Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Savory Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe: Tender Bites of Joy

Succulent crockpot pepper steak promises a mouthwatering journey through rich, tender flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Slow cooking transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection with minimal effort.

Aromatic spices and vibrant bell peppers create a symphony of tastes that comfort and excite.

Juicy strips of beef nestle among colorful vegetables, developing deep, complex layers of goodness.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction when you return home to this hearty meal.

A single bite transports you to a world of home-cooked comfort that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Dive into this simple yet extraordinary dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Easy Ways To Remix Crockpot Pepper Steak

  • Chicken Swap: Replace beef with lean chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same marinade and cooking technique.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute beef with firm tofu, seitan, or portobello mushrooms, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking plant-based proteins.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip rice or noodles, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Variation: Add gochujang or sriracha to the marinade, incorporate sesame oil, and sprinkle with green onions for a fiery Korean-inspired flavor profile.

Best Eats To Go With Crockpot Pepper Steak

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a bold, medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich beef flavors and cut through the dish's savory marinade.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a robust dark beer such as Porter or Stout, whose roasted malt notes will enhance the caramelized meat's deep, complex taste profile.
  • Perfect Rice Sidekick: Opt for jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the luxurious sauce, providing a delicate, fragrant base that balances the meat's intense seasoning.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a bright, crisp contrast that adds a layer of freshness to the hearty slow-cooked beef dish.

Store Crockpot Pepper Steak Without Losing That Flavor

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through completely.

Your Crockpot Pepper Steak Questions—Answered

  • What cuts of beef work best for this recipe?

Sirloin steak and beef strips are ideal because they’re tender, lean, and absorb marinades quickly while maintaining a nice texture during slow cooking.

  • Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your spice preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify that worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

  • How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?

Marinate the meat, slice against the grain, and avoid overcooking. The slow cooker’s low and slow method helps break down muscle fibers, ensuring tender meat.

Crockpot Pepper Steak: The Set-It-And-Forget-It Favorite

  • Craft Precision Cuts: Carefully slicing beef into uniform strips ensures each bite delivers consistent tenderness and perfect cooking results.
  • Build Complex Flavor Layers: Combining multiple ingredients like soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar creates a rich, deeply satisfying marinade that transforms ordinary beef into an extraordinary meal.
  • Maximize Cooking Convenience: Slow cooker method allows busy home cooks to prepare a delicious meal with minimal active cooking time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
  • Customize for Every Palate: The flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like different protein options, vegetable variations, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual taste preferences.

Grab These Ingredients For Crockpot Pepper Steak Night

For the Proteins:
  • Beef Strips, Sirloin Steak: Tender meat cuts that provide the main protein base for a rich and hearty slow-cooker dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Green Bell Peppers, Onions, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add texture, depth of flavor, and aromatic qualities to the recipe.
For the Marinade and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Beef Broth: Liquid ingredients that create a savory and complex flavor profile for the meat.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the meat.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and helps develop a rich flavor during searing.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Ground Ginger: Introduces a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the marinade.

How To Get Crockpot Pepper Steak Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Beef Strips

Slice beef into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife. Ensure each piece is roughly the same size for consistent cooking and maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables

  • Green bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Dice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic finely to release its robust flavor throughout the dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Cornstarch
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Olive oil
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground ginger

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Marinate Meat

Pour the marinade over the beef strips. Thoroughly coat each piece, ensuring every strip is generously covered. Let the meat sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the rich flavors.

Step 5: Sear Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Quickly sear the marinated beef strips for 2-3 minutes. This step creates a delicious caramelized exterior while sealing in the juices.

Step 6: Transfer to Crockpot

Layer the seared beef strips and chopped vegetables in the crockpot. Arrange them evenly to promote optimal flavor blending.

Step 7: Add Remaining Marinade

Pour any leftover marinade over the meat and vegetables. Make sure everything is well-covered for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook:
  • Low setting: 6-7 hours
  • High setting: 3-4 hours

The goal is to achieve incredibly tender meat and perfectly softened vegetables.

Step 9: Stir Occasionally

During cooking, gently stir the contents to distribute seasonings and prevent sticking.

Step 10: Rest and Thicken

Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes. This allows flavors to settle and the sauce to naturally thicken.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steamed rice or noodles. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Little Tips That Make Crockpot Pepper Steak Even Better

  • Perfect Meat Preparation: Slice beef against the grain into thin, uniform strips for maximum tenderness and even cooking speed.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly coat meat in marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste depth and meat texture.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Sear meat quickly on high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior before slow cooking.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir occasionally during slow cooking to distribute seasonings evenly and prevent ingredients from sticking to the pot.
  • Optimize Serving Technique: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to naturally thicken for a more robust taste experience.
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Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent crockpot pepper steak brings hearty Chinese-American flavors right to your dinner table. Tender beef strips simmered with bell peppers and rich soy-based sauce promise a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 lbs beef strips
  • 1 lb sirloin steak

Vegetables:

  • 2 large green bell peppers
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Trim and slice beef strips and sirloin steak into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and tenderness.
  2. Dice green bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces, and mince garlic for robust flavor distribution.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, olive oil, brown sugar, and ground ginger to create a rich, glossy marinade.
  4. Coat meat strips thoroughly in the prepared marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate for enhanced taste complexity.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly sear meat strips on high heat for 2-3 minutes to lock in juices and develop a caramelized exterior.
  6. Transfer seared meat to the crockpot, layering with chopped vegetables for optimal flavor melding.
  7. Pour remaining marinade over the meat and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Cover and slow cook on low setting for 6-7 hours, or on high setting for 3-4 hours, until meat becomes incredibly tender and vegetables are perfectly softened.
  9. Occasionally stir during cooking to distribute seasonings and prevent sticking.
  10. Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken naturally.
  11. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Always choose a well-marbled cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak for maximum flavor and tenderness in your slow-cooked pepper steak.
  • Pat meat strips completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in delicious juices and prevents steaming.
  • Adjust cornstarch quantity to control sauce thickness – less for a thinner sauce, more for a richer, glossier coating that clings beautifully to meat and vegetables.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives by replacing traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, making this recipe friendly for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 378
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 836 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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