Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

The Juiciest Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Simmering pepper steak in a crock pot creates a mouthwatering meal that melts in your mouth.

The tender beef and vibrant bell peppers dance together in a savory sauce that promises comfort.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen, teasing your senses with each passing hour.

Slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly soft and infused with deep, complex flavors.

Traditional Chinese-American cuisine meets modern convenience through this simple yet delectable dish.

Minimal effort transforms basic ingredients into something truly spectacular.

I promise this recipe will become a weeknight favorite you’ll crave again and again.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Meat:
  • Beef: Tender cut perfect for slow cooking, best with sirloin or flank steak for maximum flavor and softness.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and texture, enhances overall dish with fresh garden flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides rich aromatic base with deep savory undertones.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Beef Broth: Creates liquid base for tender meat cooking.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex tangy and savory depth.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances sauce with subtle sweetness.
  • Ground Ginger: Introduces warm, slightly spicy flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and traditional seasoning.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth slurry to enhance sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
  • White Rice, Noodles: Perfect base for absorbing delicious sauce.
  • Green Onions: Optional fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.

How to Cook Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Step 1: Slice and Dice

Start your culinary journey by transforming your beef into elegant strips. Chop the onions into delicate half-moons and slice bell peppers into vibrant ribbons. Crush garlic into tiny fragments that will infuse incredible flavor throughout the dish.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Nestle beef strips into the slow cooker. Scatter onion and bell pepper pieces across the meat. Sprinkle minced garlic generously to create a tantalizing base for your meal.

Step 3: Craft Magical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground ginger
  • Black pepper

Pour this liquid gold directly over the meat and vegetables, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

Step 4: Unleash Slow Cooking Magic

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its transformation. Select low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 5: Sauce Enhancement

For those craving a luxurious, clingy sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then gently stir into the cooking liquid during the final 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle your gorgeous pepper steak over fluffy white rice or twirly noodles. Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and zesty finish.

Pro Cooking Tips for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Slice Smartly: Cut beef against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust soy sauce and brown sugar to control saltiness and sweetness according to your taste preferences.
  • Veggie Timing Trick: Add bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
  • Cornstarch Correction: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
  • Flavor Boost Option: Toast ground ginger or add a splash of sesame oil before serving to enhance the dish's aromatic profile.

How to Store Crock Pot Pepper Steak Well

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Carefully place cooled pepper steak in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in Microwave: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Reheat on Stovetop: Pour contents into a skillet, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Foods That Match Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak. These wines have enough tannin structure to stand up to the tender beef and cut through the sauce's richness.
  • Create Rice Perfection: Jasmine or basmati rice work wonderfully as a base. Their delicate, slightly floral notes balance the hearty meat and provide a soft, fluffy texture that soaks up the delicious sauce.
  • Brighten with Fresh Sides: Add a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables. These tangy, light accompaniments will contrast the meat's deep flavors and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Craft a Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale or a smooth lager. These beer styles match the pepper steak's umami profile and enhance the dish's complexity without overpowering the delicate sauce.

Recipe Swaps for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace beef with chicken or tofu for a lighter protein option. Add ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to enhance the sauce's complexity.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Incorporate jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and cumin for a bold, fiery kick. Use fire-roasted bell peppers and swap white rice for cilantro-lime rice.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Substitute beef with lamb and include rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Mix in kalamata olives and serve over couscous for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to boost nutrition and create a hearty, low-carb meal.

Top Questions About Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • What makes this pepper steak recipe different from traditional stir-fry versions?

This slow cooker method allows the beef to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors deeply meld together, creating a more rich and concentrated taste compared to quick stir-frying.

  • Can I use a different type of meat if I don't have beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or pork. Just adjust cooking times slightly since different meats have varying tenderness levels.

  • Is this recipe considered spicy?

No, this pepper steak is more savory and slightly sweet from the brown sugar, with bell peppers providing mild flavor rather than heat. If you want spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

  • How do I prevent the meat from becoming too tough?

Choosing a marbled cut like flank steak or sirloin helps ensure tenderness. The slow cooking process also naturally breaks down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why Crock Pot Pepper Steak Stands Out

  • Hassle-Free Cooking: Crock pot method allows hands-off preparation, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without constant monitoring.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: Slow cooking transforms tough beef cuts into incredibly soft, juicy meat that practically falls apart with each bite.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Rich combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire, and brown sugar creates a deeply savory sauce that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Versatile Dinner Champion: Easily adaptable to different serving styles – enjoy over rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Chinese-inspired Crock Pot Pepper Steak simmers tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. Slow-cooking magic melds robust flavors, delivering a comforting meal you’ll crave from first spoonful to last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Dry Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Serving Suggestions:

  • Cooked white rice or noodles
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice beef into thin, diagonal strips, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking. Chop onions into wedges and bell peppers into colorful strips.
  2. Layer beef, onions, and bell peppers inside the crock pot, distributing ingredients evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle minced garlic throughout the layers.
  3. Create a robust sauce by combining beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly blended and sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage. Gently stir to distribute sauce and coat all ingredients.
  5. Secure the crock pot lid and set to low temperature. Allow the dish to simmer slowly, transforming tough meat fibers into tender, succulent morsels. Cooking duration ranges between 6-8 hours for optimal texture.
  6. During the final half-hour of cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Fold the mixture into the crock pot to enhance sauce consistency and create a glossy finish.
  7. Once cooking completes, let the pepper steak rest for several minutes. Plate over steamed white rice or wide egg noodles, creating an inviting presentation.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a vibrant pop of color and subtle onion brightness to the dish.

Notes

  • Use lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak to reduce fat and ensure tender meat that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
  • Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture that guarantees a delicious meal.
  • Customize the sauce’s thickness by adjusting cornstarch amount – less for a lighter broth-like consistency, more for a rich gravy-like finish.
  • Swap traditional white rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star