Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a hearty and simple meal that brings together tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce. The slow cooker makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth soft while blending all the ingredients into a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
I love using my crock pot for this recipe because it’s so hands-off—just throw everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. The bell peppers keep their slight crunch, adding a nice texture that balances the tender steak. It’s one of those meals I feel good about making because it’s easy and always gets great reviews at the dinner table.
My favorite way to enjoy this pepper steak is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a cozy dish that fills the house with a warm, inviting smell, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed evening. Whenever I make it, I like to remember that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend sirloin or flank steak because they become wonderfully tender in the crock pot. If these are hard to find, chuck roast cut into strips works well too and stays juicy.
Bell Peppers: Using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds vibrant color and a nice balance of sweetness and mild bitterness. If you only have one kind, no worries—just adjust the amount to your taste.
Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: These two give the beef its deep, savory flavor. For a low-sodium option, you can swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce at the end for a nice glossy finish. If you don’t have cornstarch, try arrowroot powder or flour mixed with a little cold water.
How Do You Keep Bell Peppers from Getting Too Soft in the Crock Pot?
Bell peppers can become mushy if cooked too long. To keep a bit of crunch:
- Add sliced bell peppers about halfway through cooking (around 3 hours on low).
- If you prefer adding all ingredients at once, slice peppers a bit thicker to help them hold their shape.
- Another trick is to cook peppers separately and stir them into the dish just before serving.
One of my favorite ways is to add them halfway through; that way, they stay bright and slightly crisp, adding great texture to the tender beef.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – perfect for cooking the beef low and slow so it turns tender without much hands-on time.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the steak and peppers easy and safe.
- Cutting board – essential for prepping your veggies and meat neatly.
- Mixing bowl – great for combining the sauce ingredients before adding them to the crock pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the flavors just right with easy measuring.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – useful for stirring the cornstarch slurry in without scratching your crock pot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or pork for a lighter or different protein option that also cooks well in a crock pot.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for an extra veggie boost and texture variety; they pair nicely with the savory sauce.
- Stir in a dash of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick you can adjust to your heat preference.
- Try topping with fresh chopped cilantro or basil at serving for a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers (a mix of red, green, and yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Thickener & Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation plus 3-7 hours of cooking time in the crock pot, depending on whether you choose high or low heat. Add another 20–30 minutes towards the end to thicken the sauce. It’s a relaxed process that lets you focus on other things while your meal slowly cooks to tender perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Assemble Ingredients:
Start by slicing the beef thinly across the grain into strips about half an inch wide. This helps keep the meat tender. Slice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Place the beef, peppers, and onion into the crock pot.
2. Mix and Add Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this flavorful sauce over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Slow Cook the Pepper Steak:
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 infused with the sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce Before Serving:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this into the crock pot and mix well. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop the tender pepper steak over cooked white rice and garnish with fresh, sliced green onions. Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef or fully thawed frozen beef. If using frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge to ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout the dish.
Can I Make This Pepper Steak Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything and cook it in the crock pot earlier in the day. Leftovers also keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
How Can I Keep the Bell Peppers from Getting Too Soft?
To maintain some crunch, add the sliced bell peppers halfway through the cooking time or cut them slightly larger. Adding them too early can make them very soft.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Pepper Steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Steamed or roasted vegetables also make great additions.
