Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

The Savory Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe You’ll Adore

Beef lovers rejoice as this pepper steak in a crock pot recipe delivers mouthwatering comfort right to your dinner table.

Tender strips of meat marinate in a rich, savory sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Slow cooking allows every ingredient to develop deep, robust flavors that melt together perfectly.

The combination of bell peppers and juicy beef creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal prep work means you can set this dish and walk away, letting the crock pot work its magic.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this classic comfort dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable meal.

Flavor Options for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Spicy Southwest Pepper Steak: Replace green peppers with roasted poblano peppers and add chipotle powder for extra heat.
  • Lean Protein Option: Substitute beef sirloin with chicken breast or turkey strips for a lighter protein choice.
  • Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium beef broth, tamari instead of soy sauce, and omit added salt for heart-healthy version.
  • Asian-Inspired Variation: Add ginger, rice wine, and sesame oil to sauce, garnish with green onions and serve over steamed jasmine rice.

Great Pairings with Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory beef flavors and cut through the dish's hearty texture.
  • Match with Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy side that absorbs the pepper steak's delicious sauce while providing a smooth textural contrast to the tender meat.
  • Enhance with Fresh Asian Slaw: Prepare a crisp, tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the dish's warmth and add a refreshing crunch to the meal.
  • Serve with Steamed Jasmine Rice: Choose fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a neutral base that allows the pepper steak's complex taste to shine.

How to Store Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour pepper steak into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • What type of beef works best for pepper steak?

Sirloin strips are ideal because they’re tender and cook quickly in the slow cooker. The meat becomes very soft and absorbs flavors well during the long cooking process.

  • Can I skip searing the beef before putting it in the crock pot?

Searing helps develop deeper flavor and creates a nice caramelized exterior on the meat. Skipping this step might result in less rich-tasting pepper steak.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth, glossy texture. Without it, the sauce will be thinner and less cohesive.

  • How do I prevent the vegetables from getting mushy?

Adding green peppers and onions later in the cooking process or cutting them into larger chunks can help maintain their texture and prevent overcooking.

Why Pepper Steak in Crock Pot Works

  • Bake Stunning Dessert: Create a showstopping treat that looks professionally made with minimal culinary skills required.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching cherry pie filling for other fruit options like blueberry or raspberry to match personal taste preferences.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Low-Effort Gourmet Experience: Transform simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that tastes complex and sophisticated, making you look like a baking expert with minimal preparation time.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef Sirloin Strips: A tender cut of beef that becomes wonderfully soft when slow-cooked.
  • Green Peppers: Crisp vegetables that add fresh flavor and color to the dish.
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the pepper steak.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the beef.
  • Soy Sauce, Salt: Bring depth and saltiness to the overall taste of the dish.
  • Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Beef Bouillon Cube, Hot Water: Creates a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and give it a smooth consistency.
  • Stewed Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in flavors.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak Preparation Steps

Crock Pot Pepper Steak Preparation Steps

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season beef sirloin strips with garlic powder.

Sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Ingredients:
  • Beef bouillon cube
  • Hot water
  • Cornstarch

Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Whisk in cornstarch until completely blended.

Pour this savory mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Pepper Steak Layers

Ingredients:
  • Chopped onion
  • Green peppers
  • Stewed tomatoes
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker.

Gently stir to ensure everything is well combined and the beef is evenly coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

The low and slow method will tenderize the beef and blend the flavors beautifully. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a comforting meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Tips to Improve Crock Pot Pepper Steak

  • Brown beef strips before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep tastes and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Dissolve cornstarch completely in beef broth to prevent lumpy sauce and ensure smooth, glossy texture.
  • Add green peppers during the last hour of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
  • Choose low-temperature setting for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that falls apart easily.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce and bouillon to manage salt levels without compromising flavor intensity.
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Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe

Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty pepper steak simmers gently in a crock pot, blending tender beef strips with sweet bell peppers and rich savory sauce. Slow-cooking magic infuses each bite with comfort, promising a satisfying meal that draws family close around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips

Vegetables:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped onion
  • 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) hot water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Season beef sirloin strips generously with garlic powder, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor penetration.
  2. Sear meat in a hot skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, creating a rich caramelized exterior that locks in juices.
  3. Transfer seared beef strips to slow cooker, preserving the golden-brown sear marks.
  4. Dissolve beef bouillon cube in hot water, whisking thoroughly until completely integrated.
  5. Blend cornstarch into the bouillon mixture, stirring until smooth and free of lumps, creating a thickening agent for the sauce.
  6. Pour bouillon-cornstarch liquid over beef in slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Add chopped onions, sliced green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt directly into the slow cooker.
  8. Gently stir all ingredients to distribute seasonings and vegetables evenly throughout the meat.
  9. Cover slow cooker and cook on High setting for 3-4 hours or Low setting for 6-8 hours, allowing meat to become tender and flavors to meld completely.
  10. Once cooking is complete, check meat’s tenderness and sauce consistency before serving.

Notes

  • Tenderize beef by cutting against the grain to ensure maximum softness and easier chewing.
  • Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Slice peppers and onions uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture distribution throughout the stew.
  • Swap sirloin with less expensive cuts like chuck roast for a budget-friendly alternative without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 237 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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