I just have to start by saying thank you for being here! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for hearty, comforting meals that don’t take a ton of effort—especially on those jam-packed weekdays. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share today’s recipe: Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot.
This is one of those dishes that gets requested over and over again at our house, and every time I make it, someone always says, “Don’t lose this recipe!!” So now it’s here, in all its juicy, savory, slow-cooked glory—easy to follow, absolutely delicious, and just waiting to be part of your family meal rotation.
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What Is Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Pepper steak in a crock pot is a classic beef dish where tender slices of steak are slowly cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that somehow manages to taste like you slaved over the stove—without you actually having to do that.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! It’s a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it recipe that works for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Reasons to Love This Pepper Steak Recipe
It’s low-effort, high-reward – The crock pot does the heavy lifting.
Tender beef every time – Slow cooking gives you melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Flavor-packed – The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and bell peppers creates a bold, slightly sweet, and savory sauce.
Family favorite – Even picky eaters love this one!
Great leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
What Does Crock Pot Pepper Steak Taste Like?
Imagine tender strips of beef infused with garlicky, umami goodness, surrounded by soft, sweet peppers and onions, all swimming in a savory brown sauce with just the right touch of tang. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes, and wow—comfort food heaven. The flavors soak in slowly over time, making each bite deep, satisfying, and oh-so-worth it.
Benefits of Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Hands-off cooking – Let your slow cooker do the work while you tackle your day.
Budget-friendly – Uses inexpensive cuts of beef that become incredibly tender.
Customizable – Easy to tweak to your taste with your favorite vegetables or spice level.
Meal prep gold – Perfect for making ahead and storing for later.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Here’s what you’ll need:
2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooked rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
Tools You’ll Need
A 6-quart crock pot or slow cooker
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Small saucepan (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Optional Additions and Substitutions
Add mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Use tamari or coconut aminos if gluten-free.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Swap beef for chicken if preferred—cooking time may vary.
Try orange or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter twist.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables
Slice the beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness. Slice your bell peppers and onions, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Layer in the Crock Pot
Place the beef strips in the bottom of the crock pot. Add the sliced onions and peppers on top.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), garlic, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Stir well and pour over the beef and veggies.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are beautifully blended.
Step 5 (Optional): Thicken the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Pour into a small saucepan with some of the cooking liquid and simmer until thickened, then stir it back into the crock pot.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Spoon the pepper steak over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Steamed white or jasmine rice – the classic!
Mashed potatoes – extra comforting.
Noodles – like lo mein or egg noodles.
Roasted broccoli or green beans – for some fresh crunch.
Warm dinner rolls – to soak up all that saucy goodness.
Tips for the Best Pepper Steak Every Time
Slice the beef thinly – this helps it become tender more easily.
Don’t overcook the peppers – if you like them a bit firmer, add them during the last hour.
Use low-sodium soy sauce – for better control over saltiness.
Make it ahead – The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead dish.
How to Store and Reheat
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing and cooking.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely. Brown the beef, add the sauce and veggies, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until tender.
What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin or flank steak are great, but chuck steak also works well when slow-cooked.
How do I keep the peppers from getting mushy?
Add them in the last hour of cooking if you like them with a bit of bite!
Conclusion
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is everything you want in a dinner: simple, satisfying, and soul-warming. It’s a fuss-free meal that feels gourmet, with a savory sauce that practically begs to be soaked up with every bite. If you’ve never tried making pepper steak this way, I’m telling you—OMG, don’t lose this recipe!
Love this one? Don’t miss my other cozy slow-cooker favorites like:
Crock Pot Peach Cobbler
Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork with Peaches
Share the Love
If you try this pepper steak, leave a comment and rate the recipe below! I’d also LOVE to see your photos—tag me on Pinterest and share how it turned out!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 790mg
PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT – OMG DON’T LOSE THIS
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender strips of beef slow-cooked to perfection with bell peppers and onions in a rich, savory sauce—this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions
- Slice the beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain for tenderness. Prepare the bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
- Layer the beef in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the peppers and onions on top.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), garlic, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Pour over the meat and veggies.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
- (Optional) Mix cornstarch with water and simmer with cooking liquid to thicken, then stir it back into the crock pot.
- Serve over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Add mushrooms or swap in chicken for a twist. For firmer peppers, add them in the last hour of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: pepper steak, crock pot, slow cooker, beef, comfort food