Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the perfect meal for busy nights when you want comfort without fuss. This dish brings back warm memories of family dinners, where tender beef and colorful bell peppers simmer slowly to create an irresistible aroma. The savory sauce wraps every bite in rich flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

It’s a simple recipe that fits into a busy schedule. Just prep your ingredients in the morning, then the Crock Pot does all the work. Come dinnertime, you’ll enjoy juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with perfectly cooked peppers and onions, served over rice or noodles.

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal that feels homemade and satisfying, this Crock Pot Pepper Steak is sure to become one of your new favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pepper Steak

This recipe has been my weeknight dinner hero for years, and I know you’re going to fall for it too. Here’s why:

• Tender beef that melts in your mouth: Slow cooking transforms those sirloin strips into something magical. The meat practically falls apart after soaking in all those savory flavors.
• Set it and forget it magic: Just 15 minutes of prep in the morning, and your slow cooker does the rest. Come home to a ready-made meal that smells like you’ve been cooking all day.
• That incredible sauce: The combo of tomatoes, soy sauce, and beef juices creates this rich, slightly sweet gravy that’s perfect for pouring over rice or noodles.
• Customizable veggies: Use whatever bell peppers you have on hand. I love mixing green and red for extra color and sweetness.
• Feeds a crowd: This recipe makes plenty, and leftovers taste even better the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

Trust me, once you try this pepper steak, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation just like it is in mine.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to pepper steak magic. I always make sure to have:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin: Cut into 2-inch strips (this size cooks up perfectly tender)
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For that essential savory base flavor
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For searing the beef to golden perfection
• 1 beef bouillon cube + 1/4 cup hot water: Our flavor booster base
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken that amazing sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: I like yellow onions for sweetness
• 2 large green bell peppers: Roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes: With all that flavorful liquid
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: For that deep savory umami
• 1 teaspoon each white sugar and salt: To balance all the flavors

See? Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients that turn into something spectacular.

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just grab these kitchen basics:

• A good-sized slow cooker (I use a 6-quart one)
• Large skillet for searing the beef
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Cutting board and sharp knife

That’s it! See why I love this recipe? Simple tools make for easy cooking.

How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Now for the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into something amazing! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the most flavorful pepper steak ready when you walk in the door after a long day.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

First, let’s give our beef that perfect flavor base. I sprinkle the sirloin strips with garlic powder and toss them gently; you want every piece to get a light coating. Then heat your oil in that skillet over medium heat (not too hot or the garlic powder might burn).

Working in batches is key here; don’t crowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. I give each batch about 5 minutes per side until they get those gorgeous brown edges. That caramelization equals big flavor for our finished dish!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

While the beef rests, let’s make our secret sauce starter. I take that beef bouillon cube and dissolve it in hot water, really stir it well so no chunks remain. Then I whisk in the cornstarch until it’s completely smooth. This little mixture is what gives our finished dish that perfect saucy consistency.

Pro tip: If you see any lumps, just keep whisking; they’ll disappear with a little patience.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Now the magic happens! I layer all those beautiful browned beef strips in the slow cooker first. Then comes the chopped onion and bell peppers. I love how the colors look together already. Next, the whole can of stewed tomatoes goes in (liquid and all, that’s flavor gold!).

Finally, I pour over our prepared sauce base, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. A gentle stir to combine everything, but don’t go crazy; we want to keep those beef pieces intact.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Here’s where patience pays off! For a quicker meal, I set it on High for 3-4 hours. But if I’ve got time, the Low setting for 6-8 hours makes the beef so tender it practically melts.

You’ll know it’s done when the beef shreds easily with a fork, and the peppers are soft but still bright. That first bite will have you doing a happy dance, I promise!

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “wow!” Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Deglaze that skillet! After searing the beef, pour a splash of water or broth into the hot pan and scrape up all those tasty browned bits. Add this liquid gold to your slow cooker; it’s pure flavor.
• Wait to salt: I always taste before adding the full teaspoon of salt at the end. Soy sauce adds saltiness, and tomatoes vary too.
• Cut against the grain: When slicing your beef strips, look for those muscle lines and cut across them. This makes every bite extra tender.
• Fresh pepper magic: If you’ve got time, sauté the peppers and onions briefly before adding. It brings out their sweetness.
• Thicken it up: For a richer sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.

These little touches make all the difference between “just dinner” and “can I have seconds?”

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Now for my favorite part, loading up my plate with all that delicious pepper steak goodness! Over the years, I’ve found so many tasty ways to serve this dish. My absolute go-to is a big scoop of steaming white rice; it soaks up that amazing sauce like a dream.

But don’t stop there! Try it over egg noodles for a comforting twist, or with mashed potatoes when you want something extra cozy. For nights when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toast some crusty bread to mop up every last drop. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top adds the perfect fresh crunch.

Sometimes I’ll even serve it in bowls with extra veggies for a low-carb option. However you dish it up, just be ready for compliments!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (I rarely do!), here’s how to keep them tasting amazing. I transfer any extra pepper steak to airtight containers and pop them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays fresh for 3-4 days this way.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers; they’ll keep for about 2 months. When reheating, my favorite method is on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water to bring the sauce back to life. In a pinch, the microwave works too, just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each to prevent hot spots.

Pro tip: The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Crock Pot Pepper Steak Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry. Last week I swapped the green peppers for red and yellow ones; the extra sweetness was incredible! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor.

My cousin swears by tossing in some sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. And for a little heat, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño works magic. The basic recipe is perfect as is, but don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re enjoying, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak. Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Each serving (about 1 1/2 cups) contains approximately: 350 calories, 35g protein, 12g carbohydrates (2g fiber, 5g sugar), and 15g fat (5g saturated fat). It’s also got 800mg of sodium, which is why I always recommend tasting before adding extra salt. Not too shabby for such a flavorful meal!

FAQs About Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Tasty Slow Cooker Meals to Try

Enjoyed the rich flavors of Crock Pot Pepper Steak? These slow cooker recipes offer convenient, delicious dinners.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Hearty stew with tender chicken and vegetables.
• Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili: Spiced chili perfect for cozy nights.
• Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast: Juicy turkey breast made easy in the slow cooker.
• Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy: Tender beef smothered in savory gravy.

These comforting slow cooker meals make weeknight cooking effortless and satisfying.

Share Your Crock Pot Pepper Steak

I hope you’ll give this Crock Pot Pepper Steak a try soon, it’s truly one of those recipes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. When you do make it, come back and tell me what you think! Did your family gobble it up like mine always does? Did you try any fun variations?

This recipe has brought so much joy to my kitchen table, and I’d love to hear how it turns out in yours. Tag me on Instagram and follow me on Pinterest for more recipes. Happy slow cooking!

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