When it comes to hearty, family-friendly dinners, few dishes check all the boxes quite like Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. It’s flavorful, comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for those days when you want dinner to cook itself while you take care of everything else. With tender strips of beef, sweet bell peppers, and a savory sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, this dish is a weeknight hero that feels like it came straight from a homestyle diner.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from the origins of pepper steak to how to make it perfectly in your slow cooker, plus tips, tricks, and variations to make it your own.
A Little Background on Pepper Steak
Pepper steak has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, where stir-fried beef and peppers are tossed in a soy-based sauce. Over time, the dish evolved into a comfort food staple across the U.S., often cooked with tomatoes and served over rice. Making it in the slow cooker takes the traditional stovetop method and transforms it into a “set it and forget it” meal that still delivers incredible flavor.
Why Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot?
The crock pot (or slow cooker) is one of the best ways to prepare pepper steak. Here’s why:
- Hands-off cooking: Just toss in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Tender beef: Even tougher cuts of meat become melt-in-your-mouth soft after hours of slow simmering.
- Family-friendly: It’s mild, comforting, and appealing to both kids and adults.
- Budget-friendly: Sirloin works beautifully, but you can also use less expensive cuts like chuck or round steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds beef sirloin (cut into 2-inch strips)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers (chopped into bite-sized chunks)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes (with liquid)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on taste and sodium in your soy sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the strips of beef on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through — the crock pot will handle that. Browning adds flavor and depth to the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a small bowl, dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in the cornstarch until smooth. This will thicken the sauce slightly as it cooks. Pour the mixture into the crock pot.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot. Add garlic powder, onion, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine everything without breaking down the vegetables too much.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook:
- On Low for 6–8 hours
- Or on High for 3–4 hours
By the end of cooking, the beef should be tender, the peppers soft but not mushy, and the sauce rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Equipment
- Large skillet for browning beef
- crock pot / slow cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, chopped
- 14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes with liquid
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown beef strips on all sides (do not fully cook).
- In a small bowl, dissolve bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in cornstarch until smooth. Pour mixture into crock pot.
- Transfer browned beef to crock pot. Add garlic powder, onion, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender and peppers are soft but not mushy.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Don’t skip browning the beef: It adds a deep, savory flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Cut peppers in larger chunks: They’ll hold their shape better during long cooking.
- Adjust thickness of sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the crock pot about 30 minutes before serving.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick.
- Use different colors of peppers: Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color.
Variations
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Add fresh ginger and a splash of sesame oil for extra depth.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
- Freezer Meal Prep: Assemble all ingredients (except cornstarch) in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight and dump into the crock pot. Add the cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.
- Beef Swap: Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a fun variation.
What to Serve with Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is a hearty main dish, but you can round it out with sides for a complete meal:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and practical. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet hearty enough to serve to guests. With minimal prep, affordable ingredients, and flavors that appeal to nearly everyone, it’s a true slow-cooker classic.
If you’ve been looking for a way to simplify dinner without sacrificing taste, this pepper steak recipe is exactly what you need. It’s proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated — just warm, flavorful, and made with love.
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