Slow-Simmered Pepper Steak Recipe: Hearty Crockpot Idea

Slow-cooked to perfection, this mouthwatering crockpot pepper steak recipe promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender strips of beef mingle with vibrant bell peppers, creating a hearty meal that screams comfort.

The rich, savory sauce coats each morsel with an irresistible depth of flavor you’ll absolutely love.

Bold spices and slow cooking work their magic, breaking down tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish that requires minimal effort.

Packed with protein and bursting with color, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this effortless, delectable pepper steak that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Beef Strips: Select well-marbled, tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and maximum flavor absorption.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Create a vibrant flavor base that adds sweetness, crunch, and depth to the dish, with bell peppers providing a colorful and nutritious boost.

• Soy Sauce, Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Combine to create an umami-rich liquid that tenderizes the meat and infuses deep, savory flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Ginger, Paprika: Add warm, slightly spicy undertones that complement the beef's richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and brightening the overall taste profile.

• Cornstarch, Water: Create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the beef and vegetables, giving the dish a professional restaurant-quality finish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide a fresh, crunchy contrast and visually appealing finishing touch to the dish.

Gear Needed For Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking the steak and creating tender, flavorful meat.
• Skillet: Perfect for optional beef searing to develop rich, golden-brown edges.
• Small bowl: Used for whisking together the delicious sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce components smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting board: Necessary for slicing beef, onions, and bell peppers.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the crockpot.
• Cornstarch mixing container: Small dish for combining cornstarch and water to thicken sauce.

Slow Cooker Steps For Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Kitchen Prep

Get your trusty crockpot ready and clear some counter space. This delicious meal will transform tough beef into a mouthwatering dinner that melts in your mouth.

• Vegetable Foundation

Scatter colorful bell peppers and sweet onions across the bottom of your crockpot. These veggies will create a rich, aromatic base for your pepper steak.

• Flavor Magic

Combine soy sauce, beef broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Sprinkle in brown sugar, ginger, and a hint of paprika to create a magical liquid that will infuse your meat with incredible taste.

• Meat Placement

Gently lay beef strips on top of the vegetable bed. Let the meat nestle into the flavorful liquid, promising a tender result.

• Slow Cooking

Cover and let your crockpot work its wonder. On low heat, allow the dish to simmer for 6-7 hours, transforming tough meat into a succulent feast.

• Sauce Transformation

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in a cornstarch mixture to create a glossy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.

• Serving Delight

Spoon the pepper steak over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips That Work For Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Flavor-Boosting Sear Technique: Take a few extra minutes to brown the beef strips in a hot skillet before adding to the Crockpot. This quick step caramelizes the meat's surface, locking in rich, deep flavors that transform the entire dish.
• Meat Selection Secrets: Choose chuck roast, flank steak, or sirloin for the most tender results. Look for well-marbled cuts that will break down beautifully during slow cooking, creating melt-in-your-mouth beef.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version. This simple substitution keeps the meal low-carb while maintaining all the original recipe's delicious flavors.
• Freezer Meal Mastery: Prepare the entire recipe in a freezer bag before cooking. When ready to eat, simply dump contents into the Crockpot and cook. This prep-ahead method saves time and ensures a stress-free meal on busy days.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy a kick. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to suit individual taste preferences without overwhelming the dish's original flavor profile.

Serving Style For Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Comfort Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty pepper steak as a cozy weekend dinner that brings loved ones together.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Layer the tender beef and vibrant peppers over fluffy white rice, creating a colorful and satisfying meal with perfect sauce-soaked grains.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Easily portion this dish into containers for quick lunches or dinner throughout the week, ensuring delicious and stress-free meals are always ready.
• Movie Night Special: Serve this pepper steak with crispy garlic bread and a simple side salad for a restaurant-quality dinner that makes movie nights extra special.

Storing Crockpot Pepper Steak The Right Way

• Smart Portioning Strategy: Divide leftover pepper steak into single-serving containers for quick workday lunches or busy weeknight meals. These pre-portioned meals save time and prevent food waste.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store the pepper steak in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the meat and sauce together to maintain maximum flavor and moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze cooled pepper steak in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed pepper steak gently in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out the meat.

Tender Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty pepper steak simmers with robust Asian-inspired flavors, melding tender beef strips and colorful bell peppers. Slow cooker magic creates a comforting meal you can savor with rice or noodles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 3 tbsps cold water
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Searing: Flash-fry beef strips in a scorching skillet, creating a caramelized exterior that locks in intense flavor and develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
2. Foundation Layering: Spread sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic across the crockpot base, establishing an aromatic flavor foundation.
3. Sauce Composition: Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and paprika into a harmonious, deeply complex liquid that will infuse the entire dish with rich umami character.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour the meticulously crafted sauce over the vegetable layer, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
5. Protein Placement: Arrange seasoned beef strips atop the vegetable-sauce mixture, positioning them strategically without complete submersion.
6. Slow Transformation: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing gentle temperatures to tenderize meat and meld intricate flavor profiles.
7. Final Enhancement: In the cooking’s concluding phase, introduce a cornstarch slurry to elegantly thicken the sauce, creating a glossy, velvety texture that clings beautifully to each ingredient.
8. Presentation: Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with fresh green onion slivers and toasted sesame seeds for a sophisticated culinary finish.

Notes

• Sear Beef Intensely: Lock in flavors by quickly browning beef strips in a scorching skillet before slow cooking, creating a delicious caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
• Balance Sauce Harmony: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sweet, tangy, and umami notes, preventing clumping and guaranteeing a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
• Control Moisture Levels: Avoid overloading crockpot with excess liquid, which can dilute the rich sauce and prevent proper meat caramelization during the slow cooking process.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives, and use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for paleo or keto-friendly variations without compromising the dish’s authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg