There are certain meals you come back to again and again because they just work, and this slow cooker pepper steak is one of mine. I’ve made this recipe countless times during busy workweeks when I needed something comforting, filling, and reliable waiting for my family at the end of the day. My recipe results in super tender beef, colorful peppers, and a savory sauce that tastes like it cooked all day, because it did! The cooking method I share below will also result in a nice thick gravy, not a thin one compared to other recipes. With a few simple steps and pantry staples, you’ll have a protein-packed dinner that the entire family will love.
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Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- What Does Pepper Steak Taste Like?
- Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Different Steak Options to Use
- How to Serve Pepper Steak
- How to Store Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- More Easy Dinner Favorites from Elicit Folio
- FAQ:
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Quick Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe Video Tutorial
- Craving More?
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- It’s an easy crockpot steak recipe made for busy weeknights
- The beef slow cooks into tender strips of beef every time
- Made with simple, affordable ingredients
- The savory sauce doubles as a rich gravy for rice or noodles (especially egg noodles!)
- It’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers
What Does Pepper Steak Taste Like?
This pepper steak slow cooker recipe is savory, slightly sweet, and super cozy. The soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger come together to create a super flavorful sauce that coats the beef and vegetables beautifully. The peppers soften just enough while still adding freshness and slight bite. This is a must try recipe for anyone who loves a good comfort meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Here’s everything you will need for this recipe, with a few helpful notes along the way:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak – cut into thin 2-3 inch strips. This cutting method results in tender, flavorful beef at the end of the cooking process
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth without overpowering the fresh garlic in this recipe
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – adds a subtle warmth and zing that complements the sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons salt – seasons the beef properly and helps to tenderize the meat (especially if you marinade)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic – fresh garlic makes all the difference in the base sauce for this recipe
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – important ingredient to have a savory sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil – a little goes a long way for richness
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami and balance
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – balances the bite from the tomatoes and soy in this recipe
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch – thickens the sauce into a rich gravy
- ½ cup chicken broth – keeps everything saucy and tender. I use chicken broth in this recipe instead of beef brother because chicken broth has more flavor than beef broth.
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil – for searing the steak
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes, with liquid – adds depth and body
- 1 medium onion, sliced – softens beautifully as it slow cooks towards the end of the recipe. Adds brightness to the overall dish.
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced – needed to achieve the overall classic pepper steak flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together in 4 simple steps:
STEP 1: Brown the Steak – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then add the beef strips. Season beef with garlic powder, ground ginger, and salt. Sauté until the steak is browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. This only takes like 5 minutes.
STEP 2: Make the Savory Sauce – Using the same skillet, reduce to medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
STEP 3: Slow Cook – Pour the sauce over the beef in the crockpot. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and stir. Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
STEP 4: Add Vegetables – In the last 1.5 hours of cooking, add sliced onions and green bell peppers. Stir gently, cover, and continue cooking on LOW for 1 additional hour, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are softened. You don’t want to cook the veggies for the entire duration. If you do, they will end up mushy.
Flavor Tip (Optional Step) – For even more flavor, marinate the beef overnight with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a freezer bag or airtight container. This optional step makes the beef extra tender and flavorful.
Substitutions & Variations
Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-calorie option
Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
Use beef broth instead of chicken broth for an alternative. Chicken broth has more flavor in my opinion.
Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Different Steak Options to Use
I’ve made this recipe so many times, and I’ve used almost every type of beef that was available in my freezer. From my experience, this recipe works well with the following different beef variations:
- Sirloin steak
- Flank steak
- Skirt steak
- Chuck roast
- Round steak
- Beef stew meat
Just be sure to slice into thin strips or one inch cubes for even cooking.
How to Serve Pepper Steak
This crockpot pepper steak recipe pairs perfectly with:
- White rice or brown rice
- Egg noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Broccoli or Broccolini
Top with fresh green onions or sesame seeds before serving for extra flavor and texture.
How to Store Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
More Easy Dinner Favorites from Elicit Folio
If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy the following easy recipes:
FAQ:
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely. This slow cooker meal reheats beautifully and is perfect for busy nights.
Can I skip browning the beef?
You can, but browning adds depth and improves the final flavor. If you decide to skip the browning step, add all ingredients except the cornstarch to the crockpot and cook. At the end, take 1/4 cup of the broth from the crockpot, add it to a bowl, whisk in 3 tbsp of cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add this back to the crockpot and allow it to cook for a bit more until the broth thickens.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
Can you freeze pepper steak?
Yes, pepper steak freezes very well. Allow the steak to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce needs loosening.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Equipment
- Crockpot This is my all-in-one Instapot + Slow Cooker + Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Sirloin Steak, cut into strips
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ½ tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- ½ cup Chicken Broth, you can also use beef broth
- 2 tbsp Light Olive Oil
- 1 14.5 oz Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
- 1 Medium Onion, sliced
- 2 Bell Peppers
Instructions
- Brown the Steak – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then add the beef strips. Season beef with garlic powder, ground ginger, and salt. Sauté until the steak is browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. This only takes like 5 minutes
- Make the Savory Sauce – Using the same skillet, reduce to medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slow Cook – Pour the sauce over the beef in the crockpot. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and stir. Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Add Vegetables – In the last 1.5 hours of cooking, add sliced onions and green bell peppers. Stir gently, cover, and continue cooking on LOW for 1 additional hour, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are softened. You don't want to cook the veggies for the entire duration. If you do, they will end up mushy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quick Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe Video Tutorial
Craving More?
If you make this slow cooker pepper steak recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio, comment on Pinterest, and follow along for more easy recipes made for real life and busy weeknights. Stay tuned to see what more slow cooker recipes for busy nights!
Slow cooker recipes like this make weeknight dinners so stress-free. The pepper steak sounds tender, savory, and full of flavor.
I am sure that this is very delicious. Slow cooking method makes the meat well cooked and tender and juicy wherein all of that is personal preference in eating a delicious meet.