Crock Pot Pepper Steak

 

Ingredients You'll Need

1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

3/4 cup beef broth

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Toss until the pieces are evenly coated.

The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce as the dish cooks, giving it a richer consistency.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly browned.

Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. The beef doesn't need to cook completely at this stage; it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.

Transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Arrange the sliced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic over the beef.

Spread the ingredients evenly so the flavors can combine during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.

Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Beef

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients and coat the beef with the sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables have softened.

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the beef strips and your slow cooker.

Step 7: Stir and Serve

Give the pepper steak a good stir before serving to distribute the sauce evenly.

Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, spooning plenty of the flavorful sauce over each portion.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Slice the beef thinly. Cutting the steak into thin strips helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to eat.

Slice against the grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them to help make the beef more tender.

Don't skip the searing step. Browning the beef adds extra flavor and gives the finished dish a richer taste.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If the beef is packed too tightly into the pan, it may steam instead of brown. Sear it in batches for better results.

Adjust the spice level. Leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder dish or add a little more if you prefer extra heat.

Check the sauce before serving. If you prefer a thicker consistency, allow the sauce to cook uncovered briefly near the end, if your slow cooker instructions permit, or thicken it separately using a cornstarch slurry.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Pepper steak pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few delicious options:

Steamed white rice: A classic choice that soaks up the savory sauce.

Brown rice: A hearty alternative with a slightly nutty flavor.

Egg noodles: Perfect for catching the sauce and making the dish extra comforting.

Mashed potatoes: A creamy side that complements the tender beef.

Steamed broccoli: Adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.

Roasted vegetables: A simple way to round out the meal.

For an easy family dinner, serve the pepper steak over rice with a side of steamed broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes. Sirloin and flank steak work well when thinly sliced. Other suitable beef cuts can also be used, although cooking time and tenderness may vary.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

Browning is recommended because it adds flavor, but it does require an extra step. If you skip it, the dish can still cook in the slow cooker, though the flavor and texture may be somewhat different.

Can I make Crock Pot Pepper Steak ahead of time?

Yes. You can slice the vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. For the best results, keep raw beef refrigerated and handle it safely.

How should I store leftovers?

Allow the leftovers to cool slightly, then transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days.

Can I freeze pepper steak?

Yes. Once cooled, place the pepper steak in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months for best quality. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat the pepper steak in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a comforting, flavorful meal that combines tender beef, colorful peppers, and a rich savory sauce with the convenience of slow cooking. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it's an excellent option for busy evenings when you want a satisfying homemade dinner.

Serve it over your favorite side, spoon on plenty of sauce, and enjoy a warm, delicious meal that's easy to add to your regular dinner rotation!