There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to a meal that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The rich aroma of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for dinnertime. Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is one of those hearty, satisfying meals that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
This dish has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its bold yet balanced flavors. Traditionally stir-fried, this version takes all the delicious elements of classic pepper steak but simplifies the process by using a crockpot. The result? Tender, juicy beef infused with a savory sauce, complemented by soft, sweet bell peppers and onions. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for family and friends, this slow cooker version of pepper steak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Hands-Off: Toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Perfect for busy days!
- Tender & Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the beef to absorb all the delicious seasonings, making it incredibly juicy.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults to enjoy.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this a perfect meal-prep option.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor
While this step is optional, it adds depth to the dish. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and sear it for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned. This locks in the juices and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, spreading them evenly over the meat. Next, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Sprinkle in the minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and ground ginger. Give everything a light stir to distribute the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes as it soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. This helps thicken the sauce, creating a rich and glossy coating for the beef and peppers. Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened, give everything a good stir. Serve the pepper steak over a bed of fluffy rice, warm egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Helpful Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best for this recipe because they become tender with slow cooking. Avoid tougher cuts unless you’re willing to cook them longer.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: This step ensures that the sauce thickens properly, giving the dish a rich, silky texture.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, or even carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a little heat.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers throughout the week.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.
- For an extra boost of umami flavor, a splash of fish sauce can work wonders.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and simply place it in the slow cooker the next morning. This is perfect for busy days.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze slow cooker pepper steak?
Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or microwave.
What should I serve with pepper steak?
Rice is the most common choice, but you can also serve it over quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even inside a warm tortilla for a fun twist!
Related Recipes
If you loved this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, you might also enjoy these comforting dishes:
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a fantastic dish that brings all the flavors of a classic stir-fry with the ease of a slow cooker. Whether you’re preparing a comforting family meal or looking for a hands-off dinner option, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!
What’s your favorite way to serve pepper steak? Let me know in the comments below!
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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Comforting Classic
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to a meal that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The rich aroma of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for dinnertime. Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is one of those hearty, satisfying meals that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
This dish has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its bold yet balanced flavors. Traditionally stir-fried, this version takes all the delicious elements of classic pepper steak but simplifies the process by using a crockpot. The result? Tender, juicy beef infused with a savory sauce, complemented by soft, sweet bell peppers and onions. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for family and friends, this slow cooker version of pepper steak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor
While this step is optional, it adds depth to the dish. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and sear it for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned. This locks in the juices and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, spreading them evenly over the meat. Next, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Sprinkle in the minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and ground ginger. Give everything a light stir to distribute the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes as it soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. This helps thicken the sauce, creating a rich and glossy coating for the beef and peppers. Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened, give everything a good stir. Serve the pepper steak over a bed of fluffy rice, warm egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.
- For an extra boost of umami flavor, a splash of fish sauce can work wonders.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.