Every time I make this Crockpot Pepper Steak, I think of the cold Portland afternoons when the kitchen smelled like soy and garlic, and the whole house felt warm with anticipation. This isn’t just a weeknight meal—it’s a cozy favorite that practically cooks itself and makes dinner feel like a little celebration.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pepper Steak
This Crockpot Pepper Steak is pure comfort in a bowl—tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich savory-sweet sauce, all slow-simmered to perfection. The set-it-and-forget-it method means you can toss everything in before work and come home to dinner ready and waiting. It’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or anyone craving Chinese takeout flavors with a wholesome twist. Naturally gluten-free (with an easy tamari swap) and packed with protein, this slow cooker classic is a satisfying, low-effort way to make real food feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To build deep flavor with minimal effort, here’s what you’ll need for this Crockpot Pepper Steak.
- 2 lbs beef sirloin strips – or use sliced flank steak for a leaner option.
- 3 large bell peppers – mix green, red, and yellow for a colorful dish.
- 1 large onion – sweet or yellow, sliced thick.
- 3 garlic cloves – smashed or minced for bold flavor.
- ¾ cup beef broth – hot, to help dissolve the bouillon.
- 3 beef bouillon cubes – adds umami depth.
- ¼ cup soy sauce – for savory-salty balance.
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – adds a subtle tang.
- 2 tbsp honey – balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground ginger – brightens up the sauce.
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour – helps thicken the sauce.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Soy-free? Try coconut aminos.
- Want more heat? Toss in jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- For extra bulk: Add mushrooms or green beans to stretch the meal.
How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
Step 2: Layer the Beef
Place the beef strips at the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Sauce
Top the beef with sliced peppers, onion, and garlic. Pour the sauce over everything.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
Clara’s tip: Want your peppers to stay crisp? Add them during the last hour of cooking.
Once done, give it all a gentle stir. The beef will be melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce glossy and rich.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Pepper Steak is cozy comfort on any base:
- Spoon it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles.
- For a low-carb meal, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or mashed potatoes to round things out.
- Sprinkle with green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Make this Crockpot Pepper Steak ahead and enjoy cozy leftovers all week:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked (in separate bags) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
For busy weeks, consider making a freezer bag version ahead. Just toss it all in frozen and cook on LOW for 6 hours—no thawing needed!
Crockpot Pepper Steak FAQs
How do you cook pepper steaks in a slow cooker?
Just layer the beef, peppers, and onions in the crockpot, pour in your whisked sauce, and let it cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3. That’s it!
What is the best cut of meat for pepper steak?
Sirloin steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or round steak can work too if sliced thin.
How long does it take for steak to cook in a crockpot?
It takes about 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH for the beef to become perfectly tender.
Why is Chinese pepper steak so tender?
The slow cooking process helps break down the connective tissues, making the meat incredibly tender—especially when combined with the umami-rich marinade.
Looking for more weeknight-friendly cozy dinners? Don’t miss this hearty slow cooker cowboy casserole for busy weeknights or browse more slow cooker recipes here.
Craving more dinnertime inspiration? Check out this Pinterest collection of comforting slow-cooker meals for all the cozy feels.
Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe Card
PrintCrockpot Pepper Steak (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe for Tender Beef & Peppers)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Pepper Steak is a slow-cooked, flavor-packed classic featuring tender sirloin strips, sweet bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce. A cozy dinner made with minimal effort and big reward.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef sirloin strips or sliced steak
3 large bell peppers (green, yellow, red), sliced thick
1 large sweet or yellow onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced or smashed
¾ cup beef broth (hot)
3 beef bouillon cubes
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp honey (or agave/maple syrup)
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
Instructions
1. Whisk hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ginger, salt, pepper, and cornstarch together in a bowl until well mixed.
2. Place beef strips into the slow cooker.
3. Layer sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.
4. Pour sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. (Optional) For firmer peppers, add them in the last hour of cooking.
7. Stir gently before serving over rice, noodles, or potatoes.
Notes
For spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
To freeze: Cool completely and store in meal-size bags for up to 3 months.
For best results, defrost overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1229mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 92mg