Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a super simple and tasty dish where tender strips of beef cook slowly with colorful bell peppers and a tasty sauce that’s full of flavor. The slow cooker helps everything become juicy and soft, making it perfect comfort food without much work.
I love how this recipe lets you walk away and come back to a meal that smells amazing and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want dinner ready without standing over the stove. Plus, the bell peppers add a nice splash of color and a little crunch that I find really satisfying.
My favorite way to eat this is served over plain white rice or even noodles, soaking up all the delicious sauce. It’s great for busy nights and always gets a thumbs up from everyone at the table. If you’re a fan of easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor, this pepper steak is a keeper for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Using sirloin or flank steak is great for tenderness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner cut, try top round. Just slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat soft after cooking.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds color and sweetness. Feel free to use just one or two types if that’s what you have. Frozen peppers can work too if fresh aren’t available.
Sauce ingredients: Soy sauce and oyster sauce create a rich, umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce with tamari. Oyster sauce can be replaced with hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter taste.
Cornstarch: It thickens the sauce nicely. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or flour are good alternatives to achieve a similar thickness.
Sesame Oil & Spices: The sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma—add it near the end so the flavor stays bright. Adjust black pepper and red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
How Can You Keep Bell Peppers Crunchy in a Slow Cooker?
Bell peppers tend to get very soft if cooked too long. To keep some crunch:
- Slice peppers thicker than you might usually do. This helps them hold texture.
- Add the peppers later in the cooking process—about halfway through or in the last hour.
- Alternatively, add all ingredients at the start but cook on low rather than high to slow things down and protect the peppers’ crunch.
I usually go for adding peppers at the start and cooking on low for 5-6 hours; the peppers stay tender but still have a nice bite. It’s all about balancing slow cooking with texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot or slow cooker – it’s the main tool here, letting the beef cook low and slow for tender results.
- Sharp chef’s knife – perfect for slicing the steak and bell peppers thinly and evenly.
- Cutting board – a sturdy board makes chopping easier and safer.
- Mixing bowl – you’ll whisk together the sauce ingredients here without spills.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – for stirring the sauce and ingredients in the crock pot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy touch that pairs well with beef and peppers.
- Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or pork tenderloin to change up the protein.
- Include snap peas or snow peas near the end of cooking for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in a splash of hoisin sauce for a sweeter, deeper flavor twist.
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, slicing and mixing all the ingredients. Cook the pepper steak low and slow for 5 to 6 hours in the crock pot for tender meat and cooked vegetables. If short on time, cook on high for roughly 3 hours. Don’t forget to add the finishing touches shortly before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender once cooked. Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips, and mince the garlic. Ready your crock pot for the next steps.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth (or water), oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will flavor your beef and vegetables beautifully.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
Place the sliced beef at the bottom of the crock pot. Layer the bell peppers, onions, and garlic on top. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over everything to coat well.
4. Cook Slowly:
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for approximately 3 hours. The beef will be tender, and the peppers will be cooked but still hold some crunch.
5. Finish and Garnish:
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sesame oil to add a lovely nutty aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh and crunchy finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pepper steak hot over steamed white rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy this simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before slicing and cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly and ensures better texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slice the beef and vegetables and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Keep everything refrigerated separately and assemble in the crock pot when ready to cook.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to Pepper Steak?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snap peas, or sliced carrots work well. Just add sturdier veggies at the beginning and quicker-cooking ones like peas near the end of cooking for best texture.