Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, savory dish that practically cooks itself, you’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe. This vibrant main course transforms beef sirloin, colorful bell peppers, and a sensational sauce into a comforting dinner that fills your home with tempting aromas. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this recipe delivers fork-tender steak and sweet, mellow veggies in a rich, glossy gravy. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and come back to a meal that tastes like you’ve fussed for hours (when you barely did a thing!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special—flavor, texture, or color—to the table. Let’s quickly walk through each one so you know exactly why you need it and how it helps create this deliciously satisfying dish.

• Beef sirloin strips: Choose well-marbled sirloin for steak that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in the slow cooker.
• Bell peppers: A trio of colorful peppers adds sweetness, beautiful color, and a crisp-tender bite.
• Onion: Sliced onion turns sweet and silky during the slow cook, building deep flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with a warm, aromatic backbone—don’t skip it!
• Beef broth: Rich beef broth is the foundation of the sauce; using hot broth ensures everything dissolves easily.
• Beef bouillon cubes: These pack a concentrated punch of umami for that robust, savory kick.
• Soy sauce: Lends a balanced saltiness and brings classic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash of this condiment deepens the savory profile and adds a hint of tang.
• Honey: A little sweetness for rounding out all the savory notes, while helping the sauce cling.
• Ground ginger: Provides a gentle warmth and a subtle earthiness that complements the beef.
• Black pepper: Essential for its heat and balancing out the sweetness in the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—taste before adding more, since soy sauce and bouillon are salty!
• Cornstarch (or flour): This will thicken the sauce so it’s perfectly glossy and coats each bite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Make the Savory Sauce

Start by preparing the flavorful sauce that will infuse the beef and veggies with rich, deep taste as everything cooks. Combine hot beef broth, beef bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch (or flour) in a mixing glass or bowl. Stir well, taking care to crush the bouillon cubes so they dissolve completely. Your mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened—this will create that signature luscious sauce in your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.

Step 2: Layer the Beef and Vegetables

Place the beef sirloin strips right into the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Pour the prepared sauce directly over the beef. Next, arrange the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic over the top. The veggies will cook down and release their natural sweetness as the slow cooker works its magic, mingling with the meat and sauce for perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 3: Set It and Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work

Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, depending on your schedule. For the best results, try to give everything a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time—this ensures every bite is coated in that crave-worthy sauce. During these hours, your kitchen will start to fill with an amazing aroma that hints at the feast to come!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Once the beef is ultra-tender and the veggies are perfectly cooked, give everything one last stir to bring the sauce together. Transfer your finished Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe to a serving dish. This dish is fantastic over a bed of fluffy rice, nestled next to silky mashed potatoes, or even twirled with noodles for something different. Enjoy each hearty, flavorful bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is a small step that makes a big impression. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness. A few toasted sesame seeds can add a delicate crunch and a subtle nutty flavor, elevating each spoonful and making this hearty dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with so many classic sides. Fluffy white or brown rice is a natural choice, soaking up all the savory sauce. Steamed egg noodles offer a comforting, slurp-worthy base, while creamy mashed potatoes feel extra indulgent. For something lighter, a crisp side salad or roasted green beans will balance the richness and brighten up your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, spoon the pepper steak mixture into warm tortillas and top with a sprinkle of cheese for a fun fusion twist. You can also pile leftovers atop a toasted sub roll for an easy, delicious sandwich, or serve over cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb spin. Your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is versatile enough to star in any mealtime scenario!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe taste just as incredible the next day, if not better! Once completely cooled, transfer any extras into airtight containers. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making lunchtime (or a quick dinner) truly something to look forward to.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer champion. Portion cooled pepper steak into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Remove as much air as possible, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge—this keeps both the veggies and steak deliciously tender.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep everything juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin remains a favorite for its tenderness, you can also use flank steak or even stew meat. Just be aware that some cuts may require a bit more time in the slow cooker to reach that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy?

If you like your bell peppers with more bite, add them halfway through the cooking time instead of at the start. This way, they’ll stay vibrant and offer a pleasant, slightly crisp texture in your finished Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free option like tamari or coconut aminos, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Double-check all sauces and bouillon cubes, as gluten can sometimes hide in unexpected places.

Can I prep this recipe the night before?

Definitely. Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take it out of the fridge while you have your coffee so it can warm up a bit, then pop it into the slow cooker base and start cooking as usual.

What’s the best way to double the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe?

If your slow cooker is large enough, simply double each ingredient—though keep an eye on cooking time, as a fuller slow cooker may need a little extra. Stir halfway through, as always, for even cooking and the richest flavor throughout.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about letting your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day, only to return to a kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of this pepper steak. I encourage you to try this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe soon and see for yourself why it’s a go-to comfort meal in so many kitchens. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it just might become your new favorite too!

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