There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pepper steak simmering away in your crock pot. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, tender meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners.

I remember the first time I made this recipe; it was one of those hectic days when I needed a dinner that could cook itself. To my delight, the crock pot did all the heavy lifting, and the result was a dish that felt like a restaurant-quality meal at home. Let’s dive into why this pepper steak recipe deserves a spot on your weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Get ready to embrace your new favorite slow cooker recipe. This pepper steak is a fantastic mix of convenience, bold flavors, and versatility.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your crock pot does all the work. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen smells amazing, and dinner is ready to serve.

The flavor is out of this world. Juicy strips of beef, tender bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce come together beautifully. The soy-based sauce is perfectly balanced with garlic and a hint of sweetness, making every bite irresistible.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles, it adapts to your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, with leftovers tasting just as good – if not better – the next day.

Finally, it’s a budget-friendly option. With affordable cuts of beef and pantry staples, you get a filling and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this pepper steak recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

Beef strips are the star of the show. I recommend using flank steak or sirloin for a tender and juicy result. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture. If you’re looking to save time, pre-sliced stir-fry beef is a convenient option.

Bell peppers add a vibrant, fresh element to the dish. A mix of red, green, and yellow peppers not only looks beautiful but also creates a balance of sweetness and slight bitterness. Feel free to use whatever combination you have on hand.

Soy sauce forms the base of the sauce, bringing that deep, umami flavor. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth. Fresh is best here, but powdered versions can work in a pinch.

Cornstarch is the key to thickening the sauce. This ensures the sauce coats every bite of beef and peppers without being runny.

You’ll also need a crock pot to cook this recipe low and slow. If you have a programmable model, you can set it to switch to the warm setting automatically for added convenience.

How To Make This Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Creating this dish is as simple as layering ingredients and letting time do the hard work. Here's how to make it step by step.

Start by preparing your beef. Slice it into thin strips, ensuring you cut against the grain to keep the meat tender. Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper.

Next, prep your vegetables. Cut your bell peppers into thin strips and slice an onion for added flavor. Mince the garlic and ginger to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dish.

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This mixture will become the rich, glossy sauce that ties everything together.

Layer the ingredients in your crock pot. Begin with the beef, then top it with the sliced onions and peppers. Pour the sauce over everything, making sure the meat and veggies are evenly coated.

Set your crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Before serving, give the sauce a stir to ensure it’s evenly distributed. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of beef broth. Serve your pepper steak over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this slow-cooked masterpiece.

Storage Options

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this pepper steak recipe. Here’s how to store and reheat them.

Transfer any leftover pepper steak to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store the beef and sauce together to keep the meat moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pepper steak. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the frozen pepper steak overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This pepper steak recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly or add a tablespoon of honey. This can balance out the savoriness of the soy sauce and beef broth.

Vegetarian or vegan? Swap the beef for tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ve got a plant-based version that’s just as delicious.

For extra vegetables, consider adding mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to the crock pot. They’ll soak up the sauce beautifully and make the dish even more filling.

No cornstarch? You can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry as a thickening agent. Just be sure to whisk it well to avoid clumps.

This pepper steak in a crock pot is a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Experiment with different variations, and don’t be surprised when it earns a spot in your family’s favorite meal rotation!