Crockpot Pepper Steak – The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe

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Crockpot Pepper Steak – The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe

This Crockpot Pepper Steak is a slow-cooked, rich, and savory dish featuring tender beef strips, sweet bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or eat it on its own for a low-carb option, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.

This version includes step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, and a little history of pepper steak!

What is Pepper Steak?

Pepper steak is a classic Chinese-American dish with influences from traditional Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. The dish typically consists of thinly sliced beef stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a soy-based sauce.

The slow-cooker version transforms this dish into an ultra-tender, flavorful meal, using the “low and slow” cooking method to break down tougher cuts of beef, making it juicy and flavorful.

Unlike the original stir-fried version, this Crockpot Pepper Steak requires no constant stirring or high-heat cooking—just dump the ingredients, set it, and forget it!

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Steak & Vegetables:

✔ 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced against the grain (can substitute with round steak, chuck roast, or skirt steak)
✔ 2 bell peppers, sliced thinly (red, green, or yellow)
✔ 1 large onion, sliced thinly (white or yellow onion works best)
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

For the Sauce:

✔ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice (adds moisture & flavor)
✔ 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for a rich, umami taste)
✔ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds tangy depth)
✔ 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional – balances acidity)
✔ 1 cup beef broth (for extra richness)
✔ 1 tsp ground black pepper (to season the beef)
✔ 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional – adds a smoky depth)
✔ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional – for heat)

To Thicken the Sauce:

✔ 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for a silky, thick sauce)
✔ (For a low-carb option, use 1/2 tsp xanthan gum instead of cornstarch.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

  1. Place the steak on a cutting board and slice it into thin strips, cutting against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
  2. Optional but recommended: Marinate the beef in 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

  1. Spread the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add the sliced beef on top of the onions.
  3. Sprinkle black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes over the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
    • Diced tomatoes (with juice)
    • Soy sauce
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Brown sugar (if using)
    • Beef broth
  2. Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker, covering everything evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook

  • Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (best for tenderness) OR HIGH for 3-4 hours (if short on time).
  • The beef should be fork-tender when done.

Step 5: Add the Bell Peppers

  • 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced bell peppers.
  • Stir and cover, letting them soften slightly but retain some crunch.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water until smooth.
  2. Stir it into the crockpot and cook for another 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve hot over:
    ✔ Steamed rice (white or brown)
    ✔ Egg noodles
    ✔ Mashed potatoes
    ✔ Or on its own for a low-carb option!

Garnish Ideas:

✔ Sliced green onions for freshness
✔ A sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch
✔ A dash of hot sauce if you like spice

Expert Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

✔ Choose the right beef cut: Sirloin and flank steak are best because they stay tender.
✔ Add bell peppers at the end: If added too early, they will turn mushy.
✔ Want a richer sauce? Add 1 tbsp butter or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
✔ Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice.
✔ Make it spicier: Add sriracha, extra red pepper flakes, or sliced jalapeños.

Recipe Variations

⭐ Teriyaki Pepper Steak

  • Add 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp grated ginger for a teriyaki-style sauce.

⭐ Mushroom Pepper Steak

  • Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms in the last hour of cooking.

⭐ Extra Veggie Version

  • Stir in snow peas, baby corn, or shredded carrots for more texture.

⭐ Asian-Inspired Pepper Steak

  • Add 1 tbsp hoisin sauce for a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • The flavors get even better overnight!

Freezer:

  • Let cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Effortless: Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
✔ Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✔ Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
✔ Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add veggies, or tweak the sauce to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Now, you have the ULTIMATE Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe with all the details you need! It’s an easy, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

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