Crockpot Pepper Steak

Crockpot Pepper Steak is a rich, savory, and comforting dish made with tender strips of beef slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions. It is one of those meals that tastes like it took hours of effort, but the slow cooker does most of the work. The beef becomes incredibly soft, the peppers stay slightly tender, and the sauce thickens into a delicious gravy that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something hearty waiting for you at dinner time. It is simple, filling, and packed with bold flavors from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Total Time: About 8 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the beef:

2 pounds beef sirloin, flank steak, or stew meat, sliced into thin strips

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cups beef broth

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the vegetables:

2 large green bell peppers, sliced

1 large red bell pepper, sliced

1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

For thickening:

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons cold water

For serving:

Cooked white rice

Sesame seeds

Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Start by preparing the beef. Slice it into thin strips against the grain. This helps make the meat more tender as it cooks. Place the beef into a large bowl and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef and toss everything together until all the pieces are lightly coated.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the beef in batches for about 2 minutes on each side. You are not cooking it fully here, only browning it for extra flavor. This step adds depth to the final dish, so it is worth the extra few minutes.

Transfer the browned beef into the crockpot.

In a medium bowl, prepare the sauce. Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until everything is fully mixed.

Pour this sauce over the beef in the crockpot.

Add the sliced onions on top. At this point, do not add the bell peppers yet if you want them slightly crisp. If you prefer softer peppers, you can add them now.

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

About one hour before the cooking time ends, add the sliced bell peppers. Stir them into the beef and sauce. This keeps their color bright and prevents them from becoming too soft.

As the peppers cook, prepare the thickening mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Thirty minutes before serving, pour the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot and stir well. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a glossy gravy.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a little extra soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar if you want it sweeter.

Serve the pepper steak hot over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped parsley for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Pepper Steak

Choosing the right cut of beef makes a big difference. Flank steak and sirloin are excellent choices because they stay tender and flavorful. Stew meat works too but may need a little extra cooking time.

Searing the beef before slow cooking adds a richer flavor. While it can be skipped if you are short on time, it creates a much better final result.

Do not overcook the peppers if you want them to keep their texture. Adding them later helps preserve their freshness and slight crunch.

If you want a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove during the final hour.

For a spicy version, add sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

This dish freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a classic meal.

Pair with buttered noodles for a comforting dinner.

Spoon it over mashed potatoes for a thicker, richer serving.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.

This Crockpot Pepper Steak is deeply satisfying, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a warm, hearty meal that feels homemade and special. It is a great recipe to keep in your weekly rotation because it is reliable, delicious, and even better the next day.