If you crave a dinner that’s hearty, packed with flavor, and effortless to prepare, then this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings tender strips of beef and crisp bell peppers together in a savory sauce, slow-cooked to perfection without hours of hands-on work. Discover an easy, speedy recipe for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak that delivers tender, flavorful results with minimal prep time, making dinner both delicious and fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Minimal chopping and straightforward ingredients mean you can get dinner started in no time.
- Set it and forget it: Using a slow cooker gives you more free time, allowing the flavors to develop deeply without constant attention.
- Family-friendly flavors: The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers, and a savory sauce hits the spot for both kids and adults.
- Versatile meal: Eat it over rice, noodles, or even stuffed in a wrap for different tasty meals throughout the week.
- Perfect for busy days: Great for those busy weekdays when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without stress or rush.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role: from the beef’s richness to the peppers’ crunch and the sauce’s savory balance.
- Beef sirloin strips: Choose lean, thinly sliced sirloin for tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Bell peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for colorful crunch and natural sweetness.
- Onion: Adds depth and subtle sweetness as it slow-cooks alongside the beef and peppers.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses a fragrant aroma and complements the savory sauce perfectly.
- Beef broth: Keeps the dish moist and intensifies the meaty flavor.
- Soy sauce: Brings a salty umami boost that balances the sweetness of the peppers.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy richness that enhances the overall taste complexity.
- Black pepper: Essential to create that signature pepper steak kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, delicious finish.
- Vegetable oil: For a quick sear and to help develop flavor before slow cooking.
Variations for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is how easily you can adapt it to fit your taste buds or pantry stash. Whether you want to make it spicier, vegetarian, or just try a new twist, it’s all pretty simple.
- Spicy heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to bring some exciting warmth.
- Vegan twist: Swap beef with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a satisfying plant-based version.
- Extra veggies: Mix in snap peas, zucchini, or carrots to amp up the nutrition and texture.
- Asian-inspired: Toss in a splash of sesame oil and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
- Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to keep the flavors balanced without excess salt.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef sirloin strips quickly until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. This step locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized touch to your pepper steak.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
While the beef rests, slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Peel and mince the garlic cloves to release maximum aroma and taste.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the seared beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top for that signature zing.
Step 4: Set to Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or on high for around 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the peppers have softened but still hold some crunch.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce to a glossy, delicious consistency that coats every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Choose quality beef: Good marbling in sirloin or flank steak ensures juicy, tender results after slow cooking.
- Don’t skip searing: Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that can’t be matched by slow cooking alone.
- Keep pepper size consistent: Slice bell peppers evenly so they cook uniformly and look beautiful on the plate.
- Adjust pepper level: Add black pepper gradually to find your perfect balance of spice and savoriness.
- Thicken late: Always add cornstarch slurry toward the end to get the perfect sauce thickness without it breaking down.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten this rich dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak over steamed rice or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. Steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad make excellent vegetable accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the pepper steak into warm flour tortillas or over a baked potato for fun, casual meals that transform leftovers into exciting new dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, label, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm through without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?
Absolutely! Flank steak or skirt steak also work well as they become tender with slow cooking. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, or substitute with coconut aminos.
Is it necessary to sear the beef first?
While not mandatory, searing the beef before slow cooking greatly enhances flavor and texture by developing a savory crust and locking in juices.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are excellent gluten-free alternatives for thickening sauces and can be used in the same way as cornstarch.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then cook under high pressure for about 20 minutes with a natural release for similar tender, flavorful results in less time.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a fantastic go-to meal when you want something delicious, comforting, and simple to prepare. With its robust flavors and tender beef, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite you’ll reach for time and again. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and rewarding dinner can be!