Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe – Tender, Flavorful, and Effortlessly Delicious
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family, this Crockpot Pepper Steak is your new go-to dinner recipe. Imagine tender strips of slow-cooked beef, gently simmered in a savory soy-tomato sauce, surrounded by sweet bell peppers and onions that melt into the rich gravy. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you get on with your day.
🥩 Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pepper Steak
This dish combines the tender texture of slow-cooked sirloin with a deep, umami-rich sauce that develops incredible depth of flavor over several hours. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
🧂 Ingredients & Their Roles
Each ingredient plays an important part in building the flavor and texture of this irresistible dish:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, sliced – The star of the recipe. Sirloin becomes beautifully tender when slow-cooked, soaking up the sauce’s flavors. You can also use flank steak or round steak as alternatives.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced – Add natural sweetness and color contrast. Use a mix of red and green for the best flavor balance.
- 1 onion, sliced – Provides aromatic depth and a mild sweetness that complements the soy-based sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Creates the saucy base, adding acidity to balance the richness of the beef.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – Brings in saltiness and umami, the key to that savory restaurant-style flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the overall aroma with a warm, garlicky undertone.
- 1 tsp ground ginger – Adds a subtle zing and warmth, giving the dish a hint of Asian-inspired flair.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Thickens the sauce perfectly, turning the cooking juices into a glossy gravy.
- 1/4 cup water – Helps dissolve the cornstarch and prevents lumps when thickening.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that tie everything together and enhance the natural flavors.
🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the beef sirloin, bell peppers, and onion into thin strips. Prepping everything beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Load the Crockpot
Place the beef, peppers, and onions into your slow cooker. These will slowly blend together, creating that signature pepper steak aroma.
Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger. Stir gently to coat everything in that savory sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the peppers are soft but not mushy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker. Continue cooking for about 30 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a rich, glossy gravy.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a complete, hearty meal.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Pepper Steak
- Brown the beef first (optional) – For an extra depth of flavor, quickly sear the beef strips in a hot skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
- Don’t overcook the peppers – If you prefer a slight crunch, add the bell peppers during the last hour of cooking instead of at the start.
- Adjust the thickness – For a thinner sauce, skip the cornstarch. For a thicker gravy, let it cook a few extra minutes after adding the slurry.
- Flavor boosters – Add a splash of hoisin sauce, beef broth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier or richer profile.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice – The ideal base to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
- Egg noodles or lo mein noodles – For an Asian-inspired twist.
- Mashed potatoes – Comfort food at its finest.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans – Add a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
Top it off with a sprinkle of green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish.
❤️ Why This Recipe Is So Loved
- Effortless – Minimal prep, maximum reward.
- Flavor-packed – A blend of sweet, savory, and umami.
- Versatile – Works with various sides and beef cuts.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love it!
✨ Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe is the perfect marriage of ease and flavor. With tender beef, colorful peppers, and a rich sauce that cooks itself to perfection, it’s a dinner that feels special without requiring any stress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy, satisfying meal after a long day, this slow-cooked classic delivers every time.
Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation — a dish that proves delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
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