Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

If you crave bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef with minimal effort, you’re in for a treat with this Crockpot Pepper Steak. This recipe transforms simple ingredients—strips of sirloin, colorful peppers, and a savory sauce—into a dish that tastes slow-simmered and downright irresistible. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with juicy, tender meat and brilliant bell peppers that make every bite a celebration. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, Crockpot Pepper Steak will become your go-to for fuss-free comfort food with major flavor payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list is all about the balance of essential flavors and effortless prep. Every ingredient in Crockpot Pepper Steak brings its own magic to the mix, ensuring a perfect blend of savory richness, zing, and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for maximum flavor:

• Sirloin (1 ½ – 2 lbs, sliced into strips): Choose sirloin for tender results, or try flank steak or chuck roast if you like variety.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, sliced): Sweet and mellow, onion adds depth and helps build the hearty base of the dish.
• Bell Peppers (3, seeded and sliced large): Go for a mix of red, yellow, and green for gorgeous color and natural sweetness; thick slices hold up best during slow cooking.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): This keeps everything juicy and pulls the flavors together while tenderizing the beef.
• Freshly Minced Garlic (1 tbsp) or Garlic Powder (1 tsp): For that aromatic kick—use what’s handy for you.
• Soy Sauce (4 tbsp): This is the salty, umami backbone of your sauce; low sodium works well if preferred.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Essential for getting that glossy, thickened sauce that clings beautifully.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground): A little heat and flavor complexity; freshly ground really makes a difference.
• Ginger (½ tsp ground or 1 tbsp fresh minced): Delivers that delicate warmth and signature zing—fresh ginger will give a brighter flavor.
• Sliced Green Onions (optional): A fresh, snappy garnish that looks gorgeous atop your Crockpot Pepper Steak.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For a little crunch and a nutty accent.
• Rice (optional): The classic bed for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your sirloin into generous, even strips. Next, cut your onions and bell peppers—don’t be shy with the size! Bigger pieces mean better texture once they’ve cooked low and slow. If you want a true time-saver, look for pre-sliced beef at the grocery store; it’s convenient and delivers the same great result.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the beef, onion, and peppers into your 6 or 7-quart crockpot. Using a crockpot liner makes cleanup a total breeze, so don’t skip it if you like easy kitchen wins. The beauty here is that the veggies and beef cook right alongside each other, so the flavors have all day to mingle.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the beef broth, garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and ginger until well combined. This quick sauce sets the flavor foundation for your Crockpot Pepper Steak, and the cornstarch means it will cook up thick and glossy—just like classic takeout.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the savory sauce over your meat and veggies in the crockpot. Give it all a good stir so every piece is coated. Pop on the lid, set your slow cooker—choose low for 6 to 8 hours (for unbeatable tenderness) or high for 3 to 4 if you’re short on time.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Let your Crockpot Pepper Steak simmer away, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fully cooked and falls apart with a fork, while the peppers and onions are beautifully soft yet still a bit chunky.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Give your Crockpot Pepper Steak a quick stir to mix up all that saucy goodness. Spoon it generously over fluffy white rice, then finish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, satisfying finish. Dig in—you earned it!

How to Serve Crockpot Pepper Steak

Garnishes

The crowning touch for Crockpot Pepper Steak is a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add a pop of freshness and a bit of crunch, making your plate look as vibrant as it tastes. For extra color, toss on a bit of chopped cilantro or even thinly sliced chili for mild heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is tailor-made for serving over a big helping of steamed rice, which soaks up all that amazing sauce. If you want to switch it up, try brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. A crisp side salad or simple steamed broccoli rounds out the meal and adds a fresh contrast to the rich, saucy beef.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Crockpot Pepper Steak in individual bowls with a variety of toppings on the side—think extra scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of sriracha for those who like it spicy. Or, pile it into lettuce leaves for a colorful, hand-held version that’s perfect for casual gatherings or meal prep lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Pepper Steak is a lifesaver for busy days! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays flavorful and fresh for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or repeat dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, this meal freezes beautifully. Simply cool the pepper steak completely, pack into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator whenever you need a cozy, ready-to-go dinner in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Alternatively, reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serve.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and even cooking, you can also use flank steak or chuck roast. Just be sure to slice the beef against the grain and adjust cooking time if your chosen cut is thicker or leaner.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

Not at all! One of the joys of Crockpot Pepper Steak is skipping extra steps. Searing the beef before adding to the slow cooker is totally optional, though it can add richer flavor if you want to try it—just allow an extra 5–7 minutes at the start.

Can I make Crockpot Pepper Steak gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy tweak for gluten sensitivities.

The sauce isn’t thick enough for me. What should I do?

If you crave a stick-to-your-rice sauce, simply whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the hot crockpot mix. Let it cook uncovered for 5–10 more minutes, and you’ll have a thickened, glossy sauce in no time.

What’s the best way to slice the veggies?

Cut your bell peppers and onions into large, chunky strips. This keeps them from cooking down to mush and ensures you get perfectly textured bites that stand up to the hearty beef and bold sauce of Crockpot Pepper Steak.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker recipe turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re new to Crockpot Pepper Steak or it’s a nostalgic favorite, I hope you give this ultra-simple, comfort-packed dish a try soon—the flavors are guaranteed to win over your table!

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