Name: Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening); Cooked white rice, for serving

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If you’re craving a hearty, colorful meal that’s packed with savory flavor but doesn’t require you to stand over the stove for hours, Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender strips of sirloin, vibrant bell peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce that soaks right into fluffy white rice. It’s the kind of comforting recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away, turning simple ingredients into a dinner that tastes like you fussed all day. Whether you’re feeding your family or just want to meal prep something delicious, Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is always a crowd-pleaser.

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on everyday staples that each play a vital role. From the juicy sirloin to the punchy peppers and aromatic sauce, every ingredient adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot shine.

Beef sirloin (2 pounds, sliced): Use thin strips so the meat cooks up fork-tender and soaks in the sauce.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the beef for that irresistible caramelized edge.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings a fresh, slightly grassy crunch and classic pepper flavor.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a pop of color to balance the dish.
Onion (1, sliced): Melts into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers bold, savory aroma and flavor throughout the dish.
Diced tomatoes with juice (1 can, 14.5 oz): The tomatoes and their juice create a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Infuses the steak with umami and just the right amount of saltiness.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle depth and a hint of tang.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness balances all the savory notes.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and rounds out the flavors.
Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): Stir in at the end for a thicker, glossy sauce.
Cooked white rice (for serving): The perfect base to soak up all that luscious sauce.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin strips in batches, searing them for just 2 to 3 minutes until they’re browned on the outside. This step locks in flavor and gives the final dish a richer, more satisfying taste. Don’t worry if the beef isn’t cooked through yet—it will finish cooking in the crock pot.

Step 2: Layer in the Vegetables

Transfer the beautifully browned beef to your crock pot, then add the sliced green and red bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. These veggies will soften and sweeten as they cook, infusing the sauce and soaking up those savory juices.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with all the juice!), then add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. This mixture will bubble away in the crock pot, turning into a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every bite.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crock pot and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef will turn meltingly tender, and the peppers will be perfectly cooked—soft, but still vibrant. If you like your sauce thicker, stir in the optional cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before the end of cooking, then let it finish bubbling away until glossy and rich.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the hot Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot over fluffy white rice. Each bite is packed with savory, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor—pure comfort in a bowl.

How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot for a pop of freshness and color. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of red pepper flakes can also add a little extra flair and heat, making each bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This dish is a star with a bed of fluffy white rice, but you can also serve it with brown rice for extra fiber, or even spoon it over lo mein noodles for a fun twist. Lightly steamed broccoli or snap peas make a bright, crunchy side that complements the rich flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or potluck, try serving Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. Or, pile it high on toasted hoagie rolls for a “pepper steak sandwich” that’s sure to impress. You can even offer a toppings bar with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and chili oil so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and keep in mind that the peppers may soften more after freezing, but the taste will still be fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot?

Yes! Flank steak or round steak both work well and will become beautifully tender after slow cooking. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain.

Is it possible to make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot spicier?

Definitely. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in a sliced hot chili pepper with the bell peppers for extra heat.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening?

No worries! The sauce is delicious as-is, but you can also use arrowroot powder or let the sauce reduce uncovered in the crock pot for the last 30 minutes to thicken naturally.

Will this recipe work in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the beef, then cook everything under high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick release. Finish with the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about coming home to the irresistible aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, knowing that dinner is ready and waiting. This recipe is pure comfort, easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to share with friends. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This flavorful Pepper Steak recipe is made effortlessly in a crock pot, combining tender beef sirloin strips with vibrant bell peppers and a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, this dish is served over steamed rice for a wholesome, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 pounds beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Cooked white rice, for serving

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Instructions

Sear the beef: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but not cooked through. This step seals in the beef’s flavor and ensures a tender texture.
Prepare crock pot ingredients: Transfer the seared beef to the crock pot. Add sliced green and red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef.
Add sauce components: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high heat for 3–4 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the sauce (optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce a rich, glossy finish.
Serve: Spoon the pepper steak over cooked white rice and serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

You can substitute flank steak or round steak for beef sirloin depending on preference or availability.
Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice or noodles as an alternative to white rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired