Introduction
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a hearty, flavorful dish that transforms tender beef strips into a savory meal with peppers, onions, and a rich sauce. Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender while the peppers add sweetness and a little crunch. It’s a no-fuss dinner that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes—comfort food at its best with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef sirloin or round steak, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 green bell peppers, sliced (or mix red and yellow for color)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup beef broth
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Brown the beef (optional but recommended):
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear beef strips in batches until lightly browned (don’t cook through). Transfer to crock pot.
Add vegetables and sauce:
Place onions, bell peppers, and garlic over the beef.
In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and black pepper. Pour over meat and vegetables.
Slow cook:
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
Thicken the sauce (optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve:
Spoon over hot cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Description
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully satisfying. The beef becomes fall-apart tender, soaking up the soy-garlic-ginger sauce, while the peppers add freshness and color. The sauce has a rich, almost stir-fry flavor but with the comfort of slow-cooked stew.
Tips and Variations
Meat swap: Try flank steak, stew beef, or even chicken strips for variety.
Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Make-ahead: Prep ingredients the night before and refrigerate, then dump into crock pot the next morning.
Correction
Some recipes add the peppers at the very beginning, but this can make them too soft and mushy. For best results, add bell peppers halfway through or during the last 1–2 hours so they retain texture and color.
Enjoy
Serve your Crock Pot Pepper Steak hot over fluffy rice or noodles, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like takeout but tastes homemade. It’s easy, hearty, and sure to become a family favorite!