If you’re craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is the answer. Combining tender strips of flank or sirloin steak with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory blend of garlic, soy, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The magic happens slowly in the crock pot, allowing all those ingredients to mingle and develop a deep, rich taste that’s perfect served over fluffy rice. You’re just a few simple steps away from a homemade classic that feels both hearty and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is straightforward but crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe. Each item plays its vital role, whether it’s the juicy steak for richness, the colorful peppers for freshness, or the sauces that bring the umami to life.
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Choose a lean cut for tender slices that soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced: They provide vibrant color and a slight crunch that contrasts the tender meat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A small amount of garlic amps up the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce): This salty, umami-rich base is essential for authentic flavor.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Gives the sauce body and a rich meatiness.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Introduces tangy complexity and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Helps create a luscious, clingy sauce at the end.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional): Browning the steak enhances flavor and texture before slow cooking.
- 1 tsp ginger (fresh or ground): Adds a subtle warmth and brightness that lifts the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Delivers a gentle heat complementing the peppers.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Provides a kick of spice when you want to turn up the flavor.
- Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect base to soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Vegetables
Start by slicing your flank or sirloin steak into thin strips against the grain — this technique keeps the meat tender and easy to chew after slow cooking. Similarly, slice the onion and bell peppers into strips that will cook evenly and maintain some pleasant texture. Mince the garlic finely to ensure its fragrant flavor infuses the whole dish.
Step 2: Optional Browning for Extra Flavor
While your slow cooker is perfect for hands-off cooking, taking a few minutes to sear your steak in olive oil over medium-high heat can elevate the final taste. This caramelizes the meat’s exterior, adding a beautiful depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Once browned, set the steak aside and move on to assembling the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, layer the seared steak strips on top. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this savory mixture evenly over the beef and veggies to fully coat everything.
Step 4: Set and Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow heat is what transforms the meat to tender perfection while allowing the peppers to retain a slight bite rather than turning soggy. This patient cooking is what truly makes this a standout Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
About 30 minutes before serving, if you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Replace the lid and let it cook for the remaining time to achieve that luscious, clingy sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can bring an extra pop of flavor and brightness to your plate. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice cuts through the richness and wakes up the flavors beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe shines when served alongside simple, familiar sides. Fluffy steamed rice is a classic and perfect base to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a healthier twist, brown rice or even cauliflower rice work wonderfully too. If you want to add extra veggies, steamed broccoli or snap peas are crisp, vibrant partners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak wrapped in warm tortillas as a flavorful fajita-style meal. Or pile it onto toasted baguette slices for an open-faced sandwich full of savory goodness. These ideas not only make mealtime exciting but also showcase the flexibility of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain food safety and quality.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Portion the cooled pepper steak into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Slow and gentle reheating prevents the beef from toughening up. Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat or microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating keeps the sauce silky and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and sirloin are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also try skirt steak or even stew meat if thinly sliced. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the cut’s toughness.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Browning is optional but highly recommended. It adds a savory depth to the dish that slow cooking alone can’t replicate. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still end up with a tasty meal.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce amps up the heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance to keep the flavors balanced.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
For a gluten-free option, tamari works great and provides a similar umami punch. Coconut aminos is another tasty substitute if you want to avoid soy altogether.
How do I thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can create a slurry with all-purpose flour or use arrowroot powder as an alternative. Add slowly and cook briefly to avoid lumps and achieve the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe enough for anyone looking to simplify dinner while still delivering on flavor and comfort. Its tender beef, vibrant peppers, and savory sauce make every bite a delight, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Give it a try—I promise it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepper Steak recipe is a flavorful and easy slow-cooker dish featuring tender flank or sirloin steak cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce. Made in a crock pot, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is served best over steamed rice for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Thickening and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
- 1 tsp ginger (fresh or ground)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Slice the flank or sirloin steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness after cooking. Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the meat for a couple of minutes. This step adds additional flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Add the browned or raw beef slices on top of the vegetables.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
- Cook the Pepper Steak: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker gravy is desired, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the crock pot about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Replace the lid and allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the pepper steak mixture over cooked rice and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use any combination of bell pepper colors for the best visual and flavor appeal.
- Browning the steak before slow cooking enhances the depth of flavor but is optional.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended for a healthier option.
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
