your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, simply mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, leave the lid off for the last half hour.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or even sliced carrots for a veggie-packed Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. Just place any additional veggies on top of the beef before cooking as you do with the peppers and onions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce and double-check the labels on your broth and cornstarch. That way, everyone at your table can enjoy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot worry-free.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can. If your slow cooker is large enough, simply double all the ingredients and follow the same steps. The cook time may increase slightly, so check for tenderness after the standard window and add more time if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that cooks while you go about your day and rewards you with rich, savory, and truly comforting flavor, you have to try Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. This is the kind of meal friends and family will ask for again and again. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed by just how easy (and delicious!) slow cooking can be.
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful Asian-inspired meal without much effort. Tender strips of beef simmered in a savory sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions make for a satisfying dish served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Instructions
- Place the beef: Place the sliced beef in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat the beef: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir gently to coat.
- Add veggies: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
- Serve: Stir before serving and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in an additional cornstarch slurry.
- You can add mushrooms or snow peas for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
