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Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Avatar photoByLauren
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 142 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe. I love this because it’s an effortless way to get tender strips of beef cooked perfectly alongside vibrant bell peppers, all wrapped up in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular slow cooker rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it – perfect for busy days.
  • Tender, Juicy Beef: Slow cooking makes the round steak melt-in-your-mouth tender every single time.
  • Loaded with Flavor: The soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder create a rich, savory sauce that your whole family will rave about.
  • Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for everyday meals or when you’re feeding a group without a ton of fuss.
A white plate holds a large base layer of fluffy, long-grain white rice, spread evenly across the plate. On top of the rice sits a colorful stir-fry with three distinct elements: dark brown thin strips of cooked beef, glossy green bell pepper slices, and bright red bell pepper slices. The stir-fry is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and chopped green onion pieces for freshness. Two black chopsticks rest across the top edge of the plate. The background shows a red bell pepper and green leafy herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Pepper Steak, Slow Cooker Beef and Bell Pepper, Easy Crockpot Beef Stir Fry, Savory Pepper Steak Recipe, Tender Beef Crockpot Dinner this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe come together beautifully, balancing fresh veggies with savory seasonings and tender beef. I always recommend using fresh bell peppers and a good quality round steak for the best results.

Flat lay of thin strips of raw round steak, thick sliced green bell pepper, thick sliced red bell pepper, thick sliced white onion, a small pile of brown sugar, a small bowl of soy sauce, a mound of ground ginger powder, and a mound of garlic powder, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Pepper Steak, Slow Cooker Beef and Bell Pepper, Easy Crockpot Beef Stir Fry, Savory Pepper Steak Recipe, Tender Beef Crockpot Dinner
  • Round steak: Thinly slicing this helps it cook quickly and stay tender in the crockpot.
  • Green and red bell peppers: I slice these thick to keep them from turning to mush during the long cook time.
  • Onion: Thick slices add nice texture and mellow sweetness once slow-cooked.
  • Beef broth: Provides the perfect base for your sauce, adding natural richness.
  • Soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness with an umami punch.
  • Ground ginger: This little spice brightens the whole dish without overpowering it.
  • Garlic powder: Easy way to get consistent garlic flavor throughout the recipe.
  • Black pepper: A must for that classic pepper steak kick.
  • Brown sugar: Balances the savory and salty elements with a touch of sweetness.
  • Cornstarch and cold water: Used to thicken the sauce at the end so it’s luxuriously smooth.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is a great canvas for your own spin—sometimes I switch up the peppers or add in something unexpected to keep things interesting. I highly encourage you to tailor it to what you and your family love.

  • Add heat: I like to toss in a sliced jalapeño or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick—I promise it’s a tasty upgrade.
  • Use different veggies: Mushrooms or snap peas can be swapped in or added alongside bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Make it gluten-free: Just substitute tamari for soy sauce and you’re all set without sacrificing flavor.
  • Change the protein: If you want to try something different, chicken strips or pork can work with adjusted cooking times.

How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your round steak into thin strips, which helps them cook evenly and become tender. Then, slice your green and red bell peppers and onion into thick pieces—they’ll hold up nicely in the slow cooker. Add the beef, then top with peppers and onions in the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquid

Sprinkle the ground ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar over the meat and veggies. Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine those flavors, but don’t overmix — you want the ingredients layered for the slow cooker to work its magic.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for about 2.5-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. The smell will lure everyone to the kitchen — trust me on this one!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into your crockpot, then cook uncovered on high for another 30 to 60 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a luscious, gravy-like consistency that coats every piece of beef and pepper perfectly.

Step 5: Serve It Up

I always serve this pepper steak over a bed of fluffy white rice, letting the sauce soak in beautifully. You can also try it with steamed noodles if you want to mix things up!

