Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Effortless Preparation: Just 15 minutes of prep time, then your slow cooker does all the work!
- Budget-Friendly: Works beautifully with affordable cuts of beef that become tender through slow cooking.
- Family Favorite: The savory-sweet flavor profile appeals to both adults and kids.
- Versatile Serving Options: Delicious over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep with excellent flavor development.
- Freezes Beautifully: Make a double batch and freeze portions for future meals.
- Restaurant-Quality Results: Rivals your favorite Chinese takeout but healthier and more affordable.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and vegetable combinations to suit your taste.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for browning beef, optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
Pro Tip: For easier slicing, place the beef in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat just enough to make thin slicing much easier!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
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Prepare the Beef
Slice your beef against the grain into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. This cutting technique ensures tender meat after cooking. If you're short on time, you can use pre-sliced beef stir-fry strips from your grocery store.
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Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, quickly brown the beef strips for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but adds deeper flavor to your finished dish.
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Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the beef strips in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions on top. If you prefer firmer peppers, you can add them during the last hour of cooking instead.
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Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
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Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the beef is tender. The low setting is preferred for the most tender results.
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Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Serve
Serve your slow cooker pepper steak hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side dish. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for browning beef, optional)
Instructions
- Slice beef against the grain into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick.
- Optional: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the beef strips for 1-2 minutes.
- Place beef in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions on top of the beef.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side dish.
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer firmer peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking instead of at the beginning.
- For easier slicing, place beef in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting.
- This recipe works well with various cuts of beef including sirloin, flank steak, round steak, or stew meat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings
- White Rice: The traditional choice that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative with nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Egg Noodles: Wide noodles provide a different texture and complement the sauce well.
Low-Carb Options
- Cauliflower Rice: Perfect for those watching their carb intake.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and fresh alternative to traditional starches.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans make excellent sides.
Complete the Meal
- Simple Green Salad: Adds freshness to balance the rich main dish.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light starter that complements the Chinese-inspired flavors.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy appetizers that pair wonderfully with this entrée.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Pepper Steak
Increase the heat by adding:
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (instead of ¼ teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 sliced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for medium heat, included for extra spicy)
Vegetable-Loaded Version
Add these vegetables in the last hour of cooking:
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- 1 cup baby corn (drained if using canned)
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts for extra crunch
Protein Alternatives
Try these protein swaps:
- Chicken breast or thighs (reduce cooking time to 4 hours on LOW)
- Pork tenderloin slices (cook 4-5 hours on LOW)
- Extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian option (add in last 30 minutes)
Storage and Freezing Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
- Allow pepper steak to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The flavor often improves after a day as the ingredients continue to meld together.
- Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- You may need to add a splash of beef broth when reheating if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of beef for slow cooker pepper steak?
The best cuts for slow cooker pepper steak are those that become tender with long, slow cooking. Sirloin, round steak, flank steak, and even stew meat work well. Chuck roast can also be used but may need to be cooked slightly longer. The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in tougher cuts, resulting in tender meat.
Can I put frozen meat in the slow cooker?
For food safety reasons, it's not recommended to put frozen meat directly in the slow cooker. The meat can spend too long at temperatures that promote bacterial growth. Always thaw meat completely in the refrigerator before adding it to your slow cooker. If you're short on time, you can use the defrost function on your microwave to safely thaw the meat first.
Why are my peppers too soft in the slow cooker?
Bell peppers soften considerably during long cooking times. If you prefer firmer peppers with more texture, add them during the last hour of cooking instead of at the beginning. This gives them enough time to absorb flavor without becoming too soft. Alternatively, you can briefly sauté them separately and add them just before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This slow cooker pepper steak is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all ingredients the night before: slice the beef and vegetables, mix the sauce ingredients, and store everything separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to your slow cooker and start cooking. You can also fully cook the dish and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Beef Preparation
- Cut Against the Grain: Always slice beef perpendicular to the muscle fibers for maximum tenderness.
- Uniform Thickness: Try to cut all beef strips to similar thickness for even cooking.
- Pat Dry: Before browning, pat the beef dry with paper towels to promote better searing.
Flavor Enhancers
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning beef, add a splash of broth to the hot pan and scrape up browned bits to add to your slow cooker.
- Fresh Aromatics: Using fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions adds brighter flavor.
- Finish with Acid: A splash of rice vinegar or squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
Texture Perfection
- Don't Overcook: Even in a slow cooker, beef can become dry if cooked too long. Check for tenderness at the minimum cooking time.
- Layer Properly: Place beef on the bottom of the slow cooker where it's closest to the heat source.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest with the lid off for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle and thicken slightly.
Ready to Try This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?
This slow cooker pepper steak recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and savory sauce creates a dish that's both satisfying and impressive.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and ease. Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this pepper steak delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
Give this recipe a try and discover why it's become a favorite in so many households. Your slow cooker is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen!
