Craving a tender, saucy meal that practically cooks itself? This Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak is your new weeknight favorite. Juicy beef strips simmer in a rich soy-based sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions, creating a savory dinner everyone loves. With simple prep and a slow cooker doing the work, you’ll have a homemade dish that tastes like your favorite takeout, but fresher and healthier.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak
This Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak makes dinner simple and satisfying. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is easy, and you can relax while your kitchen fills with that comforting, savory aroma. It’s budget-friendly too, using basic ingredients you might already have. The flavors are bold, a mix of sweet and savory with tender beef and soft veggies that pair perfectly with rice or noodles. It’s a family-approved recipe that even picky eaters enjoy. Also, you can adjust the spice and sweetness just how you like. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it fresh, this dish always delivers warm, hearty comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need about 1½–2 lbs of beef strips—sirloin, flank, or round work great. Bell peppers add color and freshness; mix red, green, and yellow for a bright finish. Slice an onion for a sweet, soft layer of flavor, and mince fresh garlic for that irresistible aroma. Soy sauce brings salty umami richness, while beef broth or bouillon adds depth. A spoon of brown sugar or honey balances everything beautifully. Cornstarch thickens the sauce to silky perfection, and salt and pepper round it out. You can swap honey for sugar, or use tamari for a gluten-free version. Every ingredient helps build the perfect tender texture and full-bodied flavor in this pepper steak.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak
Prep the Ingredients
Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef and cutting it into even strips. This helps it cook tender and evenly. Slice your bell peppers and onion into uniform strips for balance in every bite. Mince garlic finely so it blends smoothly into the sauce. If you like your peppers with a little bite, cut them slightly thicker—they’ll hold their shape better during slow cooking.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, and beef broth or water with bouillon. Add brown sugar or honey, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s smooth with no lumps. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce later, giving it that glossy, rich texture.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the beef strips, peppers, and onions in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over everything so the flavors soak in. Cover and cook on low for 5–8 hours, or on high for 2–4 hours, until the beef is tender. If the sauce isn’t thick enough at the end, mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water, stir it in, and cook a few minutes longer until it thickens. The result? Juicy beef, soft veggies, and a perfectly seasoned sauce that clings to every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe shines when served over fluffy white rice or noodles. You can also spoon it over quinoa for a hearty twist. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of freshness. It makes about six servings, each offering around 28 grams of protein depending on your beef cut. Serve it hot straight from the slow cooker for that cozy, home-cooked vibe everyone loves.
Helpful Tips and Recipe Notes
For the most tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain before cooking. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, and balance the saltiness by tasting the sauce near the end. If you want crisp peppers, add them halfway through cooking instead of at the start. You can also toss in mushrooms or snap peas for variety.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days—they reheat beautifully. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. This Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak also pairs perfectly with my Easy Hot and Sour Soup Recipe or creamy Asparagus Soup (Creamy, Fresh & Healthy).
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef works best for crockpot pepper steak?
Flank steak, sirloin, or round steak all work well. These cuts become tender after slow cooking. Trim excess fat and slice against the grain for juicy, flavorful strips.
Can I add the peppers later to keep them crisp?
Yes! If you prefer firmer peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking. They’ll stay vibrant and slightly crunchy while still soaking up the savory sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warm. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months, then thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – Creamy Comfort
- Chickpea Noodle Soup (Vegan Comfort Recipe)
- Quick Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings
- Easy Orzo, Leek and Dill Soup
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak is the kind of meal that makes busy days easier and dinnertime more joyful. It’s tender, flavorful, and so comforting. Whether you’re feeding family or prepping meals for the week, this dish brings warm satisfaction every time. Save it, share it, and add it to your regular rotation—you’ll be glad you did. For more cozy ideas, follow me on Pinterest.
Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak
Equipment
- Slow cooker 6-quart size recommended
- Mixing bowl For preparing the sauce
- Whisk Helps combine sauce ingredients smoothly
- Cutting board For slicing vegetables and beef
- Chef’s knife Sharp for even cuts
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef strips (sirloin, flank, or round)
- 2 bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water with bouillon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Trim the beef and slice into even strips. Slice bell peppers and onion into strips. Mince the garlic finely.
- In a bowl, whisk together garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Place beef, peppers, and onions in the slow cooker. Pour sauce evenly over everything. Cook on low for 5–8 hours or high for 2–4 hours until the beef is tender.
- If sauce needs thickening, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook an extra few minutes until glossy.
