Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: 1 Amazing Recipe

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Slow cooker pepper steak has become my go-to for those evenings when I want a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making it; I was a bit nervous about the beef turning out tough, but the slow cooker worked its magic! The aroma of savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and onions simmering all day is absolutely divine. This slow cooker steak and peppers recipe is so forgiving and consistently delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth results. It’s truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This recipe is a weeknight warrior! Here’s why you’ll be making this slow cooker steak and peppers recipe again and again:

Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep work means more time for you. Just chop and toss!
Tender, Flavorful Beef: The slow cooker guarantees incredibly tender beef every time.
Vibrant Veggies: Perfectly softened bell peppers and onions add color and sweetness.
Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it – your slow cooker does all the work.
Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes.
Budget-Friendly: A delicious and filling meal that won’t break the bank.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This crock pot pepper steak with onions reheats beautifully.
Satisfying Meal: It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal, especially served over rice.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making my favorite slow cooker steak and peppers recipe. The magic happens when these simple items meld together in the slow cooker.

2 lbs (900 g) beef sirloin or flank steak – sliced thinly against the grain for ultimate tenderness
2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green) – sliced into strips for vibrant color and sweetness
1 medium onion – sliced into strips, adding a savory depth
3 cloves garlic – minced, for that essential aromatic kick
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth – forms the savory base of our sauce
1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce – provides umami and saltiness
2 tbsp brown sugar – balances the savory notes and adds a touch of sweetness
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water – this slurry will thicken our sauce to a lovely consistency
1 tbsp olive oil – used for searing the beef, if you choose to
1 tsp ground ginger – adds a subtle warmth and oriental flair
1/2 tsp black pepper – for a classic peppery bite
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds – for a fresh finish

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Making this tender slow cooker pepper steak is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever made it on the stovetop! It’s a true set-and-forget meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.

Step 1: Prepare the beef. Slice your sirloin or flank steak into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. The key to tenderness is to slice against the grain – look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. This breaks down the connective tissues, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 2: Brown the beef (optional but highly recommended for flavor!). Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan). Sear for just 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. You’re not cooking it through, just giving it a nice crust. This step really boosts the overall flavor of your crock pot pepper steak with onions.
Step 3: Assemble the slow cooker. Place the seared beef strips (or raw, if skipping browning), sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic into your slow cooker insert. The colorful veggies not only add visual appeal but also a lovely sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Step 4: Mix the savory sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to add those optional red pepper flakes!
Step 5: Cook until tender. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker. You’re looking for the beef to be fork-tender and the peppers and onions to be softened to your liking. The smell that fills your kitchen during this stage is amazing!
Step 6: Thicken the sauce. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve your easy slow cooker pepper steak, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered for the remaining time, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy! Once the sauce has thickened, give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve your incredible slow cooker oriental beef and peppers hot, ideally over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Prepping the Beef for Tenderness

The secret to unbelievably tender steak in the slow cooker lies in how you cut it. Always slice your beef sirloin or flank steak thinly, about 1/4-inch thick, and crucially, cut against the grain. This simple step makes a world of difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture for your slow cooker beef and bell pepper.

Browning the Beef: An Optional Flavor Booster

While you can skip this step, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a significant depth of flavor and a more appealing texture to your dish. Sear the thinly sliced beef strips in a hot skillet with a little oil for just a minute or two per side until lightly browned. This caramelization creates a richer base for your crock pot pepper steak stir fry. For more information on the science behind browning meat, you can check out resources on the Maillard reaction.

Assembling Your Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Tossing everything into the slow cooker is the easy part! Layer your prepped beef, sliced bell peppers, and onions into the insert. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and pepper to create the savory sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated.

Cooking and Thickening the Sauce

Let your slow cooker work its magic on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. This simple trick thickens the delicious sauce, giving your tender slow cooker pepper steak that perfect, glossy consistency.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and a few tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing! Follow these tips for the most tender and flavorful slow cooker oriental beef and peppers you’ve ever had.

Always slice your beef thinly against the grain. This is non-negotiable for tenderness!
Don’t skip browning the beef if you have the extra 10 minutes; it adds so much depth of flavor.
For crisper peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking on low, or the last 30 minutes on high.
Taste and adjust the sauce before thickening. Sometimes a little more soy sauce or brown sugar is needed.

What’s the secret to perfect tender slow cooker pepper steak?

The absolute key is slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This breaks down the tough muscle fibers, making every bite incredibly tender. Browning the beef first also adds a layer of flavor that makes this best slow cooker pepper steak truly shine.

Can I make crock pot pepper steak with onions ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything the night before. Slice the beef, chop the veggies, and mix the sauce ingredients in a separate container. Store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, just combine everything in the slow cooker and let it cook. It’s perfect for busy mornings! For more meal prep ideas, check out our recipes section.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker beef and bell pepper?

Avoid overcooking the beef, which can make it tough. Also, don’t add too much liquid initially, as the vegetables release moisture. Lastly, ensure you thicken the sauce properly at the end for that perfect consistency; a cornstarch slurry is your best friend here.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This versatile slow cooker pepper steak with rice is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up all that delicious, savory sauce beautifully. For a different twist, try serving it over tender egg noodles or even creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, this crock pot beef stir fry is also wonderful served alongside cauliflower rice or even just with a simple side salad. The tender beef and colorful vegetables make it a complete and satisfying dish no matter how you choose to serve it. You can find more serving suggestions on our recipes page.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This recipe makes about 6 servings, and here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this delicious slow cooker beef and bell pepper dish. Remember that these are estimates, as exact values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. For more information on general nutrition, you can visit Nutrition.gov.

Calories: Approximately 350-400
Fat: 15-20g
Saturated Fat: 5-7g
Protein: 30-35g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Fiber: 3-4g
Sugar: 10-12g
Sodium: 600-800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

One of the best things about this easy slow cooker pepper steak is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious meal has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. These should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to make a big batch to last even longer, this crock pot pepper steak stir fry freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For more details on food storage, consult the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

To reheat, you have a few great options. You can gently warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For a larger amount, or to revive that just-cooked texture, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. You can also reheat it in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This ensures your slow cooker oriental beef and peppers is just as tasty the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

What is slow cooker pepper steak?

Slow cooker pepper steak is a hearty dish featuring tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions simmered in a savory sauce. It’s a classic comfort food made incredibly easy thanks to the slow cooker, resulting in a flavorful, hands-off meal perfect for busy days.

How long to cook pepper steak in slow cooker?

For the most tender results, cook your slow cooker pepper steak on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The exact time depends on your specific slow cooker model. You’re aiming for fork-tender beef and softened vegetables.

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

While sirloin or flank steak are ideal for this easy slow cooker pepper steak, you can certainly use other cuts. Chuck roast or round steak will also work, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender. Avoid very lean cuts, as they can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. You can learn more about different cuts of beef on the Certified Angus Beef website.

Variations of Slow Cooker Pepper Steak You Can Try

This slow cooker pepper steak is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using chicken breast or tender turkey strips instead of beef for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for extra firm tofu or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also play with the sauce to create a spicier crock pot pepper steak stir fry by adding gochujang or sriracha, or make it sweeter with a touch more brown sugar. If you’re short on time, consider skipping the browning step entirely for an even quicker version of this slow cooker oriental beef and peppers. For more recipe ideas, visit our recipes page.