Tender Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

Flavorful Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tender strips of beef simmered in a rich, savory pepper steak sauce can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this crock pot pepper steak recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors that dance on your palate.

The combination of bell peppers, onions, and succulent beef creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite brings a delightful blend of robust seasonings and melt-in-your-mouth meat.

The easy preparation means you can toss ingredients into the crock pot and let magic happen while you tackle other tasks.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this comforting classic that everyone at the table will devour.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary dining experience.

What You’ll Use For Crock Pot Pepper Steak

For Proteins:
  • Beef: Choose well-marbled chuck roast or sirloin for tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth during slow cooking.
  • Beef Broth: Provides rich, deep flavor foundation and helps tenderize the meat while creating a savory cooking liquid.
For Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: Adds vibrant color, sweet crunch, and nutritional boost to the dish with their fresh, garden-fresh flavor.
  • Onions: Contributes a classic aromatic base that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking, enhancing overall dish depth.
  • Garlic: Infuses intense, robust flavor that complements the beef and creates a complex taste profile.
  • Green Onions: Offers a fresh, light garnish with a mild oniony zest that brightens the final presentation.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce: Brings umami-rich saltiness and deepens the overall meat flavor with its complex profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, slightly sweet complexity that elevates the entire dish's taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances savory elements with a subtle sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce texture.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired flavor profiles.
  • Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic sharpness to enhance the meat's natural flavors.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to create a luxurious, clingy sauce consistency.
  • Water: Used with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for sauce thickening.

Kitchen Essentials For Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Crock Pot: Essential for slow-cooking the pepper steak to tender perfection.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing beef, onions, and bell peppers with ease.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise cutting of ingredients.
  • Small Bowl: Great for whisking sauce ingredients and making cornstarch slurry.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How To Prepare Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Beef Preparation

Slice beef into tender strips, creating bite-sized pieces perfect for slow cooking. Select cuts that promise rich flavor and softness.

  • Vegetable Chopping

Dice colorful bell peppers and onions into uniform chunks. These vegetables will infuse the meat with incredible layers of taste and texture.

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a luscious sauce blending savory liquid ingredients. Whisk together a combination of zesty seasonings that will transform ordinary meat into a mouthwatering meal.

  • Slow Cooking Magic

Place all ingredients into the crock pot, allowing them to meld together slowly. Let low, gentle heat work its culinary wonder, transforming tough meat into a succulent dish.

  • Sauce Enhancement

During final cooking moments, decide if you want a richer, thicker sauce. A quick mixture can elevate the entire meal’s consistency and depth.

  • Serving Delight

Transfer the aromatic pepper steak onto a bed of fluffy rice or tender noodles. Sprinkle fresh green onions for a vibrant finishing touch that brings brightness to the plate.

Easy Tips And Tricks For Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Beef Slice Hack: Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing. Partially freezing the meat for 15-20 minutes makes slicing thin pieces much simpler.
  • Sauce Depth Booster: Briefly sear beef in a hot skillet before adding to the crock pot to develop deeper, richer flavor notes that enhance the entire dish's taste profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional white rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps all the original recipe's deliciousness.
  • Protein Swap: Experiment with chicken thighs or turkey strips as budget-friendly or leaner protein options that work beautifully with the pepper steak's robust sauce.
  • Spice Level Control: Introduce heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce directly into the cooking liquid, allowing everyone to customize their personal spice preference.

Serving Up Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Tasty Rice Bed: Spread steaming white rice or fluffy noodles on a large platter, creating a delicious foundation for your pepper steak. The tender meat and rich sauce will beautifully soak into the grains.
  • Family-Style Sharing: Transfer the entire crock pot to the dining table, allowing everyone to serve themselves directly. This casual approach encourages conversation and creates a warm, communal meal experience.
  • Fresh Green Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of color and a crisp, light flavor that cuts through the rich, savory sauce. These herbs add a delightful fresh note to the hearty dish.
  • Veggie Side Kick: Complement the pepper steak with a simple side salad or quickly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These lighter sides balance the robust meat and provide additional nutritional value to the meal.

Storage Guide For Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategies: Plan ahead by slicing beef and vegetables the night before cooking, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator to save morning preparation time.
  • Refrigeration Tips: Store leftover pepper steak in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each reheated portion more delicious.
  • Freezing Magic: Portion cooled pepper steak into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to maintain meat tenderness.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide the crock pot meal into individual servings immediately after cooking. Keep some portions ready for quick lunches or dinners during busy workweeks, ensuring a home-cooked meal is always within reach.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours

Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

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Tender Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

Tender Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty pepper steak sizzles with robust flavors from tender beef strips and colorful bell peppers. Slow-cooked comfort creates a delicious meal you’ll savor with rice or noodles.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps water
  • Cooked white rice or noodles
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Cut beef into uniform, thin diagonal strips and slice onions into wedges while creating colorful bell pepper strips for a visually appealing base.
  2. Layering: Arrange beef, onions, and bell peppers inside the crock pot, evenly distributing minced garlic throughout to ensure balanced flavor infusion.
  3. Sauce Creation: Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper until the mixture becomes a harmonious, well-integrated liquid with completely dissolved sugar.
  4. Cooking Initiation: Pour the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, gently stirring to guarantee comprehensive coating and flavor penetration. Cover with lid and set crock pot to low temperature.
  5. Slow Transformation: Allow the dish to simmer for 6-8 hours, gradually breaking down meat fibers and melding complex flavors into a tender, rich culinary experience.
  6. Sauce Refinement: During the final 30 minutes, introduce a cornstarch slurry to elevate sauce texture, creating a glossy, luxurious consistency that clings perfectly to the meat and vegetables.
  7. Serving Presentation: After resting briefly, serve the pepper steak over steamed white rice or wide egg noodles, then garnish with freshly chopped green onions to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut beef against the grain in thin, uniform strips to guarantee tenderness and even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Sauce Secrets: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly, ensuring brown sugar completely dissolves for a balanced, rich flavor profile without graininess.
  • Cornstarch Caution: Mix cornstarch slurry just before adding to prevent clumping, and gently fold to maintain sauce’s smooth, glossy texture.
  • Low and Slow Magic: Stick to low temperature setting for 6-8 hours, allowing tough meat fibers to break down into meltingly soft, delectable pieces.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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