Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce that’s slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe takes the classic stir-fry dish and transforms it into a hearty, hands-off meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with bold flavors and requires minimal prep. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious dinner that the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It: Minimal prep and no babysitting the stove. Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Flavor-Packed: A rich and savory sauce enhances every bite. Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef strips (sirloin, flank steak, or round steak, sliced thin)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow onion, sliced thin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Slice the beef thinly against the grain and set aside. Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot Add the beef strips, sliced peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the Crock Pot.
Step 3: Make the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the Crock Pot.
Step 4: Cook Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot and let the sauce thicken.
Step 6: Serve Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Use high-quality beef for the best results; slicing against the grain ensures tenderness. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it thickens the sauce to coat the beef and vegetables beautifully. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Variations
Spicy Pepper Steak: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Vegetable-Loaded: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Beef? Yes, but thaw it completely before adding it to the Crock Pot for even cooking. Can I Make This Ahead of Time? Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can I Freeze This Dish? Yes, freeze the cooked pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. With tender beef, vibrant peppers, and a savory sauce, this meal is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even entertaining guests. Pair it with rice or noodles, and enjoy a stress-free, hearty dinner that’s sure to impress!
