Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Tender Beef, Sweet Peppers, and a Savory Sauce
Pepper steak is a classic dish featuring tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. Cooking it in the Crock Pot makes it incredibly easy: the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables absorb all the flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Minimal prep, maximum flavor
-
Tender beef cooked low and slow
-
Colorful peppers and onions for nutrition and crunch
-
Thick, savory sauce perfect over rice or noodles
-
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
-
2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
-
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
-
1 large onion, sliced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup beef broth
-
¼ cup soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
-
2 tablespoons cornstarch
-
2 tablespoons water
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
-
Toss sliced beef with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
-
Optional: Sear beef in a hot skillet with vegetable oil for 1–2 minutes per side to lock in flavor (optional but enhances taste).
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot
-
Place sliced peppers, onions, and garlic at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
-
Add beef on top.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Pour over the meat and vegetables.
3. Slow Cook
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
-
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
-
Stir into the Crock Pot and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve
-
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
-
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
-
Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
-
Do not overcook peppers—add them halfway through cooking if you like them slightly crisp.
-
Adjust sweetness and spice according to taste; more sugar for a sweeter sauce, more pepper flakes for heat.
-
Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Variations
-
Spicy Pepper Steak: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of Sriracha.
-
Vegetable Mix: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for more variety.
-
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth.
Storage
-
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze cooked pepper steak for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve over white or brown rice
-
Toss with egg noodles for an Asian-inspired meal
-
Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced dinner
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is an effortless, flavorful meal perfect for busy families. With tender beef, colorful peppers, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s a slow-cooked classic that everyone will love.