Get ready for an incredibly tender, flavorful, and wonderfully hands-off meal with this Crock Pot Pepper Steak! This classic dish features succulent beef sirloin strips and crisp bell peppers swimming in a rich, savory gravy, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate fuss-free dinner solution for busy days, promising a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day long with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe is a true hero for busy weeknights, and I absolutely adore it for its unbeatable simplicity and incredible depth of flavor! What I love most is how effortlessly it transforms beef sirloin into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The initial searing of the beef locks in so much savory flavor, and then the slow cooker works its magic. The combination of sweet bell peppers, savory onion, rich beef broth, and that crucial touch of soy sauce and sugar creates a perfectly balanced and aromatic gravy that coats every strip of beef. The cornstarch mixture ensures the gravy is wonderfully thick. It’s a complete, wholesome meal that feels incredibly satisfying, and the best part is how little active time it requires, making it ideal for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped (or a mix of colors)
- 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: This cut is lean and tenderizes beautifully in the slow cooker. Beef round or flank steak can also be used, cut into thin strips.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a quick garlic flavor. Fresh minced garlic (2-3 cloves) can be used, added with the onion.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef.
- Beef Bouillon: Combined with hot water, this creates a concentrated beef base. Beef broth can be used directly (replace bouillon + hot water with 1/4 cup cold beef broth and mix cornstarch into that).
- Cornstarch: This is the thickener for the sauce. Ensure it’s fully dissolved in the hot water/bouillon to prevent lumps.
- Onion & Green Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers are classic for pepper steak, but red or yellow bell peppers can be added for more color and sweetness. Rough chopping ensures they hold up during slow cooking.
- Stewed Tomatoes: Adds a chunky tomato base and some acidity.
- Soy Sauce & White Sugar: These are key for the “Asian-inspired” flavor profile of pepper steak, adding a savory-sweet balance.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper are essential. Adjust to your taste preferences.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak cooking!
- Prepare Beef: Sprinkle the 2 pounds beef sirloin strips generously with ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the seasoned beef strips in the pan and sear them for about 5 minutes per side until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the seared beef strips to your slow cooker.
- Prepare Thickening Liquid: In a separate container or small bowl, dissolve the 1 cube beef bouillon in ¼ cup hot water, stirring until completely dissolved. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until it is also fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the beef strips.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in 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 into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The cooking time will vary based on your slow cooker and how tender you prefer the beef. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily pierced with a fork when done.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the pepper steak a good stir. Serve hot, typically over steamed white rice or egg noodles, to soak up all the delicious gravy.
Tips for Success
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the beef! This step builds a deep, savory flavor that is essential for the dish.
- Thin Beef Slices: Beef sirloin works best when cut into thin strips for this dish.
- Don’t Overcook Bell Peppers (in slow cooker): Rough chopping bell peppers helps them hold their shape better during the long cook time. If you prefer them crisp-tender, you can add them during the last hour on High or last 2 hours on Low.
- Whisk Cornstarch Well: Ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the liquid before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Keep Lid Closed: Resist the temptation to open the slow cooker lid during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture, extending the cooking time significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed, as soy sauce and bouillon can be salty.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic accompaniments:
- Steamed Rice: The most common and ideal pairing for soaking up the savory gravy.
- Egg Noodles: Cooked egg noodles are also an excellent choice.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting alternative to rice or noodles.
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing slow cooker meals, consider our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays or our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Crock Pot Pepper Steak makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers (meat, vegetables, and gravy combined) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy may thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy back to a desirable consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly. You can also reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this slow-cooked dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another fantastic one-pan dinner, check out our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
- And for a hearty pasta bake made simple, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast is a fantastic time-saver.
- For a classic pasta and meat dish, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a slow cooker full of rich, savory, and tender goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your home! What’s your favorite slow cooker meal for a busy day? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
