Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with dinner again! This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is a flavor-packed, fuss-free meal that brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen table. Tender strips of beef mingle with colorful bell peppers and onions in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re serving hungry family or want delicious leftovers, this dish nails the balance of hearty, vibrant, and comforting. It’s the no-stress answer to those weeknights where you want homemade magic without hovering over the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is its simplicity—every ingredient shines and plays an essential role. Each bite brings together savory beef, bursts of peppery sweetness, and that craveable umami sauce. Gather these pantry-friendly staples and watch dinner transform!

• Beef sirloin strips: Go for lean sirloin steak cut into slices; it becomes beautifully tender after hours in the slow cooker.
• Bell peppers: Use three large, colorful bell peppers for a gorgeous color pop and natural sweetness.
• Onion: A large onion sliced thick brings sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is your flavor friend, adding warmth and aroma.
• Beef broth: Use 3/4 cup for a base that keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
• Beef bouillon cubes: Three cubes boost the savory, meaty flavor—crush them for even distribution.
• Soy sauce: Just 1/4 cup packs this dish with umami and salty complexity.
• Worcestershire sauce: Two teaspoons dial up the richness and add an unexpected zing.
• Honey: Two tablespoons offer subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory notes.
• Ground ginger: One teaspoon delivers a gentle punch and ties the flavors together.
• Black pepper: Half a teaspoon perks up the sauce—freshly ground is best.
• Salt: Just a modest half teaspoon is all you need for perfect seasoning.
• Cornstarch (or flour): Two tablespoons for thickening the sauce; cornstarch results in a glossy finish, but flour works too.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by preparing the rich, aromatic sauce that sets this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe apart. In a mixing glass or bowl, combine the hot beef broth, beef bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and your thickener (either cornstarch or flour). Crush the bouillon cubes as you stir to help them dissolve thoroughly. Give everything a good whisk so it’s smooth—this ensures your sauce thickens perfectly and flavors meld from the start.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Layer the beef sirloin strips right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour that irresistible sauce mixture over the top, making sure the beef is well coated. Next, pile on your sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves. As they cook, the veggies soften but still keep a bit of bite, and their flavors seep down into the beef and sauce for incredible depth.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Place the lid on, set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, and walk away—this is where kitchen magic happens. If you’re around, give everything a gentle stir about halfway through to help the flavors mingle even more, but if not, don’t worry—it’ll still turn out fabulous.

Step 4: Stir, Serve, and Savor

Once the timer dings, stir everything well to combine all the saucy goodness. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, letting those inviting aromas fill the air. Serve generous spoonfuls over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite potatoes for a satisfying, soul-warming meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Jazz up your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe with simple, tasty garnishes! A sprinkle of sliced green onion adds a fresh, crisp bite, while a dusting of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro brings a pop of color and herby flavor to the finished plate. If you like a touch of heat, add thinly sliced red chili or a dash of chili flakes for a vibrant kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is a dream over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, where all the gorgeous sauce can soak in. It’s also fantastic on top of buttery mashed potatoes or tossed with wide egg noodles. For something lighter, pair it with a crunchy green salad or simple sautéed greens for extra veg and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe to the next level by serving it family-style in a big, colorful dish, surrounded by roasted vegetable medleys. Or, present individual portions in bowls with a pile of rice and a wedge of lime for squeezing. Hosting a gathering? Set it up as a build-your-own bowl bar so everyone can customize their dinner—fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe are almost better the next day! Cool any leftovers quickly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making lunchtime a real treat.

Freezing

For make-ahead meal planning, freeze cooked and cooled pepper steak in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay flat for easy storage, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every minute to make sure everything heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin strips become melt-in-your-mouth tender, you can swap in flank steak, chuck roast (cut into strips), or even round steak. Just slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture after slow cooking.

What if I don’t have cornstarch—can I use flour?

You sure can. Both cornstarch and flour will thicken the sauce, though cornstarch gives a more glossy, silky finish. Substitute flour at a 1:1 ratio, just be sure to mix it well into the sauce so there are no lumps.

Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?

Definitely! This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is flexible—feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or even baby corn to amp up the veggies. Keep in mind that delicate vegetables should be added in the last hour so they don’t overcook.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Easy fix! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and make sure your Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon are also gluten-free. Opt for cornstarch over flour as your thickener, and you’re set for a gluten-free feast.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble everything—sauce, beef, and veggies—in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it into the slow cooker and turn it on. Dinner is practically ready for you when you walk in the door!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on big flavor, minimal prep, and maximum comfort, give this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with cozy vibes and just the right amount of flair—perfect for every level of cook. Go ahead, put your slow cooker to work and treat yourself to a home-cooked classic you’ll want on repeat!

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