There’s nothing quite like the savory aroma of pepper steak slow-cooking in your kitchen. Tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce all come together in this hearty, comforting dish. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or planning a no-fuss family dinner, this crock pot recipe delivers on all fronts.

The first time I made pepper steak in a crock pot, I was amazed at how simple it was to create such a restaurant-quality meal at home. It quickly became a staple in our household for its unbeatable flavor and ease. Let's dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as delicious as it is effortless. Pepper steak in a crock pot is a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation, and here’s why:
- Set it and forget it: This recipe requires minimal prep. Toss everything in the crock pot, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Tender and juicy beef: The slow-cooking process ensures every bite of beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Flavorful sauce: A savory combination of soy sauce, garlic, and beef broth creates a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice levels.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Now let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish shine.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this pepper steak in a crock pot lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef: Choose a tender cut like sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast. Slice it into thin strips to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the rich flavors.
- Bell peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers adds both vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds a mild, savory depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch of flavor. If you’re short on time, jarred garlic works just fine.
- Soy sauce and beef broth: These form the base of the sauce, creating a savory, umami-rich flavor. Opt for low-sodium versions to control the saltiness.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water, this thickens the sauce into a glossy, luxurious consistency.
- Optional extras: Add a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Equipment Tip: A 6-quart crock pot works best for this recipe, providing plenty of space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
How to Make This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Creating this flavorful pepper steak is as easy as it gets. Let’s break it down step by step:
- Prepare the beef: Start by slicing your beef into thin strips. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Layer the crock pot: Place the sliced beef at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by the bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, and a touch of sugar for balance. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cook low and slow: Set the crock pot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer, slower cook time yields the most tender beef.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water. Stir this slurry into the crock pot and let it cook until the sauce thickens.
In less than a day, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering in a professional kitchen.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? This pepper steak stores beautifully and is just as delicious the next day.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
- Freeze: Transfer cooled pepper steak into a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Divide it into individual portions with rice or noodles for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the protein: Use chicken, pork, or even tofu instead of beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas make excellent additions. Toss them in during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Spice it up: Love a little heat? Add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Sweet and tangy twist: Stir in a tablespoon of pineapple juice or hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite variation. The possibilities are endless!
With this pepper steak in a crock pot recipe, you’re just a few simple steps away from a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
PrintPepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe
Delicious Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe featuring tender beef, bell peppers, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 large bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the sliced beef on both sides until browned.
- Transfer beef to the crock pot.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If the sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon water and stir into the crock pot 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve over steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and black pepper for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can add mushrooms or other vegetables for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
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