Introduction

Crockpot Pepper Steak is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce, all cooked slowly to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory sauce that coats the tender beef and sweet peppers beautifully.

I’ve made this dish countless times, and it’s always a hit in my house. There’s something magical about coming home to the delicious aroma of dinner already cooking away in the Crockpot. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside.

What I love about Crockpot Pepper Steak is how little effort it takes to make such a flavorful meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying, comforting dinner waiting for you. It’s also a great dish to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or casual get-togethers. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a go-to recipe for any night of the week!

Perfect for:

Busy weeknights
Family dinners
Meal prepping
Comfort food cravings
Beef lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crockpot Pepper Steak is a dish you’ll want to make again and again:

Minimal Prep Required: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe requires minimal prep and cooks itself, making it perfect for busy days.
Tender Beef: The slow cooking process results in perfectly tender beef, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy sauce-based marinade creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
One-Pot Meal: This dish is a complete meal, with the beef, peppers, and sauce all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding different vegetables or serving it over various bases like rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooking time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Crockpot Pepper Steak:

1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
¼ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

Flank Steak or Sirloin Steak: These cuts of beef are ideal for slow cooking because they become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces create a rich umami flavor that forms the base of the savory sauce.
Bell Peppers and Onions: The colorful bell peppers and onions add crunch, sweetness, and flavor to the dish.
Cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker sauce, cornstarch can be added towards the end of cooking for a rich, glossy finish.
Garlic and Spices: Garlic, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes give the dish depth and a little heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Pepper Steak:

Prepare the Steak:

Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the flank steak or sirloin steak against the grain into strips.
Brown the Steak (Optional): In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and brown the steak for 2-3 minutes, just to sear it. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor.

Prepare the Sauce:

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper until well combined.

Cook in the Crockpot:

Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Add the sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the dish is done cooking. Cook on high for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Serve:

Serve the Dish: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, serve the pepper steak over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to serve Crockpot Pepper Steak:

With Steamed Rice: The savory sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, making it the classic choice for serving.
Over Noodles: Try serving the pepper steak over egg noodles or spaghetti for a twist on a traditional pasta dish.
With Mashed Potatoes: Serve it over mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the pepper steak over a bed of mixed greens or spinach.
With Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even better.
In a Wrap or Sandwich: Use the pepper steak as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a tasty handheld meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice.
In a Stir-Fry: Incorporate the pepper steak into a stir-fry with other vegetables for a fun fusion dish.
With Sweet Potatoes: Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and savory contrast.

Additional Tips

Here are 10 tips for making the best Crockpot Pepper Steak:

Use Thinly Sliced Steak: Thinly sliced steak will cook more quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If you need to, cook the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
Adjust the Heat: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like extra heat, or omit them for a milder flavor.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for added texture and nutrition.
Use Tamari for Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari.
Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor: Searing the steak before adding it to the crockpot deepens the flavor, but it’s not a necessity.
Add a Splash of Vinegar: A dash of balsamic vinegar can add brightness and balance to the dish if you prefer a slightly tangy flavor.
Leftovers Keep Well: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: Freeze the pepper steak and sauce for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a little extra brown sugar or honey to taste.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Pepper Steak:

Spicy Pepper Steak: Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Sweet and Sour Pepper Steak: Add pineapple chunks and a bit of vinegar to create a sweet and tangy sauce.
Curry Pepper Steak: Stir in a tablespoon of curry powder for an aromatic, spiced flavor.
Mushroom Pepper Steak: Add sliced mushrooms for extra earthy flavor and texture.
Teriyaki Pepper Steak: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter, Asian-inspired taste.
Smoky Pepper Steak: Add smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to give the dish a smoky depth of flavor.
Garlic Pepper Steak: Increase the garlic for a more intense flavor profile.
Lemon Pepper Steak: Add a bit of lemon zest and lemon juice for a zesty twist.
Herb-infused Pepper Steak: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to infuse additional flavor.
Coconut Pepper Steak: Add a bit of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical variation.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pepper steak and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef will continue to absorb the flavors of the sauce as it sits.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items that will make preparing Crockpot Pepper Steak even easier:

Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A slow cooker is essential for cooking this dish low and slow, resulting in tender beef and a flavorful sauce.
Skillet: A skillet for browning the steak before adding it to the slow cooker (optional but adds flavor).
Measuring Spoons: To measure out the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients.
Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients before adding them to the crockpot.
Knife: A sharp knife for thinly slicing the beef and vegetables.
Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board for safely slicing the ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast or thighs for beef in this recipe for a lighter version.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While flank steak or sirloin works best, you can also use round steak or stew meat, but make sure to slice it thinly for best results.
Can I skip browning the beef?
You can skip browning the beef, but browning adds extra flavor and caramelization to the dish.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pepper Steak is the ultimate hands-off dinner that combines simplicity with flavor. With tender beef, savory sauce, and vibrant peppers, this dish cooks low and slow to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. Whether served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and please the whole family.

What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a spicier kick or a touch more sweetness. Feel free to add in extra vegetables or experiment with different seasonings to make it your own.

I’d love to hear how your Crockpot Pepper Steak turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of this dish!