There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about making a hearty dinner in your slow cooker, and this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is a shining example. Tender strips of beef mingle with vibrant green and red bell peppers, all swimming in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that practically sings with flavor. The best part? This recipe lets your crock pot do all the work, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly. Once you try this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe’s irresistible flavor. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding texture, color, or depth to the sauce – all coming together in a delicious balance that slow cooking enhances beautifully.
- 1½ lbs flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced strips provide tender, juicy beef that cooks perfectly in the crock pot.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps coat the beef for a silky texture and naturally thickens the sauce as it simmers.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in flavor, though this step is optional.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish as it softens during cooking.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet contrast and beautiful red hue that brightens the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth essential for that signature savory kick.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami richness without overwhelming saltiness.
- ½ cup beef broth: Adds body and deep, meaty flavor to the cooking liquid.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the sauce with tangy depth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives the dish just the right amount of spice and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat in their pepper steak.
- Cooked rice: Perfect for serving and soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin with cornstarch in a large bowl. This simple coating step sets the stage for a silky, wonderfully thick sauce by binding to the meat as it cooks. If time allows, heat vegetable oil in a skillet and quickly sear the beef strips just until lightly browned on the edges. While optional, this step adds a roasted note of flavor you’ll absolutely notice in every bite.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Lay down a bed of sliced onion, green, and red bell peppers right in the crock pot, followed by the seared beef and minced garlic. The peppers will soften and release their natural sweetness over the long cooking time, giving the dish a vibrant color and fresh, lively flavor balance that makes Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Sauce
Whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous with heat. This blend is the heart of your dish—layered with salty, sweet, and savory notes that slowly infuse every component. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking melts the beef tender while melding flavors beautifully. In the final 20 minutes, if you want a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. This step adds luscious body to the sauce that clings to every delicious forkful.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped green onions or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness that contrast nicely with the rich, savory sauce. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and an extra nutty note that elevates the dish visually and texturally.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a lighter approach, cauliflower rice or quinoa make excellent healthy alternatives. Steamed broccoli or snap peas also add crisp, fresh veggies to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak over warm flour tortillas for quick and easy pepper steak wraps. You can also pile it atop a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes to explore new flavor combinations. The hearty sauce makes it perfect for drizzling over grains or even baked potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover pepper steak in airtight containers and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making leftovers just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to separate any rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Freezing
This pepper steak freezes beautifully! Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an effortless future meal.
Reheating
To reheat, slowly warm the pepper steak on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened in the fridge. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or even stew beef strips. Just be mindful of cooking times as tougher cuts might need a bit longer to become tender in the crock pot.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing the beef is optional but highly recommended because it adds a depth of flavor and a nice color to the meat. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still end up with a delicious dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snow peas, or even sliced carrots make excellent additions and can be tossed in during the last hour of cooking to keep them tender-crisp.
How spicy is this recipe if I add the red pepper flakes?
The amount of crushed red pepper flakes suggested adds a mild heat that complements the savory sauce without overwhelming it. Feel free to adjust to your spice preference or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check any other condiments like Worcestershire sauce for gluten content. This way, you can enjoy the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe without worry.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is truly a delightful dish to have in your culinary repertoire. It brings comfort, flavor, and ease all wrapped up in one slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy days or anytime you crave something savory and satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find that it quickly becomes a family favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings alike!
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish featuring tender strips of flank steak cooked low and slow with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it delivers a deliciously rich and comforting meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauté and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the sliced flank steak or sirloin strips with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until they are evenly coated, which helps thicken the sauce during cooking.
- Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and sear them for 1 to 2 minutes just until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Transfer the seared beef into the crock pot. Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Add Sauce and Cook: Pour the mixed sauce evenly over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Optional Thickening: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the crock pot about 20 minutes before serving. You can also add sliced mushrooms or snow peas during the last hour of cooking for extra vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the crock pot 20 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to add sliced mushrooms or snow peas during the last hour of cooking to increase vegetable content.
- Searing the beef before slow cooking is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
