When you’re craving a flavorful, fork-tender beef dish that practically cooks itself, this Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the perfect solution! Imagine tender strips of beef sirloin, vibrant bell peppers, and savory onions, all slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce with hints of soy and a touch of sweetness. It’s a comforting, Asian-inspired classic that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready and waiting.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe is a true hero in my kitchen for its incredible ease and amazing results. What I love most is how the slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming lean beef sirloin into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth strips. The blend of savory soy sauce, a hint of sugar, and the classic combination of onion and bell peppers creates a balanced, irresistible flavor profile.

The initial searing of the beef is a crucial step that adds a layer of depth and richness that simply can’t be achieved otherwise. Once everything is in the slow cooker, it’s a “set it and forget it” kind of meal, filling your home with a wonderful aroma as it simmers to perfection. It’s a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup minimal, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

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Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cube beef bouillon
• ¼ cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup chopped onion (yellow or white)
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Beef Sirloin: Beef chuck steak cut into strips is an excellent alternative for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender. Flank steak can also be used.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor. You can also add 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic with the onion.
• Vegetable Oil: Any neutral high-heat cooking oil (like canola or avocado) works for searing.
• Beef Bouillon: This adds concentrated beef flavor. You can use 1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon instead.
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce into a glossy, delicious gravy.
• Onion & Green Bell Peppers: These are classic for pepper steak. You can use other colored bell peppers for variety and visual appeal.
• Stewed Tomatoes: Undrained stewed tomatoes add liquid, tang, and body to the sauce. Diced tomatoes can be used for a slightly less chunky result.
• Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
• White Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy notes. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, remembering that soy sauce and bouillon are already salty.

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Directions:

Making this Crock Pot Pepper Steak is easy, with minimal hands-on time thanks to the slow cooker.

1. Prepare Beef: Lightly sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.
2. Sear Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef strips to the hot skillet (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear the beef until slightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. This step creates delicious “fond” (browned bits) in the pan, which adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
3. Prepare Slurry: In a separate small container or bowl, mix the 1 beef bouillon cube with ¼ cup hot water until it is completely dissolved. Then, mix in the 1 tablespoon cornstarch until that is also dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour this slurry directly into the slow cooker with the seared beef strips.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the ½ cup chopped onion, 2 large roughly chopped green bell peppers, 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with liquid), 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon white sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine with the beef and slurry.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and the sauce thickened.
6. Serve: Stir the pepper steak gently before serving. Serve hot.

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Pro Tip:

While the recipe allows for skipping it, searing the beef is highly recommended! The browning creates a crucial layer of flavor (fond) that will deepen the taste of your final sauce. Also, ensure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in the hot water before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps in your sauce.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a complete and hearty meal on its own, perfect for dinner.

• Rice: Traditionally served over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice (like jasmine or basmati). Brown rice is also an excellent choice. My This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit shows my love for rice dishes.
• Noodles: Serve over egg noodles or even thin spaghetti.
• Stir-fried Vegetables: A side of extra steamed or stir-fried mixed vegetables like snow peas or snap peas would complement the dish.
• Crispy Egg Rolls: Serve with a side of store-bought or homemade crispy egg rolls for a more complete meal.
• Other Comfort Meats: If you enjoy deeply savory, slow-cooked beef, consider this alongside Best Ever Beef Stew or Pot Roast & Gravy Recipe for a true comfort food feast.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Crock Pot Pepper Steak makes fantastic leftovers, as the flavors often deepen even more.

• Storage: Store any leftover Crock Pot Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.The sauce may thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much to reach your desired consistency. Individual portions can also be microwaved.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about an inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this beef dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy one-pan meal with beef, check out my Best Ever Beef Stew.
• If you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked meats, don’t miss Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs Over Buttery Mash for another melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• For a different take on a skillet meal packed with Southern flavor, consider my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
• And for a hearty and traditional bean dish, my Country Pinto Beans & Hamhocks are a must-try.

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Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a true culinary gem, offering incredible flavor, fork-tender beef, and minimal fuss thanks to the slow cooker. It’s the perfect solution for busy days, delivering a comforting, satisfying, and beautifully balanced meal that will become a staple in your home. Go ahead, set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious dinner!

What are your favorite “secret ingredients” for making a slow cooker meal extra special? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.