There’s something incredibly comforting about walking into your home and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked beef pepper steak. As the flavors meld together in the slow cooker, a feast for the senses emerges—tender strips of beef enveloped in a rich sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant garlic, all begging to be enjoyed.
During those busy weeknights when time is short but the craving for a hearty meal is strong, this Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe has been my go-to solution. It transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dish that feels fancy without the fuss. Whether served over a bed of fluffy rice, twirled into silky noodles, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes, it’s guaranteed to please the whole family—and who doesn’t appreciate a no-stress dinner?
Join me as we delve into this effortless recipe that’s perfect for savoring cozy moments at home, offering a taste of classic comfort food right in your kitchen!
Why is this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe a must-try?
Ease of Preparation: This dish requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners without compromising on taste.
Savory Aromas: The slow cooking process fills your home with delightful scents that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.
Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or potatoes—this recipe adapts to your preferences and pantry items.
Family-Friendly Appeal: With tender beef and colorful veggies, it’s a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch, save leftovers, and have ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.
Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe and consider trying out more comforting recipes from our blog to keep your dinner rotation exciting!
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need for a flavorful dish!
For the Beef
- Beef Sirloin Strips – This is the primary protein source, known for its tenderness; flank steak works well as a substitute.
For the Vegetables
- Bell Peppers – They add sweetness and color; mix red, yellow, and green for a vibrant look.
- Onion – Provides depth of flavor; yellow or sweet onions can be swapped as needed.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; fresh minced garlic is your best bet.
For the Sauce
- Beef Broth – Adds richness and moisture; opt for vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Beef Bouillon Cubes – Intensifies the beef flavor; low-sodium versions keep it healthier.
- Soy Sauce – Delivers umami and saltiness; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a complex flavor; coconut aminos can substitute for gluten-free needs.
- Honey – Balances savory notes with sweetness; feel free to swap with maple syrup.
- Ground Ginger – Enhances aroma and flavor; fresh ginger grated can elevate the taste.
- Black Pepper & Salt – Essential for flavor balance; adjust according to your preference.
To Thicken the Sauce
- Cornstarch or Flour – Acts as a thickener; cornstarch is great for gluten-free needs, while flour lends a thicker texture.
With these ingredients ready, you’re on your way to creating a mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pepper Steak that’s perfect for busy nights!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
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Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix hot beef broth with crushed bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch until well combined, ensuring the bouillon dissolves completely.
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Layer Slow Cooker: Place beef strips at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the savory sauce over the beef and then top it all with bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic for added flavor.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. For best results, stir halfway through to evenly distribute the luscious flavors.
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Finish and Serve: Once cooked, give it a good stir before serving. Serve your delicious pepper steak over rice, noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Variations
Feel free to add your personal twist to this comforting favorite with these delightful variations!
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Chicken Option: Swap beef for chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter version that’s just as satisfying.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use firm tofu or seitan instead of beef to create a hearty, plant-based dish packed with flavor.
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Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding in sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or diced carrots for more texture and flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Turn up the heat by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce before cooking.
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Citrus Zest: For a bright pop of flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of zest before serving. It elevates every bite!
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Sweet & Sour Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of vinegar or a dash of pineapple juice to give a wonderful sweet and tangy balance to the dish.
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Rice Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro sprinkled on top just before serving will take this meal to another level of freshness.
With these fun variations, you can keep your slow cooker pepper steak exciting and cater it to your family’s taste preferences!
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
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Sear for Flavor: If you want an extra depth of flavor, sear the beef strips in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
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Mind the Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by checking the tenderness of the beef at the end of the designated cooking time to maintain quality.
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Stir Occasionally: Remember to stir the mixture halfway through the cooking process. This promotes even flavor distribution in your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than dried for a more aromatic and flavorful result.
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Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or spices to suit your family’s taste, keeping it enjoyable for everyone!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the bell peppers, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent browning. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce (mixing the broth, bouillon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, and corn starch) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply layer the beef strips in the slow cooker, add the prepped vegetables and sauce, then set your slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful meal with minimal evening effort!
What to Serve with Crockpot Pepper Steak?
The ultimate comfort food deserves delightful companions to elevate your dining experience.
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Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Provides a perfect canvas to soak up the rich, savory sauce of the pepper steak. It’s fragrant and buttery, making each bite irresistible.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their comforting texture and mild flavor perfectly balance the zesty sauce and tender beef, adding a warm hug to your meal.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy and golden, this will make a delightful pairing, allowing you to scoop up every last morsel of the flavorful sauce.
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Fresh Steamed Broccoli: Its bright green color and slight crunch offer a refreshing contrast to the rich meat dish, adding nutritional value and vibrant flavors.
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Egg Noodles: Silky and smooth, these noodles complement the beef beautifully, capturing the sauce in every twist, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
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Crisp Side Salad: A refreshing blend of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish, adding brightness to your plate.
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Cold Beer or Red Wine: Enjoy this hearty meal with a nice chilled beer or a glass of a full-bodied red wine, enhancing the savory and aromatic flavors wonderfully.
Indulging in these pairings will create a symphony of flavors and textures for a memorable meal that your family will cherish!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: Freeze your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in a sturdy container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
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Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s consistency if needed.
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Serving Suggestions: Reheat the dish, then serve over fresh rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes to enjoy a quick and delicious meal once more!
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe FAQs
What kind of beef should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use beef sirloin strips for their tenderness. If you want a different option, flank steak or even a chuck roast can work nicely. Just remember, the key is to cut the meat into thin strips so they cook evenly and absorb all those savory flavors.
How should I store leftovers?
For sure! Store any leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in an airtight container after it has cooled completely. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you remove as much air as possible for up to 1 month.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?
Very much so! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely and then portion it into freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date, and you can safely freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
What if my sauce is too thin?
No worries! If your sauce turns out thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it easily. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir this into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, and it should thicken beautifully for that perfect coating consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce. Also, if you’re concerned about sugar levels, consider replacing honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, keeping the dish enjoyable for everyone at the table!
What type of bell peppers should I use?
The more the merrier! I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a vibrant and colorful dish. Each variety brings its own unique sweetness and crunch, enhancing both the presentation and flavor. If you’re in a hurry, any color will do, just use what you have on hand!
Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix hot beef broth with crushed bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Place beef strips at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the savory sauce over the beef and top with bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Once cooked, stir before serving. Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.