There’s nothing quite like coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot after a long day. This classic dish brings together tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce for a comforting meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
I discovered this gem of a recipe during a particularly busy week and instantly fell in love with how effortless it is. With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing most of the work, it's become one of my favorite go-to dinners. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!
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 not only delicious but also incredibly practical for busy weeknights.
First, it's a true hands-off meal. Simply combine your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. You’ll have a hearty dinner ready with minimal effort.
The flavors are phenomenal. The tender beef soaks up the rich, savory sauce, while the bell peppers add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. Every bite is packed with comfort and warmth.
It’s also perfect for meal prep. This recipe stores beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or a make-ahead meal. Plus, you can easily pair it with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a complete dish.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or serving a larger group, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its combination of simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Beef strips are the star of this dish. Opt for a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat stays tender and juicy as it cooks.
Bell peppers provide both color and flavor. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a vibrant and sweet contrast to the savory sauce. Feel free to adjust the proportions based on your preference.
Soy sauce forms the base of the sauce. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness and allow the other flavors to shine.
Garlic and ginger add depth and warmth to the dish. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are best, but powdered versions can work in a pinch.
Beef broth and cornstarch create the perfect consistency for the sauce. The broth keeps it rich, while the cornstarch helps thicken it to coat the beef and vegetables beautifully.
Lastly, while a slow cooker is essential for this recipe, you won’t need any fancy equipment. A basic 6-quart model will work perfectly.
How To Make This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Creating this flavorful Pepper Steak is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Thinly slice your beef, core and slice your bell peppers, and mince your garlic and ginger. Having everything ready to go makes assembly a breeze.
In your slow cooker, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. Add a bit of cornstarch to ensure the sauce thickens nicely as it cooks.
Layer the beef strips into the slow cooker, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This ensures every piece gets coated in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Add your bell peppers on top. While they’ll cook down slightly, adding them later in the process helps maintain some texture and vibrancy.
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender and soak up the sauce’s rich flavors as it cooks.
Once done, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the beef and peppers. If the sauce needs thickening, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Serve your Pepper Steak over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
Storage Options
This Pepper Steak recipe is just as delicious the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
To store, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked Pepper Steak in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating is simple. Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.
For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. It’s a great way to introduce some heat.
If you’re looking to cut back on sodium, use a combination of low-sodium soy sauce and unsalted beef broth. You can also replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Vegetarian? Swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for more variety.
Want to enhance the sauce? A splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce can add extra depth and complexity to the flavors.
Experiment with side dishes too. While rice is a classic choice, this Pepper Steak pairs equally well with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option.
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is sure to become a household favorite. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for any home cook to master. Give it a try, and enjoy the magic of slow-cooked perfection!
PrintPepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe
Make this delicious Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe for a simple, savory, and wholesome dinner. Loaded with tender beef, fresh peppers, and a rich sauce, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hour
- Total Time: 6 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Place sliced beef, bell peppers, and onion in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Pour over the beef and veggies.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before placing it in the crock pot.
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
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