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

  • Slice the beef thinly: Cutting the steak into thin strips ensures it becomes tender and cooks faster in the crockpot—no chewy bites here!
  • Use thick pepper slices: This prevents the peppers from disintegrating during the long cooking time, giving you satisfying texture.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: Adding it at the end is key to getting that restaurant-style, thick and glossy sauce you’ll crave.
  • Cook uncovered after adding slurry: Let the sauce thicken properly by keeping the crockpot uncovered—this prevents it from becoming too watery.

How to Serve Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

The dish shows three layers on a black plate: the bottom layer is a bed of fluffy white rice with a soft texture, the middle layer has bright green and red cooked bell peppers that look tender and shiny, and the top layer is dark brown strips of cooked beef covered with white sesame seeds and small pieces of green onion scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture with a pair of dark chopsticks resting near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Pepper Steak, Slow Cooker Beef and Bell Pepper, Easy Crockpot Beef Stir Fry, Savory Pepper Steak Recipe, Tender Beef Crockpot Dinner

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some freshly chopped green onions or cilantro on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the rich sauce perfectly. A few sesame seeds can be a nice touch too if you want a little extra crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This pepper steak pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice, but I also love serving it alongside garlic fried rice or even steamed jasmine rice for a fragrant upgrade. For some green crunch, steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad complements the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to present the pepper steak over a bed of vibrant fried rice molded into neat shapes using small bowls or ramekins. Garnish with bright herbs and a wedge of lime on the side for that extra wow factor. It turns a homestyle meal into something really memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the pepper steak cool to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps really well and tastes just as good the next day—sometimes even better once the flavors have melded overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pepper steak a couple of times without any issues. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays great, and it’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigerating, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, but I prefer the stovetop for the best texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe?

    Absolutely! While round steak is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender over time, you can also use sirloin or flank steak. Just be sure to cut it into thin strips to help with tenderness and even cooking. Avoid very tough cuts that need longer cooking times to soften.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

    Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef first, then pressure cooking on high for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce after cooking. Just be careful not to overcook the peppers—they can turn mushy quickly.

  3. How do I prevent the peppers from getting too mushy?

    I’ve found that slicing the bell peppers thickly helps them hold their shape during the long cook time. You can also add them halfway through the cooking if you prefer them a little crisper. But honestly, the thick slices work perfectly in a 5-6 hour slow cook on low.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

    For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and use hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini for a meaty texture. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. The flavor will be different but still full and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe has become one of my family’s absolute favorites because it’s comforting, delicious, and doesn’t require babysitting the stove. I remember the first time I made it—I was amazed how the simple ingredients turned into something that tasted so rich and complex after hours in the slow cooker. I’m excited for you to give it a try too because once you do, it’s going to be one of those easy go-to meals you lean on for both weeknights and gatherings. Cozy, tasty, and effortless—what more could you want?

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Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 142 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (300 minutes)
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (310 minutes)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American
Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to prepare tender strips of round steak with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory soy sauce-based broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is ideal for a comforting weeknight meal served over white rice.

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetables

  • 1.5 lbs round steak, cut into thin strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thick
  • 1/2 onion, sliced thick

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the round steak into thin strips. Slice the green and red bell peppers and half an onion into thick slices to ensure they retain texture after cooking.
  2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the beef strips, bell peppers, and onion into the slow cooker. This creates the base for the pepper steak.
  3. Add Seasonings and Broth: Pour the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the meat and vegetables. Then add the beef broth. Stir everything gently to mix the flavors.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the steak is tender and cooked through.
  5. Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
  6. Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker contents. Increase the heat to high and cook uncovered for an additional 30 to 60 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a desirable consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • This dish is perfect for an easy slow cooker meal that requires minimal prep.
  • You can customize the peppers according to availability or preference.
  • Serve over steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • This recipe is a classic comfort food with a simple Chinese-inspired flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 188 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 793 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg
Avatar photo

Hey there! I’m Lauren Braiden—your foodie friend who believes every meal should be tasty and low-stress. Expect easy peasy recipes, plenty of kitchen laughs, and zero judgment if you sneak a bite before the timer dings. Let’s cook, chat, and eat the good stuff together! 🎉🍴

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