If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors but requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is a game-changer. Tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce slowly meld together to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying dinner without the fuss. Discover a flavorful Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe that’s simple, tender, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Try it today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you handle other tasks.
Rich, layered flavors: The slow cooking process intensifies the savory sauce and tenderizes the beef to perfection.
Family-friendly: Mildly seasoned but flavorful enough to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Versatile meal: Great served over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies.
Great for meal prep: Makes excellent leftovers and stores well for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the dish, from the juiciness of the beef and the crunch of fresh peppers to the rich depth of the sauce.

Beef strips: Choose flank steak or sirloin cut into thin strips for tenderness and quick cooking.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for vibrant color and balanced sweetness.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that complements the peppers perfectly.
Soy sauce: Brings that essential umami and saltiness to the sauce.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor.
Garlic and ginger: Provide warmth and a touch of zest to the dish.
Black pepper: The star spice of this recipe, delivering the signature peppery kick.
Brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency.

Variations for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is how easily it adapts. Whether you want to tweak the spice level or swap out ingredients for dietary preferences, these variations have you covered.

Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes for a mild heat boost.
Vegetarian option: Replace beef with firm tofu or mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch as thickener to keep it gluten-free.
Low sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt to suit your dietary needs.
Extra veggies: Toss in snap peas, broccoli florets, or sliced carrots for more crunch and nutrition.

Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe to Try

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by cutting the beef into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, and mince the garlic and ginger fine to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Combine the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, and freshly cracked black pepper. This sauce will soak into the beef and vegetables, infusing them with rich flavor throughout the slow cooking process.

Step 3: Layer into the slow cooker

Place the sliced peppers and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef strips on top, then pour the sauce evenly over everything to ensure every bite is tender and tasty.

Step 4: Cook low and slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours. The beef will become meltingly tender, and the peppers will soften without losing their vibrant color.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, then cover and continue cooking until glossy and thickened.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Cut beef properly: Always slice against the grain to keep the strips tender and easy to chew.
Do not overcook: Monitor slow cooker times carefully to avoid beef turning tough or vegetables getting mushy.
Add cornstarch last: Thickening the sauce at the end prevents it from becoming too gummy during slow cooking.
Use fresh black pepper: Grinding fresh pepper enhances the peppery aroma essential to the dish’s flavor profile.
Rest before serving: Let the dish sit uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Top your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add a fresh, nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome base. For added veggies, serve with a side of sautéed bok choy or roasted broccoli to complement the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak into warm pita pockets or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a light, handheld meal. You can also serve it over egg noodles drizzled with the glossy pepper sauce for a comforting stir-fry style dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Divide into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and to preserve the tenderness of the beef and peppers.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, flank steak and sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness when sliced thinly, but you can also try skirt steak or ribeye for richer flavor. Just ensure to slice thin against the grain for best results.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use frozen peppers and onions?

Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen vegetables, use them without thawing and reduce slow cooker time slightly to avoid mushiness.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

This recipe is typically mild, focusing on the bold pepper flavor rather than heat. You can always add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers if you prefer a spicier version.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as natural alternatives for thickening the sauce if you prefer to avoid cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

If you are in search of a hearty, flavorful, and delightfully tender dish that takes minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the perfect answer. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, bringing together simple ingredients into a spectacular meal your family will love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker dinner!

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe features tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce cooked low and slow for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simple to prepare and family-friendly, it can be served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium onion, sliced into thin strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced

Sauce Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/2 cup beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Thickening Agent

1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water (to make slurry)

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Cut the beef into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic and ginger finely to release their aromatic flavors.
Combine the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, and freshly cracked black pepper. This sauce will infuse the beef and vegetables with rich flavor during cooking.
Layer into the slow cooker: Place the sliced bell peppers and onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef strips on top. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over all the ingredients to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. The beef will become tender, and the peppers will soften while retaining vibrant color.
Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Notes

Cut beef properly: Always slice against the grain to keep the strips tender and easy to chew.
Do not overcook: Monitor slow cooker times carefully to avoid beef turning tough or vegetables becoming mushy.
Add cornstarch last: Thickening the sauce at the end prevents it from becoming too gummy during slow cooking.
Use fresh black pepper: Grinding fresh pepper enhances the essential peppery aroma of the dish.
Rest before serving: Let the dish sit uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American/Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: pepper steak, slow cooker, easy dinner, beef recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free, low effort, family friendly