© Original Recipe By Whisk & Wander ©
🔥🥩 Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Dinner – A Flavorful Crockpot Classic! 🍽️
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, tender, and beautifully seasoned meal that practically cooks itself, then you must try this pepper steak crockpot recipe. The gentle heat of the slow cooker transforms strips of beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness, infused with aromatic peppers, garlic, and savory sauces. This is the ultimate slow cooker pepper steak or crock pot pepper steak, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Imagine coming home to a steaming, flavorful dish ready to serve—no fuss, just pure comfort food.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 6-8 hours: Set it and forget it—perfect for busy schedules.
- One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for variety.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser with tender beef and vibrant peppers.
3. Ingredient Notes
To get the most out of this easy pepper steak recipe, selecting quality ingredients is key. Use sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Fresh bell peppers in red, green, or yellow add vibrant color and sweet flavor, but for extra depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture. Fresh garlic and high-quality beef broth enhance the aroma and richness.
If you want an extra layer of flavor, a touch of sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. For those seeking healthier options, you can include colorful vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to make it a complete stir-fry-style dinner.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
For an effortless cooking experience, I recommend these helpful kitchen tools:
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics — Great for reheating leftovers or making crispy vegetables to serve on the side.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Essential for preparing the beef and vegetables with ease and durability.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer — Perfect for quick searing or crisping sides if you want to add texture later.
5. How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Dinner
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, and season them with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. While your slow cooker warms up, chop the peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces—you want nice, colorful chunks that will soak up the flavorful juices.
Cooking the Beef
Place the beef strips in the slow cooker, then add sliced peppers and onions. Pour in a mixture of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire, along with minced garlic and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The beef will become tender, and the peppers will soften just right, creating a fragrant, savory sauce.
Final Touches
Once cooked, give everything a good stir. For a thickened sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker, then cook for an additional 15 minutes until glossy and velvety. Serve hot over your preferred carbs, garnished with fresh chopped scallions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use thinly sliced beef to ensure it cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Avoid overcooking—check the beef around the 6-hour mark to prevent it from drying out.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce before serving.
- For thicker sauce, cornstarch slurry is your best friend—just add it at the end.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re avoiding gluten, swap soy sauce for coconut aminos. Or, add different vegetables like sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, or snap peas to customize your pepper steak dinner. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Want to make it vegetarian? Replace beef with hearty tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for a plant-based delight.
8. Storage & Reheating
This dish keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. For leftovers, consider turning it into a stir-fry by tossing it with freshly cooked rice or noodles to refresh the flavors.
9. FAQ
Can I make this pepper steak in a different slow cooker?
Absolutely! Most slow cookers will work perfectly. Just ensure it has a consistent heat and enough capacity for all ingredients.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Opt for leaner cuts of beef, load up on vegetables, and cut back on added salt or sugar. Using low-sodium broth and reducing the soy sauce can also make it more heart-friendly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
10. Conclusion
This easy slow cooker pepper steak dinner is a true testament to no-fuss, flavorful home cooking. Perfectly tender beef, vibrant peppers, and savory sauces combine to create a meal oh-so satisfying. Whether you’re short on time or simply seeking comfort food, this crock pot pepper steak is your new go-to recipe. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich aromas filling your kitchen!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Dinner
A slow cooker favorite combining tender beef strips with fresh bell peppers and fragrant onions in a savory sauce.
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, sliced into strips
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red and green)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place sliced beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
- Mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper; pour over ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the slow cooker.
- Cook for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute with chicken or tofu for variety.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing brown sugar.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if soy sauce is gluten-free)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg