This Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe is a comforting and flavorful classic made easy in your slow cooker. Learn how to make tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and a savory sauce with minimal effort!
Table of Contents
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Introduction
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What Is Crockpot Pepper Steak?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ingredients Breakdown
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Step-by-Step Instructions
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Substitutions and Variations
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Serving Suggestions
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Storage and Reheating Tips
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Nutritional Information
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Helpful Tips for Best Results
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Crockpot Pepper Steak vs. Traditional Pepper Steak
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Final Thoughts
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Internal Linking Suggestions
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Promotional Links
1. Introduction
There’s something magical about slow cooker meals, especially when they fill your home with comforting aromas and only require a handful of steps. One of our all-time favorites is Crockpot Pepper Steak — tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich savory sauce all simmered to perfection. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, and it’s especially loved by busy home cooks and slow cooker enthusiasts.
Whether you grew up eating pepper steak or you’re trying it for the first time, this version will win your heart with its convenience and depth of flavor.
2. What Is Crockpot Pepper Steak?
Pepper steak is a Chinese-American dish traditionally made by stir-frying beef and bell peppers in a savory soy-based sauce. The Crockpot version transforms this fast-cooked dish into a slow-simmered comfort food that melts in your mouth.
The magic of using a crockpot lies in the way it slowly tenderizes the beef and allows the peppers to soak up all the rich flavors of the sauce. The result? A meal that tastes like it simmered for hours (because it did!) but with hardly any effort on your part.
3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work.
✅ Flavorful and Comforting: Deep, rich sauce with tender beef.
✅ Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
✅ Customizable: Use your favorite peppers or add extra veggies.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive cuts of beef.
4. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you’ll need for a classic Crockpot Pepper Steak:
Main Ingredients
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2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
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2 green bell peppers, sliced into strips
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1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
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1 onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
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⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
Optional Add-ins
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Sliced mushrooms
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Water chestnuts
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Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Tip: If you’re watching your sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth.
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can partially freeze the meat first for easier slicing.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and sear just until browned. This step adds flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Step 4: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Add the sliced onions and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot. Place the browned beef on top. Pour the sauce over the beef. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Step 5: Add Bell Peppers
About 1 hour before cooking ends, add the sliced bell peppers. This helps them stay slightly crisp rather than mushy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve over cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
6. Substitutions and Variations
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Beef Substitute: Try chicken, pork, or tofu.
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Vegetables: Swap or add mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini.
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Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice and skip the sugar.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
7. Serving Suggestions
Here are some great sides and pairings:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice
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Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
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Garlic Green Beans
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Asian Slaw
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Chow Mein Noodles
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Mashed Potatoes (yes, it works!)
Don’t forget to serve with extra sauce on the side — everyone will want more!
8. Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish makes excellent leftovers.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce.
9. Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 28g
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Carbs: 10g
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Fat: 18g
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Sodium: 710mg
Note: Nutrition will vary based on ingredients and serving size.
10. Helpful Tips for Best Results
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Don’t skip browning the beef if you have time — it adds rich, caramelized flavor.
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Add peppers late in the cooking process for a tender-crisp texture.
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Cut meat evenly so it cooks uniformly.
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Use fresh garlic and ginger for a flavor boost.
11. Crockpot Pepper Steak vs. Traditional Pepper Steak
| Feature | Crockpot Version | Traditional Version |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Slow cooked in a crockpot | Quick stir-fry in a skillet |
| Texture | Ultra-tender beef, soft peppers | Crisp peppers, chewier beef |
| Flavor Depth | Rich, simmered flavor | Light and slightly smoky |
| Effort Level | Set it and forget it | Requires attention and timing |
| Best For | Busy days, meal prep, comfort food | Quick dinners, fresh flavors |
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate the crockpot insert overnight. Just place it into the base in the morning and cook.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, as long as your crockpot is large enough. Cooking time may increase slightly.
Q: What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin, flank steak, or even round steak all work well. Avoid very lean cuts that may dry out.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! But you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes or chili oil.
13. Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Crockpot Pepper Steak is a must-try. It’s the perfect mix of savory, slightly sweet, and peppery goodness, all wrapped in an easy slow-cooked package.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week — this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.