Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Crafting delectable slow cooker pepper steak always sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Tender strips of beef mingle with vibrant bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular meals that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

Home cooks seeking comfort find solace in this hearty, no-fuss recipe that practically prepares itself.

Rich sauces and succulent meat promise a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction when you let your slow cooker work its magic.

Step into a world of effortless cooking that will transform your dinner routine forever.

FAQs for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

  • What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they become tender during slow cooking and absorb flavors well.

  • Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Fresh peppers are recommended for better texture, but you can use frozen if thawed and drained completely to prevent excess liquid.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that beef broth is gluten-free to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

  • How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?

Always cook on low setting, avoid lifting the lid frequently, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker to keep the meat moist throughout cooking.

Why Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Is So Easy and Tasty

  • Savor Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker transform tough beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece without constant monitoring, giving you freedom to enjoy your day while a delicious meal simmers.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser for everyone at the dinner table.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with tender beef and colorful vegetables, this one-pot wonder creates a hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for satisfying hungry households.
  • Quick Ingredient Assembly: Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients together in minutes, creating a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A tender cut that becomes succulent and flavorful when slow-cooked with aromatic seasonings.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add vibrant color, sweetness, and texture to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Soy Sauce, Beef Broth: Savory liquids that create a rich, umami-packed cooking sauce for the meat.
  • Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds depth and slight tanginess to the sauce.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides an intense, aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
  • Black Pepper: A classic spice that brings subtle heat and sharpness to the pepper steak.
  • Sugar: A balancing ingredient that helps round out the savory and tangy flavors in the sauce.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare Protein and Veggies

Slice beef into thin strips and chop colorful bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces. Arrange these ingredients neatly inside your slow cooker, creating a vibrant and appetizing base for your pepper steak.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together a delicious blend of seasonings:
  • Soy sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato paste
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Granulated sugar

Pour this robust sauce evenly over the meat and vegetables, ensuring every morsel gets coated with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the magic happen as the ingredients simmer and meld together for 6-7 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender and absorb all the rich, savory sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, spoon the succulent pepper steak over fluffy white rice or steamed brown rice. The meat will be melt-in-your-mouth tender, with peppers and onions infused with deep, complex flavors. Enjoy your comforting and delicious meal!

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

  • Tenderize Tough Cuts: Choose cheaper, tougher beef cuts like chuck or round roast, as slow cooking will break down connective tissues, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
  • Slice Meat Against the Grain: Cut beef strips perpendicular to muscle fibers to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing, preventing stringy texture.
  • Control Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a rich, glossy consistency.
  • Boost Vegetable Freshness: Add fresh bell pepper slices in the last hour of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming mushy.

Variation Suggestions for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based protein option.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the liquid mixture for those who enjoy a more intense, fiery flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.

Pairing Ideas for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

  • Elevate Umami Flavor: Pair this savory pepper steak with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich beef and enhances the deep, meaty undertones.
  • Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice and crispy roasted green beans to add different textures that make each bite more interesting and satisfying.
  • Balance Spice Profile: Add a cool, creamy side of cucumber yogurt salad to counterpoint the warm, slightly spicy notes of the pepper steak and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Amplify Asian Inspiration: Complement the dish with a light Asian-style slaw made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh herbs to echo the soy sauce and garlic flavors in the main recipe.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
  • Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour pepper steak into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until steaming, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepper steak dreams come alive in this hearty slow cooker marvel, blending tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. Rich Asian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef sirloin, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Arrange thinly sliced beef strips along with vibrant bell peppers and sliced onions inside the slow cooker crock.
  2. Create a savory liquid marinade by thoroughly blending soy sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, cracked black pepper, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl.
  3. Gently pour the aromatic liquid mixture over the meat and vegetable layers, ensuring even distribution throughout the slow cooker.
  4. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 6-7 hours, or until the beef becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Once cooking is complete, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pepper steak onto a serving platter, allowing excess liquid to drain.
  6. Accompany the dish with steamed white rice, spooning the rich, flavorful sauce over the top for added moisture and depth of taste.

Notes

  • Choose tougher, less expensive cuts like chuck roast or flank steak for more flavor and better slow cooking results.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Add bell peppers and onions later during cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and retain their crisp texture.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and low-sodium beef broth for a healthier version of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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