If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, then you absolutely must try this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe. It transforms humble ingredients like tender beef strips and vibrant bell peppers into a luscious, savory stew that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. The slow cooker lets the meat become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce thickens into the perfect glaze, giving every bite a wonderful richness. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or want a hassle-free dinner that impresses, this recipe truly delivers on taste and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a role, from tenderizing the beef to infusing the dish with aromatic layers and vibrant color.
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced into strips): Choose a tender cut to ensure juicy, flavorful bites.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a lovely coating.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the beef to deepen flavor before slow cooking.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Adds fresh, crisp texture and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Contributes sweetness and brightness to the dish.
- 1 yellow onion (sliced): Provides a mellow sweetness that complements the peppers.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the meat and veggies with an irresistible aroma.
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Offers umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances savory notes with subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Adds complexity and a hint of oceanic richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a warm, spicy undertone that livens up the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right touch of heat.
- ¾ cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and merges flavors beautifully.
- Cooked white rice for serving: A neutral base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness or crunch.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by tossing the thinly sliced beef in cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated. This step isn’t just about thickening later—it helps create a velvety texture on the beef that feels luscious once cooked. If you like, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef strips for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. This step is optional but adds a caramelized flavor that really elevates the dish.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Beef
Transfer the beef into your slow cooker and top it with the sliced green and red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. These fresh vegetables don’t just bring vibrant colors but also infuse the dish with sweet, aromatic notes as they cook down gently over hours.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce if you have it, ground ginger, black pepper, and the beef broth in a small bowl. Pour this flavorful mix evenly over the beef and vegetable layers. This sauce is the heart of the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe, marrying savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements into one harmonious bite.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook the dish on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for about 2½ to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender enough to practically fall apart and the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that clings lovingly to every strip. The slow cooking lets flavors deepen and meld for a truly satisfying experience.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your pepper steak generously with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add not just color but also bursts of freshness and pleasant crunch that contrast beautifully with the silky beef and vegetables.
Side Dishes
While the dish is fantastic on its own, serving it over steamed white rice is classic and perfect to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a bit more variety, pair it with fried rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed bok choy or a simple side of sautéed greens can round out the meal beautifully, adding a fresh, bright balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing things up? Try serving your pepper steak wrapped inside warm flour tortillas or lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist. You can also turn it into a loaded rice bowl by topping with sliced avocado, a drizzle of sriracha, and a fried egg. Each option offers a new way to enjoy this flavorful dish while keeping it exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and veggies absorb even more flavor as they sit, making leftovers a delight to reheat and enjoy.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes well too. Let the pepper steak cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pepper steak on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, use the microwave with short bursts, stirring between each until warmed through, to keep the beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef in this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or pork loin make great alternatives and adapt well to slow cooking, absorbing the flavors wonderfully.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before adding it to the crock pot?
Searing is optional but highly recommended if you have the time—it enhances the flavor with subtle caramelization and improves texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce to give your pepper steak a delicious, fiery kick.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can omit it or substitute with hoisin sauce or a little extra soy sauce mixed with a touch of sugar for a similar umami boost.
Can I use frozen bell peppers in this recipe?
Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but if frozen bell peppers are what you have, they will still work—just keep in mind they may turn softer during slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is one of those rare finds that turns everyday ingredients into a spectacular meal without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, the rich flavors and tender texture are sure to become a favorite go-to. Seriously, once you try this easy slow cooker classic, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your dinner rotation!
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish featuring tender strips of beef sirloin or flank steak, bell peppers, and onions simmered in a flavorful soy-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it cooks low and slow to maximize tenderness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup beef broth
To Serve
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a large bowl and toss it with cornstarch until the strips are evenly coated. This helps thicken the sauce later and adds a nice texture.
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef strips for 2–3 minutes just until browned on the outside. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Transfer the seared beef to the crock pot.
- Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Add the sliced green and red bell peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot over the beef.
- Mix and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2½ to 3 hours. The beef should become tender and the sauce will thicken slightly to coat the ingredients well.
- Serve: Spoon the hot pepper steak over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for a fresh and nutty finish.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking is optional but adds a richer flavor and better texture.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
- This recipe is versatile and also works great with thinly sliced chicken or pork if preferred.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the soy sauce.
