There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot simmering away. Tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce blend together into a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

This dish quickly became a favorite in our household when I needed an easy yet impressive recipe for a busy weeknight. The best part? The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on other things while dinner takes care of itself.

Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Get ready to fall head over heels for this slow-cooked delight. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for a variety of occasions.

First and foremost, the slow cooker makes this recipe a dream for busy schedules. Simply toss the ingredients into the pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a fully cooked, restaurant-quality meal waiting for you.

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The tender beef and savory sauce pair beautifully with the sweet crunch of bell peppers, making it appealing to even the pickiest eaters in the family.

It’s also a budget-friendly choice. By using affordable cuts of beef like chuck roast or flank steak, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s highly versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a completely customizable meal. Need to feed a crowd? Double the recipe with ease – your slow cooker has you covered!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s big on flavor and low on fuss.

Beef: For this recipe, I recommend using a cut like chuck roast or flank steak. These cuts become incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, practically melting in your mouth. Be sure to slice the beef into thin strips for even cooking.

Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers not only adds a pop of color but also a variety of sweet and tangy flavors. If you only have one type on hand, that’s fine too – the dish will still taste amazing.

Soy Sauce: This is the backbone of the sauce. Use a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake, but regular soy sauce works beautifully to create a rich, umami-packed base.

Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger are essential for bringing warmth and depth to the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute garlic powder and ground ginger, but fresh is always best.

Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps the sauce cling to the beef and peppers. You’ll mix it with water to create a slurry before adding it to the crock pot toward the end of cooking.

Special equipment? All you need is your trusty slow cooker and a sharp knife for slicing the ingredients. If you don’t already have a crock pot, consider investing in one with a timer for ultimate convenience.

How to Make This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to go by dinnertime.

Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice your beef into thin strips and chop your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. These prep steps make assembly quick and easy.

Next, add the beef to your crock pot. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and pour in the soy sauce, a splash of beef broth, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for balance. Toss in the garlic and ginger, ensuring everything is well coated.

Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours also works. The beef will become incredibly tender, soaking up all the savory flavors of the sauce.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the bell peppers and a cornstarch slurry (made by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water). This thickens the sauce and ensures the peppers retain their vibrant texture.

Finally, serve your pepper steak over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Storage Options

This recipe is fantastic for leftovers and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

To store, transfer the cooled pepper steak into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is simple. For the best results, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to try:

Protein Swap: Replace the beef with chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu for a delicious twist. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your protein is tender.
Veggie Boost: Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or snap peas to the crock pot for extra nutrients and texture.
Spicy Kick: Stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha if you like your meals with a bit of heat.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter version of this dish.
Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Experiment with these ideas and make the recipe your own. However you choose to serve it, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!