Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

If you’ve been hunting for a simple yet irresistibly tasty dinner, you’re in the right place. This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is your new best friend for busy weeknights, combining tender strips of beef with vibrant peppers slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish delivers a comforting, saucy masterpiece that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.
• Rich, Balanced Flavors: The savory soy sauce, a hint of sweetness, and fresh bell peppers combine for a truly mouthwatering experience.
• Perfectly Tender Beef: Slow cooking breaks down the meat, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth soft every time.
• Vibrant and Colorful: The mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds a pop of color that makes this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe plays an essential role, from building texture to infusing flavor. The combination is simple but thoughtfully balanced to create a rich, satisfying dish.

• Beef strips: Choose flank or sirloin steak for tender, juicy pieces that absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Bell peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for sweetness and crunch.
• Onion: Adds depth with a subtle sweetness and soft texture.
• Soy sauce: Provides the essential salty, umami foundation.
• Beef broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful without overpowering the beef.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic warmth and a gentle kick.
• Brown sugar or honey: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes harmoniously.
• Cornstarch slurry: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect glossy finish.
• Black pepper: Cracked black pepper intensifies the signature bold taste.

Variations for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This slow cooker pepper steak recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to personalize based on your favorite ingredients, dietary preferences, or what’s in your pantry.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a flavorful heat boost.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to add texture and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and homemade broth to control salt content.
• Beef Alternatives: Try thinly sliced chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different protein twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Start by slicing your beef against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness. Cut your bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy bites later.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar or honey until well combined. This flavorful sauce is the heart of your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Place the beef strips at the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the peppers and onions on top. Pour the sauce evenly over the ingredients to make sure every piece gets coated and ready to soak in those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the beef and melds all flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) and stir it into the slow cooker contents. This will give your sauce the perfect silky, thick texture.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Pre-sear the Beef: Quickly searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra flavor and locks in juices.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the ingredients space so the peppers stay crisp rather than soggy.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics really elevate the depth of flavor compared to powders or pastes.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add cornstarch slurry gradually to control perfect sauce consistency.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit 10-15 minutes after cooking for flavors to develop even more.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even simple egg noodles to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or over cauliflower rice for a light but satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are ideal, but you can also use skirt steak or even chuck roast thinly sliced for great results.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too mushy?

Adding the peppers halfway through cooking or nearer to the last hour helps retain their texture while still infusing flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Yes, simply add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced chili peppers according to your preferred heat level.

Can I double the recipe in a larger slow cooker?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to cook everything evenly, and adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free alternatives with similar umami flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about coming home to a Slow Cooker Pepper Steak that’s been slowly simmering all day, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s comfort food at its best—simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a speedy weeknight staple you’ll return to again and again.

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