If you’ve ever craved that perfect combination of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce that practically melts in your mouth, then this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe is absolutely going to become your new go-to comfort meal. Simmered low and slow, the flavors deepen into a rich, hearty dish that’s simple to prepare but delivers big on taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or welcoming friends, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction right to your table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor, great texture, and that beautiful pop of color that makes every bite exciting.
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips: Choose a good quality cut for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle, aromatic depth to the beef seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for searing the beef to lock in juices and flavor.
- 1 cube beef bouillon: Boosts the savory broth’s richness.
- 1/4 cup hot water: Helps dissolve the bouillon and cornstarch for the sauce base.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that perfect luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds slight sweetness and a tender crunch.
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped: Brings vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet bite.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid: Introduces a tangy, juicy base that melds all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers umami punch and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the savory and tangy notes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by sprinkling the beef sirloin strips evenly with garlic powder to layer in some garlic flavor right from the start. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust. This step is absolutely key—it locks in the juices and creates a deeper flavor foundation before slow cooking. Once seared, transfer the beef strips to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Next, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in 1/4 cup of hot water. This will give your sauce a rich, meaty backbone. Stir in the cornstarch until everything is fully dissolved, which will ensure your sauce thickens perfectly by the end. Pour this mixture over the seared beef in your crock pot to coat every delicious strip in savory goodness.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the fresh and flavorful components that make this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe so irresistibly colorful and tasty. Stir in the chopped onions, roughly chopped green bell peppers, and the canned stewed tomatoes with their juices. Add the soy sauce, white sugar, and salt to bring everything together with a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 4: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat breaks down the beef’s fibers to melt it tender and allows all those vibrant flavors to mingle and develop into a hearty, comforting dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy perfection, it’s time to serve. This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe shines when spooned over warm, fluffy rice or your favorite noodles—it’s the perfect way to soak up the savory sauce.
How to Serve Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise. For a little extra crunch and color contrast, try toasted sesame seeds—they bring a delightful nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the soy sauce base.
Side Dishes
Serve this Pepper Steak alongside steamed jasmine rice or buttery egg noodles to make a complete meal that’s hearty and satisfying. If you prefer more veggies, a simple sauté of broccoli or snap peas works beautifully to complement the rich flavors of the steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pepper steak over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff it inside a warm pita pocket with some crisp lettuce and a dollop of sour cream for a handheld delight. It’s a wonderfully versatile recipe that lets you get creative with presentation and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the tender texture of the beef.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pepper steak gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal because it stays tender with slow cooking, you can use flank steak or even stew beef. Just be mindful of cook times, as tougher cuts may need a bit longer to become tender.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
While you can skip searing for convenience, taking the time to brown the beef first really amps up the flavor and locks in juices, making your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe much more delicious.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook the ingredients for about 30 minutes followed by a natural release. It’s a quicker alternative with great results.
What can I use instead of bell peppers?
If you’re not a fan of green bell peppers, red or yellow ones work great too and add a slightly sweeter flavor. You can also experiment with poblano or even mild chili peppers for an extra kick.
Can this dish be made vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegan version, substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or tofu, use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon, and check that the soy sauce you use is vegan-friendly. The flavors will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe because it truly hits all the marks of a comforting, flavorful meal that’s effortless to make. The slow cooking process unlocks so much tenderness and deliciousness that it feels like a special occasion every time. Get ready to impress your family or guests with this hearty dish that’s as easy as it is tasty!
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepper Steak recipe cooked in a crock pot combines tender strips of beef sirloin with vibrant green bell peppers, onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty dish offers deep flavors that meld beautifully over several hours, making it an ideal comforting and easy-to-prepare meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Beef: Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips evenly with garlic powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef strips for approximately 5 minutes on each side until browned. Once seared, transfer the beef strips into the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube completely in 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir in the cornstarch until fully dissolved, creating a smooth mixture. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the beef strips inside the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, roughly chopped green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes along with their liquid, soy sauce, white sugar, and salt into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and all flavors have blended beautifully into a rich, savory stew.
- Serve: Once cooking is complete, serve the pepper steak hot over freshly cooked rice or noodles to make a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh green bell peppers and quality beef sirloin.
- Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
- You can adjust the soy sauce and salt according to your taste preference or dietary restrictions.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles.
- Leftover pepper steak can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
