If you’ve ever craved tender slices of beef blanketed in a rich, savory sauce and vibrant peppers—all with almost no effort—this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is about to become your new weeknight hero. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming basic pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth meal bursting with color and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress a friend, this easy recipe offers bold taste with minimal fuss, and, trust me, everyone will want seconds.

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot truly special is how such simple ingredients can work in harmony to deliver big, satisfying flavors. Every element has its own little job—adding tenderness, color, or that extra hint of umami that makes this dish unforgettable.

Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 ½ pounds, sliced): These cuts stay juicy and become irresistibly tender after hours in the slow cooker.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A quick sear in this adds depth of flavor and helps lock in those beefy juices.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced): For classic pepper steak color and a slight earthy sweetness.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a little zip and a pop of vibrant color to your finished dish.
Onion (1 medium, sliced): Melds into the sauce for natural sweetness and aromatic richness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a subtle pungency that keeps the flavors bright.
Diced tomatoes with juices (1 14.5-ounce can): These add moisture and tang, making the sauce hearty without being heavy.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers all that savory goodness without overwhelming saltiness.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a boost of umami and subtle complexity to the sauce.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and a hint of spice, tying together the classic Asian-inspired flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of heat that balances the savory sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): The key to that glossy, just-thick-enough sauce you want in every bite.
Water (2 tablespoons): For dissolving the cornstarch into a perfect slurry.
Cooked white rice (optional): The ideal landing spot for soaking up every delicious drop.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and brown it for just 2–3 minutes. Don’t aim for a full cook here—this quick sear is all about building flavor and ensuring the beef stays flavorful and juicy after hours in your Crock Pot.

Step 2: Layer the Veggies

Once your beef is seared and transferred to the Crock Pot, top it with the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Layering the vegetables on top keeps them from overcooking, so they’ll stay vibrant and slightly crisp instead of mushy.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes with their juices, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper. Pour this aromatic blend over the beef and veggies in your Crock Pot. This step ensures every bite of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is loaded with that deep, savory flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your Crock Pot to low for 6–7 hours, or crank it to high for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time. The beef becomes beautifully tender, and the peppers and onions absorb all those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, whisk the cornstarch with the water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it straight into the Crock Pot, then cook on high for another 30 minutes. This simple trick thickens the sauce just enough to cloak every piece of beef and pepper in a silky glaze.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot generously over bowls of fluffy white rice. Every spoonful is a celebration of rich sauce, tender steak, and those perfectly cooked peppers—for a dinner that tastes like it took hours, but with hardly any hands-on time.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

Take your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot from homey to restaurant-worthy with a few quick finishing touches. Scatter over some freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and color. If you like things a little fiery, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds just the right touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish loves to be paired with simple sides. Classic white rice is always a safe bet—its mild flavor soaks up that divine sauce like a sponge. For something lighter, spoon the pepper steak over steamed broccoli or a bed of cauliflower rice. Even a simple side salad with a gingery vinaigrette makes a fresh, crisp partner to all those savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot into a crowd-pleasing party dish! Pile the saucy steak and peppers into toasted hoagie rolls for hearty sandwiches, or serve taco-style in lettuce cups for a lighter option. For a dinner party, scoop portions into mini bowls or onto Asian-inspired rice noodles—let folks choose their favorites for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot stores beautifully, making it a dream for meal prepping. Scoop any leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge—they’ll stay flavorful and fresh for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens a bit as it chills, which means even more flavor soaks into the steak and veggies overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with something hearty, this dish is a fantastic candidate. Let everything cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten bags for quick thawing, and store for up to 3 months. When those busy weeks hit, you’ll be so glad you did!

Reheating

To reheat, simply add your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single portions with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The dish maintains its texture beautifully, so it tastes just as good as day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak are classic for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, you can also try chuck roast or even round steak. Just slice thinly for best texture—leaner cuts will stay wonderfully tender after the slow cook.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting coconut aminos or a certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce as well, since not all brands are gluten-free.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! For folks who crave a little heat, add a dash or two of crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a splash of your favorite hot sauce right along with the sauce ingredients. Or finish with sliced fresh chili for extra kick.

What vegetables go well in this recipe?

Bell peppers and onions are classics for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, but you can get creative. Mushrooms, snow peas, or even baby corn are tasty add-ins. Just add them with the other veggies at the start for flavors that meld beautifully together.

Can I prep any steps in advance?

Definitely! You can slice your beef and vegetables up to a day ahead—just store them in separate containers in the fridge. The sauce can also be mixed ahead of time, making morning assembly a true breeze on a busy day.

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that practically cook themselves but taste like a special occasion, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot will earn a repeat spot in your kitchen. It’s hearty, colorful, and unfailingly delicious—just the kind of dish you’ll look forward to sharing again and again. Give it a try and get ready to savor some serious slow-cooked comfort!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and savory seasonings for a flavorful meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is ideal for busy days when you want a hearty meal ready with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips

Veggies:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Additional:

Cooked white rice for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Sear the beef strips in olive oil until browned. Transfer to the crock pot.
Add Veggies: Place bell peppers, onion, and garlic over the beef in the crock pot.
Make Sauce: Mix diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and pepper. Pour over the beef and veggies.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
Thicken Sauce: Create a slurry with cornstarch and water. Stir into the crock pot and cook on high for 30 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Enjoy over cooked white rice, if desired.