There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of pepper steak simmering away in a crock pot. This dish is a comforting blend of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a deeply flavorful sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat.

I first fell in love with pepper steak as a kid, but making it in a crock pot takes this classic recipe to the next level. The slow-cooked beef practically melts in your mouth, and the flavors only get better with time. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why You'll Love This Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe. This pepper steak is about to change how you think about easy weeknight meals.

First, it's incredibly convenient. With just a little prep in the morning, you can set it and forget it while the crock pot works its magic. By dinnertime, you'll have a perfectly cooked, hearty meal waiting for you.

This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting guests, this dish always delivers.

It's surprisingly budget-friendly, too. Using affordable cuts of beef and pantry staples like soy sauce and cornstarch, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, the recipe is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a different experience every time. Plus, you can tweak the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor.

Beef: Look for affordable cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or even stew meat. When slow-cooked, these cuts become incredibly tender and flavorful. Be sure to slice the beef into thin strips for quicker cooking and easier serving.

Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds a vibrant pop of color and a balance of sweetness and tang. If you only have one color on hand, don’t worry – the recipe will still be delicious.

Soy Sauce: This forms the backbone of the sauce, giving it that umami-packed, savory flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want more control over the saltiness.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics bring a warm, fragrant depth to the dish. Fresh is best, but powdered versions will work in a pinch.

Cornstarch: Mixed with a little water, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to coat every piece of beef and pepper beautifully.

You'll also need a crock pot, of course! A 6-quart model works well for this recipe, but you can adjust based on your needs.

How To Make This Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Making pepper steak in a crock pot is a breeze, and the results are worth every minute of the wait.

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to soak into every bite. If you have time, searing the beef in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes before adding it to the crock pot will add extra depth to the flavor.

Next, slice your bell peppers into strips and set them aside. You’ll add these later in the cooking process to keep them crisp and colorful.

In the crock pot, combine soy sauce, a little brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves, creating a rich marinade for the beef. Add the beef strips, stirring to coat them thoroughly in the sauce.

Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before it’s done, stir in the bell peppers. This timing keeps them tender-crisp, so they retain their vibrant color and natural sweetness.

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot about 20 minutes before serving. Let it cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.

Serve your pepper steak over steamed rice, fluffy noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The total hands-on time is minimal, and the results? Absolutely irresistible.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this pepper steak are almost as good as the original meal – if not better! Here's how to store it.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the beef and peppers are completely cool before sealing the container to maintain freshness.

For longer storage, freeze the pepper steak in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date so you can easily track how long it’s been stored.

To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

The flexibility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to your liking.

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

If you’re avoiding soy, substitute coconut aminos for a similar depth of flavor.

Want to add more veggies? Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas make excellent additions. Just toss them in alongside the bell peppers.

For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.

Experiment with different proteins, too. Thinly sliced chicken, pork, or even tofu work beautifully in this recipe.

This crock pot pepper steak is a lifesaver for busy families, a delight for dinner parties, and a comfort food classic you'll return to again and again. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort – without spending your entire day in the kitchen!