Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. Imagine tender slices of beef bathed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, cooked slowly alongside colorful bell peppers and onions. This dish really sings with every bite, offering rich flavor with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you want to impress with something that tastes gourmet, Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot delivers heartiness and gorgeous color every time. Let’s make this classic takeout-inspired favorite right in your own kitchen!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty: this recipe transforms everyday pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients into something special. Each component adds its own personality, from robust beef and zingy ginger to the sweet peppers that soak up every bit of luscious sauce. If you can slice and stir, you’re already halfway to a stunning Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot.

Beef sirloin or flank steak: Slice into thin strips for quick, even cooking and buttery texture.
Cornstarch: Helps the beef crisp a bit during searing and thickens your sauce later on.
Black pepper: Just a touch wakes up all the other flavors.
Olive oil: A quick sear in this brings out deep, caramelized notes in the beef.
Onion: Sliced onion melts into the sauce, adding sweetness and body.
Green bell pepper: Classic for color and gentle bitterness.
Red bell pepper: For a pop of color and extra sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the umami-rich backbone of the sauce—go for low-sodium to control the salt.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds another layer of savory depth.
Brown sugar: Balances out the salt and sharpness with a mellow sweetness.
Ground ginger: Brightens the whole dish with just a hint of warmth.
Beef broth: Keeps everything juicy and flavorful as it slow-cooks.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in if you like a gentle kick!
Sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional): For that perfect, restaurant-style garnish.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Coat the Beef

Start by tossing your sliced beef with cornstarch and black pepper in a bowl. This step not only gets the meat ready for a quick sizzle, but it also promises a thick, silky sauce later. Every strip should be evenly coated—think of it as giving them a delicious protective layer.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional, but Worth It!)

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, just until shimmering. Add your coated beef strips in batches, giving them a quick sear on both sides. This isn’t about fully cooking the meat—just a minute or two until you see some color. Searing locks in flavor and sets the stage for truly unforgettable Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, but you can skip this step for a true one-pot wonder.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Crock Pot

Transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Layer the sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic over the top—don’t be shy! These veggies will steam together and infuse the beef with amazing flavor and color as they cook.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and beef broth. Pour this liquid gold evenly over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot. If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes now.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The beef turns meltingly tender, the peppers sweeten, and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze you’d swear came from a restaurant. Give everything a good stir before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for a fresh, toasty finish. Serve your slow-cooked masterpiece over fluffy white rice, your favorite noodles, or a pile of steamed veggies.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way: try a flurry of sliced green onions or a shower of sesame seeds. Not only do these add a pop of color and texture, but they also make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot look irresistibly fresh and inviting. Want to take it up a notch? A light drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a few chopped cilantro leaves create a show-stopping finish.

Side Dishes

Steamed rice is a classic base, perfectly soaking up all that luscious sauce. For a twist, spoon your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot over buttery mashed potatoes, tender lo mein noodles, or a simple tangle of sautéed greens. Even cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini works for a lighter touch!

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style, place the whole crock pot insert right on the table and let everyone help themselves. Serving for a party? Spoon the beef and peppers into lettuce cups for a fresh, finger-friendly appetizer. Or try heaping the mixture on toasted hoagie buns for a pepper steak sandwich with a flavorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the gift that keeps on giving. Simply let everything cool down to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as exciting as the first serving!

Freezing

If you’re stocking your freezer, cool the dish completely and portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so your peppers keep their best texture.

Reheating

To revive your delicious leftovers, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Garnish fresh just before enjoying again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are popular for their tenderness and beefy flavor, you can use skirt steak or even round steak with great results. Just make sure to slice against the grain for the best texture in your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot.

Do I need to sear the beef?

Searing is optional but highly recommended if you have a few extra minutes. This step adds a layer of caramelized flavor and creates extra richness. If you’re tight on time, feel free to skip—the slow cooker will still work its magic.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s easy to make this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot gluten-free: just swap the soy sauce for low-sodium tamari, and double check your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Everything else is naturally wheat-free.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced mushrooms or snap peas are fantastic tossed in with the peppers and onions. You can also use a rainbow of bell peppers or even throw in carrots for a crunchier texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the juiciest results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth, stirring gently until hot. This keeps the beef tender and the sauce silky smooth. The microwave works in a pinch, just remember to stir halfway through to avoid uneven heating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about coming home to the aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot bubbling away, ready to fill your plate with flavor and comfort. If you haven’t tried making this classic dish in your slow cooker yet, this is your sign—start with this recipe, and you might just find it becomes a permanent part of your family’s favorites!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a convenient way to enjoy a flavorful and tender beef dish with peppers and a savory sauce, all cooked together slowly for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak (sliced into thin strips)

Coating:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup beef broth

Optional Garnish:

Red pepper flakes for heat
Sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Coat Beef: Toss the beef strips with cornstarch and black pepper.
Sear Beef: Brown the beef in a skillet with olive oil.
Prepare Crock Pot: Place beef, onion, bell peppers, and garlic in the crock pot.
Mix Sauce: Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and beef broth. Pour over the ingredients in the crock pot.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2 1/2-3 hours.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and enjoy over rice, noodles, or vegetables.