Crockpot Pepper Steak is one of those classic meals that combines convenience, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just looking for a hearty, home-cooked dinner without the hassle, this slow cooker favorite hits the spot. In this guide, you’ll discover the essential ingredients, expert preparation tips, cooking steps, and tasty variations to create your best-ever Crockpot Pepper Steak. Looking for inspiration? Try our Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken to add more Asian flair to your dinner rotation.
What Is Crockpot Pepper Steak and Why Everyone Loves It
A Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal
Crockpot Pepper Steak blends the bold umami flavors of soy and Worcestershire sauce with juicy sirloin strips, tender bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. Unlike the traditional stir-fried version, this slow-cooked dish allows the meat to marinate for hours, producing a fork-tender texture and rich sauce that clings perfectly to rice or noodles.
Origins and Why It’s a Slow Cooker Favorite
Pepper steak has Chinese-American roots but has been adapted into a comforting staple in Western kitchens. The crockpot version takes a normally quick sautéed dish and transforms it into a “set it and forget it” meal. No stirring over a hot stove. No precise timing. Just deep flavor and soft textures that only a long, slow cook can bring.
Ingredients You Need for Crockpot Pepper Steak
Best Cut of Beef for Tender Results
The star of the show is beef sirloin strips, also sold as “beef for stir fry.” If you can’t find it pre-sliced, go for whole sirloin steaks and slice them into thin, long strips. They hold up well during the long cook and stay juicy.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Beef Sirloin | Base protein, tender when slow-cooked |
| Bell Peppers | Adds sweetness, color, and crunch |
| Onion | Aromatic depth |
| Garlic | Boosts flavor |
| Beef Broth & Bouillon | Savory base for sauce |
| Soy & Worcestershire Sauce | Umami and depth |
| Honey | Balances salty flavors |
| Ground Ginger | Adds warmth and zing |
| Cornstarch | Thickens the sauce |
Discover great ideas like our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites if you’re craving another beef-based crockpot classic.
Colorful Bell Peppers and Essential Add-Ons
Use a mix of red, yellow, green, and orange bell peppers for visual appeal and layered sweetness. Sweet onion is ideal, but yellow works too. Garlic, whether fresh or powdered, deepens the overall flavor.
Making the Perfect Sauce: Broth, Soy, and Seasoning Breakdown
To create a flavor-packed sauce, dissolve beef bouillon cubes in hot beef broth and add soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, ground ginger, pepper, and cornstarch. The blend thickens as it cooks, coating every bite.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Pepper Steak Instructions
Preparation Tips for Faster Assembly
This recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep:
- Slice your beef and veggies in advance
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a glass and stir until bouillon dissolves
You can even prep everything the night before and refrigerate it in a slow cooker insert for an effortless next-day start.
Slow Cooking Time and Temperature Options
Choose based on your schedule:
- LOW for 6 hours: for maximum tenderness
- HIGH for 3 hours: faster, still flavorful
Don’t miss our Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken if you like slow cooker meals that are both sweet and savory.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture Every Time
Want crispier peppers? Add them during the last hour. If you love your sauce thicker, make sure to include the cornstarch. And always stir once halfway through if you can.
Serving Suggestions for Pepper Steak Lovers
Rice, Noodles, or Potatoes? Choose Your Base
Here are the best options to serve under your pepper steak:
- White, brown, or jasmine rice
- Basmati for a nutty twist
- Lo mein or ramen noodles
- Mashed or baked potatoes
Looking for inspiration? Try our Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches for another protein-rich meal with versatile sides.
Healthy and Hearty Side Dish Combinations
Pair with:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes
- Roasted baby carrots or Brussels sprouts
Adding a veggie-heavy side dish balances the richness of the beef and sauce beautifully.
Pepper Steak Variations and Customizations
Spicy, Low-Sodium, or Sweet: Tailoring to Your Taste
Customizing your crockpot pepper steak is easy. For heat, toss in red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before cooking. Want to keep it low-sodium? Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip the bouillon cubes. Prefer it on the sweeter side? Add a bit more honey or even a splash of orange juice for a tangy-sweet balance.
Check out our Crock-Pot Street Tacos for another adaptable, flavor-packed slow cooker meal.
Alternative Cuts and Veggie Add-Ins
No sirloin on hand? Swap in flank steak or even chuck roast. While they may need a little longer on low, the end result is just as tasty. Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn to stretch the dish and boost nutrition without extra effort.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Crockpot Pepper Steak
How to Store for Meal Prep
After cooking, let your pepper steak cool to room temperature. Store in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Freezer Tips for Raw and Cooked Versions
You can freeze this meal either before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked:
- Add sliced beef, peppers, and onions into a freezer-safe bag.
- Mix sauce separately and pour into a second bag.
- Freeze flat for up to 6 months.
To freeze cooked leftovers, place into meal-sized portions (with rice, if preferred), then freeze for up to 3 months.
Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts for another great freezer-friendly slow cooker dinner.
Reheat Without Losing Texture
Reheat from frozen by defrosting overnight. Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts to retain texture. Add a splash of beef broth or water to refresh the sauce.
FAQ About Crockpot Pepper Steak
Can you put raw beef in a slow cooker?
Yes! That’s one of the best features of this dish. There’s no need to brown or pre-cook. Just place raw sirloin into the crockpot, pour the sauce over it, and you’re good to go.
Is pepper steak supposed to be spicy?
Not necessarily. Traditional pepper steak isn’t spicy unless you add chili flakes or hot peppers. It’s more about the umami and sweetness from soy, garlic, and bell peppers.
Can I use stew meat instead of sirloin?
You can, but keep in mind stew meat tends to be tougher. For better results, cook it on LOW for 7–8 hours and ensure it’s cut into small, even chunks.
How do I prevent peppers from getting mushy?
Add bell peppers in the last hour of cooking if you like them crisp-tender. If you enjoy soft, sauce-soaked peppers, cook them the full 6 hours.
Learn more about enhancing texture in saucy meals by reading our guide on What Does Cornstarch Do in Cookies?, which also applies to savory thickening.
Conclusion
Crockpot Pepper Steak is more than a recipe—it’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing, and meal-prep-friendly favorite that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire. It’s easy, adaptable, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re tossing it into your slow cooker before work or prepping it for the freezer, this dish delivers every time.
Check out Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef if you’re looking to expand your crockpot recipe list with bold flavors.
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Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crockpot Pepper Steak is a savory, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and a rich umami sauce. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or freezer-friendly meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced thick
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine hot beef broth, crushed bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Stir until well mixed.
- Place beef strips in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- If possible, stir once halfway through cooking.
- When done, stir well and serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For crispier peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking.
- The sauce may seem minimal at first but increases as the ingredients release moisture.
- This recipe can be prepped ahead and stored in the freezer.
- You can substitute sirloin with flank steak or chuck roast if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8oz
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1229mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 92mg