If you’re craving a dish that combines tender, savory beef with the bright, fresh flavors of bell peppers and a rich, comforting sauce, then you’re going to love this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe. This slow-cooked classic delivers mouthwatering results with minimal effort, making it the perfect weeknight meal or weekend treat. Every bite bursts with the harmonious blend of gentle sweetness and umami, all cooked low and slow to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—beef sirloin for juicy, tender protein; vibrant green bell peppers for color and crunch; and a few pantry staples to build a savory, well-balanced sauce.
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips: Choose a good quality cut for tender, flavorful meat.
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the beef.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing and locking in juices.
- 1 cube beef bouillon: Enhances the sauce with rich, meaty goodness.
- 1/4 cup hot water: Used to dissolve the bouillon and cornstarch, creating the sauce base.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, velvety consistency.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor.
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped: Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid: Delivers a tangy, hearty tomatoes base for the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Balances saltiness with a touch of umami.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory notes.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by sprinkling the beef sirloin strips evenly with garlic powder for that lovely burst of garlic flavor. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear the beef strips until nicely browned, about 5 minutes on each side. This step locks in flavors and gives the meat a beautiful caramelized crust, which is essential for developing the dish’s rich taste. Once seared, transfer all the beef strips into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a small container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water—this creates a flavorful broth that elevates the entire dish. Stir in the cornstarch to fully dissolve it; this mixture will help thicken your sauce as it cooks. Pour this thickening broth over the beef in the crock pot, making sure every piece gets some of that savory goodness.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Seasonings
Next, add the chopped onion and green bell peppers right on top. Toss in the can of stewed tomatoes, including all the flavorful liquid, along with soy sauce, white sugar, and salt. This combination brings a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements to every bite. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly without breaking up the beef too much.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking renders the beef tender and juicy, while allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. The peppers and onions soften but retain enough texture, creating a wonderfully vibrant and hearty dish.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serving
Once your pepper steak is cooked to tender perfection, it’s ready to be served. Spoon it over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. This step transforms a simple dinner into a hearty, satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your dish with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add an extra layer of texture and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, which acts as a neutral base to soak up the savory sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve your pepper steak over creamy mashed potatoes or even stuffed inside warm pita pockets for a fusion twist. Adding a side of roasted garlic bread can also make for a deliciously indulgent pairing that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pepper steak stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe on hand for a busy day, it freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and store for up to 2 months. Label and date your containers for easy tracking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This ensures your pepper steak stays tender and moist, just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use flank steak or even chuck roast sliced thin. Just be mindful of cooking times, as tougher cuts may need longer to become tender in the crock pot.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prep the beef and veggies the day before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply layer everything in the slow cooker and start cooking. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe isn’t spicy—just full of savory and slightly sweet flavors. If you like a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking will do the trick.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a crock pot?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. Sear the beef as instructed, then simmer everything together on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
For a gluten-free or lower-sodium option, tamari or coconut aminos work wonderfully as substitutes and provide a similar umami flavor without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is the kind of comforting, flavorful meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and warms everyone’s heart. It’s straightforward to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly versatile. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’re going to love how tender the beef turns out and how the vibrant peppers add a fresh, lively touch to every bite. Once it’s in your rotation, mealtime just got a whole lot better.
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on High or 6 to 8 hours on Low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Description
This Pepper Steak recipe is a delicious and hearty slow-cooked dish featuring tender strips of beef sirloin simmered with green bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, stewed tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for an easy and comforting meal, this recipe uses a slow cooker to meld the robust flavors while keeping the beef juicy and tender.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips evenly with garlic powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. This step helps to lock in flavor and develop a rich crust. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Broth Mixture: In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir in the cornstarch until it is fully dissolved, creating a smooth thickening mixture. Pour this over the beef strips in the slow cooker to add richness and help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped onion, roughly chopped green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes with their liquid, soy sauce, white sugar, and salt. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook the Pepper Steak: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the mixture on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time on Low will result in especially tender beef. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender and flavorful.
- Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or cooked noodles for a satisfying and complete meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the final dish.
- You can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak or skirt steak if preferred, but adjust cooking times as needed.
- For thicker sauce, stir cornstarch dissolved in water into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
- This recipe freezes well; portion and freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust salt and soy sauce amounts if you prefer a less salty dish or want to use low-sodium soy sauce.
