Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a savory and comforting dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without much effort. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, and the sauce soaks into the vegetables and meat, making each bite full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this crockpot recipe is sure to satisfy the whole family.

With minimal preparation and the convenience of the crockpot, Pepper Steak becomes a go-to dinner option that delivers mouthwatering results. The beef strips absorb the savory, umami-rich sauce, and the peppers add a perfect touch of sweetness and crunch. As it simmers away, you’ll be left with a dish that’s rich, filling, and sure to please everyone around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot pepper steak recipe is perfect for those who crave a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process infuses the beef with all the tasty flavors from the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, creating a deliciously rich and savory sauce. The combination of tender beef, bell peppers, and onions adds a variety of textures and colors, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Plus, this meal is incredibly easy to make and requires very little hands-on time. Just prep the ingredients, set the crockpot, and let it do all the work for you.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips
2 bell peppers, sliced (1 red and 1 green)
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

Add Vegetables: For extra veggies, try adding mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas to the crockpot.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the dish a bit of heat.
Switch the Protein: While beef is traditional for pepper steak, you can easily swap it out for chicken or pork for a different twist on this recipe.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic in the crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir the mixture together until it’s well mixed.

Step 3: Pour Over the Ingredients

Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, and the beef will become wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this cornstarch slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for the remaining time, allowing the sauce to thicken and the cornstarch flavor to cook out.

Step 6: Season

Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, keeping in mind that the soy sauce adds a bit of saltiness.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles. This allows the sauce to soak into the rice or noodles, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slicing the Beef: To ensure the beef is tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.
Thickening the Sauce: Be sure to mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours will still yield tender and flavorful results. However, if you have the time, cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives the best texture and flavor.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce toward the end of cooking, as the soy sauce can vary in saltiness depending on the brand you use.

How to Serve

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is best served over cooked rice or noodles. The sauce pairs wonderfully with both, soaking into the grains or pasta for added flavor. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pepper steak for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking, as frozen beef may release excess water and affect the texture of the sauce.

2. Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or round steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly to ensure tenderness.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.

4. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes and use the quick release method.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas for more texture and flavor.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.

7. How do I avoid overcooking the beef?

Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Beef can become tough if cooked for too long. For the best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

8. How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can also thicken the sauce by simmering it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow it to reduce naturally.

9. Can I use a different type of broth?

If you prefer, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for beef broth.

10. Can I cook this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish stores well and can be prepared in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With tender beef, vibrant peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish is both hearty and comforting. Plus, the convenience of using a crockpot makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this pepper steak is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy this deliciously easy recipe with your loved ones today!