Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is an easy, hands-off meal that delivers tender, savory beef with colorful bell peppers, all cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. This slow cooker dish is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal ready to serve at dinnertime. Just set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious, comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef strips and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and minced garlic to the crock pot with the beef.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch and cold water together to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crock pot and let it cook for the remaining time to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Pepper Steak over steamed rice or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cook Notes
- Meat Choice: Sirloin or flank steak works well for this recipe due to their tenderness when slow-cooked. Chuck steak can also be used if you prefer a more economical option.
- Searing the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the crock pot adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re in a rush.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch slurry as needed.
Variations
1. Spicy Pepper Steak
Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat.
2. Mushroom Pepper Steak
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the crock pot along with the bell peppers for added depth and texture.
3. Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium soy sauce and no-salt-added diced tomatoes to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Noodles: Pair with egg noodles or lo mein noodles for a comforting dish.
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or snow peas to add more vegetables to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Beef?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it completely before searing to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the crock pot insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert into the crock pot and start cooking.
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy tender beef and vibrant peppers in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy days or weeknight dinners. Try this delicious slow cooker dish and let it become a favorite in your household!
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experience in the comments below and let us know any variations you tried!
