There are some meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day, and Crockpot Pepper Steak is one of them. Imagine tender strips of beef simmered slowly until melt-in-your-mouth soft, bathed in a rich, savory sauce infused with garlic, soy, and a touch of sweetness. Add to that the vibrant pop of bell peppers and onions, and you’ve got a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and practically effortless to make.
This slow cooker pepper steak has become a family favorite for generations because it combines the soul-satisfying comfort of homestyle cooking with the ease of modern kitchen appliances. It’s a dish that transforms budget-friendly cuts of beef into something luxurious, all while requiring minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even impressing guests, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pepper Steak
Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does the work, freeing up your day.
Tender, juicy beef: Even tougher cuts like flank or round steak become fork-tender.
Full of flavor: A rich sauce made with soy sauce, beef broth, and aromatics makes this dish irresistible.
Family-friendly: It’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough to satisfy adults.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
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Ingredients for Crockpot Pepper Steak (and Why They Work)
Every element in this recipe has a purpose, building layers of flavor while keeping the dish balanced. Here’s the breakdown:
2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak – The star of the dish. These cuts become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Slicing them thinly against the grain ensures maximum tenderness.
2 large bell peppers (red and green) – Not only do they add vibrant color, but their natural sweetness balances the savory sauce.
1 large onion – Provides a rich, aromatic base that deepens as it cooks down.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that punch of savory flavor. Garlic brings warmth and complexity to the sauce.
1 cup beef broth – Forms the foundation of the sauce, keeping the meat juicy while infusing richness.
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami depth and a slightly salty kick. Using low-sodium keeps it from overpowering.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances the saltiness and enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers.
2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with water) – Thickens the sauce to a glossy, velvety consistency.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Boosts the savory notes with its tangy, complex flavor.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper – Highlights the dish’s peppery undertone.
Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to quickly sear the steak before adding to the crockpot, enhancing flavor through caramelization.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Pepper Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, ensuring the beef is tender after cooking.
Pat the strips dry with paper towels to encourage browning.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef strips in batches, just until browned on the outside (they don’t need to be cooked through). This step locks in flavor and adds a caramelized base to the sauce.
Transfer the beef into the crockpot.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Layer the sliced onions and bell peppers on top of the beef.
The vegetables will soften as they cook but still retain enough texture to provide a pleasant bite.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The longer, lower cooking method yields the most tender beef.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with equal parts water to form a slurry.
Stir it into the crockpot, re-cover, and allow the sauce to thicken into a silky glaze.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Stir everything together before serving to coat the beef and vegetables in the luscious sauce.
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Why This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The beef becomes tender but not mushy, while the peppers and onions provide just enough crunch to contrast. The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and thick enough to cling beautifully to rice or noodles. Unlike stovetop versions, the slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld deeply, giving you that “cooked-all-day” taste with minimal effort.
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Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Pepper Steak
1. Slice beef thinly and evenly – Uniform slices cook more consistently.
2. Don’t skip the sear – While optional, searing builds a richer flavor base.
3. Add peppers later for crunch – If you prefer firmer peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking instead of at the start.
4. Adjust sweetness – Taste the sauce before serving; add more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash of vinegar for brightness.
5. Double the batch – This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
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Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Pepper Steak is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some great serving ideas:
Steamed white or jasmine rice – The classic pairing that soaks up every drop of the sauce.
Mashed potatoes – A hearty twist that makes the dish ultra-comforting.
Egg noodles or fettuccine – The sauce clings beautifully to pasta.
Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles – For a lighter, low-carb option.
Steamed broccoli or snap peas – Adds freshness and extra veggies to the meal.
For a complete dinner, serve with a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread.
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Why Families Love This Recipe
It’s budget-friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef and simple pantry staples.
Kid-approved: The sweetness of the peppers and sauce makes it appealing to picky eaters.
Make-ahead friendly: Great for batch cooking, freezing, and reheating.
Comfort meets convenience: Few recipes deliver such big flavor with so little effort.
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Variations to Try
Spicy Pepper Steak: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
Asian-Inspired: Stir in sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Mushroom Lover’s: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy, umami boost.
Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
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Final Thoughts
When it comes to weeknight dinners that check all the boxes—easy, flavorful, hearty, and family-friendly—Crockpot Pepper Steak reigns supreme. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you can transform a few humble ingredients into a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
The tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and velvety sauce make it
a dish you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking to add variety to your dinner rotation, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
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