If you are searching for a delicious, hands-off meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is your new best friend. Loaded with tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce that melts into every bite, this dish bursts with flavor and requires minimal prep. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or late-night cravings, Slow Cooker Pepper Steak offers comfort and convenience all in one pot, delivering a satisfying dinner that’s ready right when you are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Just throw all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic without constant supervision.
Rich Flavor: The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and garlic creates a bold, mouthwatering taste.
Tender Texture: Slow cooking melts the beef into tender perfection with juicy bell peppers retaining a slight crunch.
Flexible Meal: It’s great for meal prep, leftovers, or quick dinners any night of the week.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser with balanced flavors that kids and adults both enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is key to this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Each one builds the perfect harmony of savory depth, texture, and vibrant color that makes this dish shine.

Beef strips: Choose flank or sirloin steak thinly sliced for quick, tender results during slow cooking.
Bell peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds sweetness, crunch, and beautiful colors.
Onion: Sliced onions provide subtle natural sweetness and balance the spiciness.
Soy sauce: This adds umami richness and saltiness to tie the flavors together excellently.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a fragrant, robust depth to the sauce.
Black pepper: The key spice that delivers the classic pepper steak kick—don’t skimp here!
Beef broth: Keeps the meat moist and intensifies the savory taste throughout cooking.
Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce into a luscious glaze that coats every bite.
Olive oil or vegetable oil: Used for searing if you prefer, or added directly to the slow cooker.

Variations for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and dietary needs. Feel free to personalize and create your own spin on this classic dinner anytime.

Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bolder, hotter pepper steak.
Low sodium: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for less salt without sacrificing umami.
Vegetarian version: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based take.
Extra veggies: Toss in snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for added texture and nutrition.
Thicker sauce: Mix extra cornstarch in water and stir in during the last 30 minutes for a silkier finish.

Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak for Busy Nights

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite-sized texture.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional)

While optional, searing beef strips quickly in a hot skillet with a bit of oil enhances flavor through caramelization and adds depth to the final dish. Once browned, move the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and beef broth to the cooker with the beef. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours. This slow process breaks down fibers in the beef lending it a melt-in-your-mouth texture while softening the veggies just enough to keep their character.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir into the slow cooker. This step transforms the cooking liquid into a thick, glossy sauce that envelopes your pepper steak perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slice beef thinly: Helps with quick tenderizing and better flavor absorption in the sauce.
Don’t skip searing: Adds a layer of flavor and keeps the beef from becoming mushy.
Add cornstarch slurry late: To avoid gummy texture, always thicken sauce near the end of cooking.
Use fresh black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives a more vibrant and aromatic kick than pre-ground.
Cook low and slow: Low heat ensures tender meat and avoids overcooked tough texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of cilantro for a burst of color and added freshness that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak atop fluffy white rice, steamed jasmine rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal that soaks up all the wonderful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try wrapping the pepper steak and its sauce in warm flour tortillas or serving it over stir-fried noodles for a fun twist that turns leftovers into a whole new experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or even chuck works well; just slice it thinly to ensure tenderness during slow cooking.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing is not mandatory but highly recommended as it enhances flavor and texture significantly.

How long does the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak take to cook?

Typically, 5-6 hours on low heat yields the best tenderness and flavor development.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your broth for gluten content.

What can I substitute for bell peppers?

You can use other crunchy vegetables like snap peas or zucchini, although the flavor will be different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you want a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the perfect recipe to keep in your repertoire. The tender beef paired with vibrant peppers and a rich sauce created effortlessly in your slow cooker will quickly become a go-to favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it tonight—you’ll be so glad you did!

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a flavorful, hands-off meal featuring tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and a rich savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Perfect for busy schedules, this dish requires minimal prep and slow cooks to tender perfection, offering a comforting and convenient dinner that’s great for families and meal prep.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasonings

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for searing)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite-sized texture.
Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat oil in a hot skillet and quickly sear the beef strips until browned. This step adds flavor and depth, then transfer beef to the slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and beef broth to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Slow Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours. This allows the beef to become tender while softening the vegetables just enough to retain some crunch.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly.

Notes

Slice beef thinly to ensure quick tenderizing and better flavor absorption.
Searing the beef is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
Add the cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking to avoid a gummy sauce texture.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for the most vibrant flavor and aroma.
Cook on low heat to achieve tender meat without toughness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: slow cooker pepper steak, pepper steak recipe, slow cooker dinner, beef slow cooker, easy pepper steak, gluten free pepper steak