The slow cooker makes life so much easier, especially on busy days. Today, we’re sharing a recipe you’re going to want to keep around: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak.
It’s simple—thin slices of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Everything cooks together while you go about your day, and before you know it, dinner is ready. No complicated steps, no unusual ingredients—just good, hearty food.
We all have those days where there’s too much going on, and making dinner feels like one more thing on the list. This recipe takes some of that stress away. Toss everything in, let it simmer, and enjoy something warm and satisfying by the end of the day.
Slow cookers are a lifesaver for meals like this. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will want more of, and it’s so easy to make. Ready to get started?
Why This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a Must-Make
Here’s why you’ll want to add this dish to your regular meal rotation:
- Tender Beef – The slow cooking process ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor.
- Flavorful Sauce – A savory sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice creates a rich base that complements the beef and veggies.
- Minimal Prep – Simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Versatile – Serve this dish over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to make and will be loved by everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
This dish relies on just a few simple ingredients to create a rich, savory meal:
- Flank Steak or Sirloin – These cuts of beef are perfect for slow cooking. They’re tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
- Bell Peppers – Sweet bell peppers add color, crunch, and a fresh flavor to the dish.
- Onions – Onions add depth and sweetness to the sauce as they cook down.
- Soy Sauce – The base of the savory sauce that gives the dish its umami flavor.
- Garlic – Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
- Beef Broth – Provides the liquid needed to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Cornstarch – A thickener to give the sauce a glossy, hearty finish.
These ingredients come together to create a simple yet savory dish that’s sure to please everyone.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Making this pepper steak is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Beef and Veggies – Slice the flank steak into strips. Chop the bell peppers and onion.
- Combine Ingredients – Place the beef, bell peppers, and onions in the slow cooker. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, and garlic.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Thicken the Sauce – About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce to thicken it up.
- Serve – Serve the pepper steak over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
It’s that simple! With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without much fuss.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
This pepper steak is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Rice | The fluffy rice soaks up the savory sauce, making every bite more delicious. |
| Noodles | Serve with your favorite egg noodles or rice noodles to make the meal even heartier. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy mashed potatoes complement the tender beef and flavorful sauce. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a colorful, healthy side. |
| Garlic Bread | A slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
This pepper steak makes great leftovers, and it’s easy to store and reheat.
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the pepper steak cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the pepper steak in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: If reheating the whole batch, set the slow cooker to low for 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Here are some tips to ensure your pepper steak turns out perfectly:
- Use flank steak or sirloin – These cuts are ideal for slow cooking, becoming tender as they cook in the sauce.
- Customize the veggies – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby carrots for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning – Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor or a dash of hot sauce for a little spice.
- Serve over a bed of rice or noodles to absorb the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While this recipe calls for beef, frozen beef can work as well. Just ensure you add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even some hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
4. Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can swap the beef for boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for a lighter version.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even baby carrots for extra texture and flavor.
This slow cooker pepper steak is the perfect dish to bring comfort and flavor to your table. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a simple, savory recipe that will satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the beef and vegetables
- Large Skillet For searing the beef (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups bell peppers sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce for added flavor
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening
Instructions
- Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker along with the sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce. Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir the shredded beef back into the sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the pepper steak over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a **spicier** version, add **chili flakes** or a diced **jalapeño**.
- Use **chicken breasts** or **pork tenderloin** if you prefer different meats.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for **up to 3 days** or frozen for later use.
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