This pepper steak recipe made in a Crock Pot is the perfect combination of savory flavors and tender beef. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish. The mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth creates a rich sauce that coats the thinly sliced beef and vegetables, while the addition of bell peppers and onions brings in a subtle sweetness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great go-to dish for busy days when you don’t have time to cook but want something delicious.

Perfectly paired with rice or noodles, this Crock Pot pepper steak delivers on taste and convenience. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen. The long, slow simmering process ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and that all the flavors deepen and intensify. This dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Convenient – Set it and forget it! With the Crock Pot doing most of the work, you can spend your time on other things while this recipe cooks itself to perfection.
Flavorful Sauce – The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth creates a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef and vegetables.
Tender Beef – The slow cooking process ensures the beef strips turn out wonderfully tender, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Customizable – You can easily tweak the seasoning and ingredients to suit your preferences, whether you like it spicier or want to add other veggies.
Perfectly Paired with Rice or Noodles – This dish makes a hearty and complete meal when served over rice or noodles, allowing you to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Beef steak (cut into thin strips)
Bell peppers (1 red, 1 green, sliced)
Onion (sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Cornstarch
Water
Salt
Pepper

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini to increase the variety and nutritional content.
Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Different Proteins: Instead of beef, you could try using chicken strips or pork for a different protein option.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Add a bit of ginger or sesame oil to bring an Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic in the Crock Pot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ingredients in the Crock Pot, ensuring everything is well coated.

Step 4: Cook

Set your Crock Pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Season

Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, keeping in mind the saltiness from the soy sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles for a hearty and complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Thinly Sliced Beef: The thinner the beef strips, the more tender they’ll become while cooking. Choose a tender cut like flank steak or sirloin for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Thickeners: The cornstarch slurry helps to create a smooth, velvety sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch or cook the sauce for a little longer after adding the slurry.
Adjust the Seasonings: Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on the brand of soy sauce, the salt level may vary.
Use a Crock Pot Liner: To make cleanup easier, use a Crock Pot liner. It saves time and hassle when cleaning up after cooking.
Cook on Low for Best Results: For the most tender beef, cook on low for the recommended 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works, but low and slow always yields better flavor.

How to Serve

Pepper steak is best served over a bed of hot rice or noodles, which soak up the flavorful sauce and complement the beef and vegetables. You can also serve it with steamed veggies or a side salad for extra freshness. Pairing it with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea would complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pepper steak for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, you might need to add a little water or beef broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Stir frequently to prevent the beef from becoming tough.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for beef. Chicken breasts or thighs work best for this dish.

2. Can I use frozen beef?

It’s best to thaw the beef before using it in this recipe to ensure even cooking.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or even snap peas for extra flavor and texture.

4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the Crock Pot?

Yes, you can sauté the ingredients on the stovetop and then simmer in a covered pot. The cooking time will be much shorter.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.

6. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

7. How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or a little flour mixed with water as a thickening agent.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to accommodate the additional ingredients.

9. How long should I cook the dish if I’m short on time?

If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking it on low for 6-8 hours produces the most tender beef.

10. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for beef broth if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot pepper steak is a deliciously simple meal that will soon become a family favorite. With its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and variety of customizable options, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or even a dish for a special occasion. The Crock Pot takes care of the cooking, allowing you to focus on other things while it does the work. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, you’re sure to enjoy every bite of this hearty and flavorful dish!