Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

Sizzling Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My friends have been raving about this delightful pepper steak in a crock pot that brings comfort right to the dinner table.

Slow cooking transforms tough beef cuts into melt-in-your-mouth tender strips bathed in savory sauce.

Chunky bell peppers add vibrant color and crisp texture to each hearty bite.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.

Warm aromas will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone close with anticipation of a satisfying meal.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary that everyone will love.

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Overview

  • Upgrade Classic Comfort: Transform traditional meatloaf into a gourmet experience with layers of ham and Swiss cheese, creating a mouth-watering twist on a home-style favorite.
  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine all ingredients in one bowl, shape quickly, and bake for a stress-free meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complex cooking techniques.
  • Family-Pleasing Protein: Pack lean ground chicken with rich ingredients like Parmesan and garlic, ensuring a protein-packed dinner that satisfies both kids and adults with its delicious, familiar taste.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe transitions smoothly from everyday meals to special occasions with its impressive presentation and crowd-pleasing flavors.

Ingredients For Pepper Steak Crock Pot

For the Meat:
  • Beef Strips: Tender cut of beef sliced against the grain for easy eating and maximum tenderness.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add depth of flavor and provide a colorful base for the dish.
For the Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce: Rich, salty condiment that adds depth and umami flavor to the meat.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy sauce that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent flavor to the marinade.
  • Black Pepper: Spicy seasoning that adds a warm, slightly sharp taste to the meat.
For the Thickening and Cooking:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth, glossy sauce and thicken the cooking liquid.
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier in the crock pot.
For the Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a bright, crisp flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.
For the Serving Suggestion:
  • Steamed Rice, Noodles: Neutral base that complements the rich, flavorful pepper steak.

Stepwise Preparation Of Pepper Steak Crock Pot

Step 1: Prep the Beef Strips

Grab your beef and slice it into thin, delicate strips cutting against the grain. This technique ensures each bite will be melt-in-your-mouth tender and easy to enjoy.

Step 2: Chop Colorful Vegetables

Dice your onions and bell peppers into neat, uniform chunks. This helps everything cook evenly and creates a beautiful, consistent texture in your final dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Marinate the Beef

Submerge beef strips completely in the marinade, making sure each piece gets thoroughly coated.

Let the meat rest and soak up those delicious flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare the Crock Pot

Lightly spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 6: Layer Meat in Slow Cooker

Arrange marinated beef strips in a single layer across the bottom of the crock pot. This helps each piece cook evenly and develop rich flavors.

Step 7: Add Vegetable Layer

Sprinkle diced onions and bell peppers generously over the beef, creating a colorful vegetable blanket.

Step 8: Pour Remaining Marinade

Drizzle any leftover marinade over the meat and vegetables.

This extra liquid will keep everything moist and intensify the overall taste.

Step 9: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the beef becomes incredibly tender and pulls apart easily.

Step 10: Thicken the Sauce

During the final 30 minutes, add a cornstarch slurry to transform the cooking liquid into a luxurious, glossy sauce.

Step 11: Final Mix

Gently stir everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated in that amazing sauce.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Cooking Tips For Pepper Steak Crock Pot

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
  • Marinate beef for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and develop rich, savory notes.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the most succulent results in your crock pot.
  • Add a splash of rice vinegar during the last hour of cooking to brighten the overall flavor profile and cut through the richness.

Flavor Variations For Pepper Steak Crock Pot

  • Spicy Thai Pepper Steak: Replace Worcestershire sauce with fish sauce, add red chili flakes, and incorporate lemongrass and ginger for an authentic Thai-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Pepper Steak: Swap soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add oregano, rosemary, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Korean-Style Pepper Steak: Use gochujang paste instead of black pepper, add sesame oil, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a Korean-inspired version.
  • Smoky Southwest Pepper Steak: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, add smoked paprika, and include roasted corn and black beans for a hearty southwestern flair.
  • Rustic Ranch Night Delight
  • Serve pepper steak over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of roasted garlic green beans. The rich, tender beef pairs perfectly with smooth potatoes, creating a comforting western-style dinner that feels like a hearty home-cooked meal.
  • Asian Fusion Bowl Experience
  • Transform the pepper steak into a vibrant rice bowl topped with toasted sesame seeds, quick-pickled cucumber slices, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce. This modern presentation adds layers of texture and zesty flavors that elevate the classic crock pot recipe.
  • Quick Weeknight Wrap Adventure
  • Shred the tender beef and stuff into warm tortillas with a crisp slaw, adding a splash of lime juice and fresh cilantro. These handheld wraps make an easy, portable meal that's perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution.

Storage Guidelines For Pepper Steak Crock Pot

  • Transfer leftover pepper steak into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place cooled pepper steak in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
  • Thaw frozen pepper steak in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a microwave or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Divide pepper steak into individual serving portions before storing, making it easier to reheat only what you need and preserving the overall dish quality.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a similar flavor profile and cooking method.

  • How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?

Slice the beef against the grain and marinate it before cooking to ensure tenderness. The slow cooking process also helps break down tough muscle fibers.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify all ingredient labels to make the dish gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the meat and chop vegetables the night before, then assemble everything in the crock pot in the morning for an easy dinner.

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Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepper steak in a crock pot blends tender beef, bell peppers, and rich Asian-inspired sauce for a comforting meal. Slow cooking melds flavors, creating a simple yet satisfying dinner you can easily prepare for family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef steak (cut into strips)
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 2 green bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice beef into thin strips against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
  2. Dice onions and bell peppers into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
  3. Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a flavorful marinade.
  4. Place beef strips into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, then let rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Lightly coat the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  6. Transfer marinated beef strips into the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer for optimal heat distribution.
  7. Sprinkle diced onions and bell peppers evenly over the beef, covering the meat completely.
  8. Pour remaining marinade over the meat and vegetables to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
  9. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until beef becomes fork-tender.
  10. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
  11. Once cooking is complete, gently stir to blend ingredients and ensure even sauce coating.
  12. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with fresh chopped green onions for added freshness.

Notes

  • Choose tender cuts like flank or sirloin steak for maximum softness and quick cooking in the slow cooker.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure each bite remains tender and easily chewable, preventing tough meat texture.
  • Reduce sauce thickness by removing lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing excess liquid to evaporate and concentrate flavors.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch instead of traditional flour for thickening the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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