If there’s one thing better than a hearty, home-cooked meal, it’s one that practically cooks itself! Trust me, this Pepper Steak recipe is a game-changer. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak, smothered in a rich, savory sauce, paired with those sweet and slightly smoky peppers? It’s the kind of dish that’ll have your family scraping the crock pot clean. Plus, your house will smell absolutely amazing all day. Set it, forget it, and come back to a dinner that tastes like you spent hours over the stove.
Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak Perfection
- Effortless Cooking: Toss it all into the crock pot, and it works its magic while you focus on life.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: You’ll feel like you’re dining out with this rich, saucy steak dish—without the hefty bill.
- Tender, Flavorful Meat: Cooking low and slow guarantees steak so tender, it practically falls apart.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will dive into this dish. It’s just that good.
- Perfectly Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes—it all works.

Ingredients in Pepper Steak Perfection
- Steak Strips: The star of the show! Pick a tender cut like flank or sirloin for the best results.
- Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow, they add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
- Onions: For that savory depth and slightly sweet flavor.
- Garlic: Because everything tastes better with a hint of garlic.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that essential umami kick.
- Beef Broth: The base for our delicious, savory sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a subtle tang.
- Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce to perfection.
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
Slice your steak and veggies into thin, even pieces. It helps everything cook evenly and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Layer Your Crock Pot
Place the steak strips at the bottom of the crock pot, then top with the sliced peppers, onions, and garlic.
Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Pour this liquid gold over the steak and veggies.
Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot on low and cook for 6–8 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours). The long, slow cooking time transforms the steak into tender, saucy perfection.
Thicken the Sauce
In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot to thicken the sauce beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Pepper Steak over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, garnish with chopped green onions if you like, and savor every bite!
How to Serve Pepper Steak Perfection
- Over steaming jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
- Tossed with egg noodles for a comforting twist.
- Alongside roasted veggies for a lighter, low-carb option.
- With warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of that sauce.
Additional Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Toss the steak in soy sauce and garlic a few hours before cooking.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms or snow peas in the last hour for extra nutrition and texture.
- Spice It Up: Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with Sriracha.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for busy weeknights.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different cut of meat?
A1: Sure! Chuck roast or skirt steak also works beautifully.
Q2: What if I don’t have a crock pot?
A2: No worries! Use a heavy-bottomed pot and simmer on low for 2–3 hours.
Q3: Can I make this ahead?
A3: Absolutely! Prep everything the night before and refrigerate. Cook the next day.
Q4: How can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Totally! Just make sure your crock pot is big enough, and you might need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Q6: Can I freeze this?
A6: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q7: Can I add other vegetables?
A7: Absolutely—zucchini, carrots, or even baby corn are great additions.
Q8: Can I make this spicy?
A8: Add sliced chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce.
Q9: How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
A9: Use arrowroot powder or let the sauce simmer uncovered to reduce.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A10: Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring often.
Conclusion
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is one of those meals that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat. It’s comfort food at its finest—easy, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your recipe rotation. Now, go grab your crock pot and let’s make magic happen!
PrintPepper Steak Perfection in a Slow Cooker
Tender and flavorful beef sirloin strips simmered with fresh bell peppers, onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This Pepper Steak recipe is an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Just set it in your slow cooker and let the magic happen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with liquid)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side or until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. - Mix the Sauce Base:
In a small bowl, dissolve the bouillon cube in ¼ cup of hot water. Add the cornstarch and mix until smooth. - Assemble in the Crock Pot:
Pour the bouillon mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir everything to combine. - Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. - Serve:
Serve over steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting and complete meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~650mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~11g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~27g
- Cholesterol: ~75mg