If you’re like me—constantly juggling grocery bags, homework help, and dinner ideas—then pepper steak in a crock pot might just become your new secret weapon.
When I first made this slow-cooked beauty, it was on a cold Tuesday in January. My youngest had the sniffles, the laundry was overflowing, and I was too tired to deal with dinner at 6 PM. I tossed everything into the crock pot at lunch, and by the time the sun dipped behind the Manhattan skyline, the house smelled like something out of a comfort food fairytale.
So yes, this recipe is easy, flavor-packed, and made for real-life. Whether you’re feeding picky teens or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this one checks all the boxes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
- You get tender, juicy beef without babysitting the stove.
- It’s a dump-and-go dream—perfect for busy weekdays.
- The savory soy-garlic sauce is rich, balanced, and totally slurp-worthy.
- Great for leftovers (hello, steak sandwich the next day!).
- It’s budget-friendly—no fancy cuts or ingredients needed.
Need more weeknight slow cooker ideas? Check out our Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken—another crowd favorite around here!
What Does Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Taste Like?
Imagine tender strips of beef soaked in a savory broth with just enough garlic and soy to make your taste buds dance. The bell peppers mellow into something soft and sweet while the onions practically melt into the sauce. It’s hearty and comforting, with just a whisper of tang from Worcestershire. Think takeout-level flavor without the plastic container guilt.
What You’ll Need to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
When it comes to making the perfect pepper steak in a crock pot, you don’t need a long list of specialty items or expensive cuts. Just a handful of wholesome, everyday ingredients come together to create a dish that’s warm, savory, and packed with comforting flavors. If you’ve got a slow cooker and a few pantry staples, you’re halfway there.
Let’s break down what goes into this mouthwatering recipe:
Beef steak (2 lbs, sliced into thin strips): This is the heart of your crock pot pepper steak. You can use sirloin, round steak, or flank steak—whichever fits your budget and preference. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly so it becomes tender during the long, slow simmer. This method of cooking is similar to what we use in our Slow Cooker Steak and Potato Soup, where even tougher cuts melt into buttery perfection.
Bell peppers (2, sliced): A mix of one red and one green bell pepper adds not just color, but balance—sweet and slightly grassy flavors that play beautifully against the salty-sour sauce. You can absolutely toss in yellow or orange peppers if that’s what you have on hand.
One onion (sliced): Onions mellow out in the slow cooker, adding natural sweetness and depth. They practically dissolve into the sauce, which gives this pepper steak in a crock pot that home-cooked feel.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh minced garlic brings warmth and savory richness to the dish. It’s subtle, but once it simmers for hours, it adds that little something-something you’d miss if it weren’t there.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): This is your umami powerhouse. It brings all the flavors together and gives the steak that deep, rich, slightly salty edge. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce so I can control the salt later on. It’s the same trick I use in our Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe—another takeout-inspired favorite.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Tangy, savory, and just a bit mysterious, Worcestershire adds layers of flavor you don’t want to skip. It plays especially well with beef, boosting its natural richness.
Beef broth (1 cup): This forms the base of your slow-cooked sauce. You can use store-bought broth or your own homemade version. The beef broth infuses everything—meat, peppers, onion—with bold, hearty flavor as it simmers.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) + Water (1 tablespoon): You’ll whisk these together to create a slurry that thickens the sauce right before serving. After hours of slow simmering, this step helps turn the cooking liquid into a glossy, gravy-like coating that clings to every bite.
Salt & pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season at the end. The soy sauce already adds saltiness, so taste before adding more. A dash of black pepper finishes everything with a subtle heat.
This short list of real, accessible ingredients is all it takes to make pepper steak in a crock pot that feels like a cozy, home-cooked hug. And trust me, once you serve this over fluffy rice or buttered noodles, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the stovetop version.
Want more recipes with simple ingredients that bring big flavor? You’ll love our creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Delight—another dump-and-go classic.
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot – Step by Step
Making pepper steak in a crock pot is the kind of meal prep that feels almost too good to be true—you get flavorful, fork-tender beef with minimal effort, and your house smells amazing all day long. Whether it’s your first time slow cooking or you’re a seasoned pro, here’s exactly how to make this savory favorite.
Step 1: Slice and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing 2 pounds of beef steak into thin strips. This helps the meat cook faster and turn tender during those long slow hours. If you’re using a tougher cut (like round steak), slicing thin is even more important. Don’t skip this!
Next, slice up your bell peppers (one red and one green) into thin strips. Cut your onion the same way—long slices work best so they don’t completely dissolve while cooking. Finally, mince 3 cloves of garlic. This adds that deep, savory backbone we all love in a hearty dish like this.
Pro tip: You can do all of this prep the night before and store everything in the fridge, ready to toss into the crock pot the next morning.
Step 2: Load Everything Into the Crock Pot
Grab your slow cooker and add in the beef strips, sliced peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Spread them out evenly—no need to brown anything beforehand. (I know that’s controversial, but trust me, in this recipe, the long cooking time does all the work for you.)
If you love easy prep meals, you might also want to try our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—another favorite that skips the stovetop completely.
Step 3: Make the Savory Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Give it a good stir. This is your flavor-packed cooking liquid that’s going to simmer and soak into every bite of meat and pepper. Pour this mixture over everything in the crock pot, making sure the beef and veggies are nicely coated.
If you’re sensitive to salt, use low-sodium soy sauce and broth—then season to taste at the end.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Place the lid on your crock pot and set it to LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Personally, I prefer the low and slow route—it gives the beef more time to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
And that’s it! You’re officially off duty. Go run errands, help with homework, or even sneak in a chapter of that novel you’ve been meaning to finish.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce Before Serving
About 30 minutes before dinner time, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. This creates a quick slurry that will thicken your sauce without making it lumpy.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, making sure to mix it into the sauce well. Put the lid back on and let it cook for another 20–30 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken into that rich, silky texture you want spooned over rice.
Want more recipes that feature this simple thickening trick? Try our Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe—it uses the same technique for luscious gravy.
Step 6: Season and Taste
Before serving, give your sauce a quick taste. If it needs more salt or a bit of pepper, now’s the time to adjust. Keep in mind that soy sauce is salty, so you may not need much.
If you want a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha stirred in at this point is delicious.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your pepper steak in a crock pot over a bowl of hot rice, buttered egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
Leftovers? Oh, they’re even better the next day. You can serve them over baked potatoes, turn them into steak sandwiches, or toss them into wraps.
If you’re building your weeknight meal plan, this dish pairs beautifully with our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice or Slow Cooked Chuck Roast Tacos—both are family-friendly and slow cooker-approved.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Slice steak thin – Thinner strips = quicker tenderness.
- Don’t overcook bell peppers if you like some bite. Add them halfway through for crunch.
- Want heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.
- Make it low-carb – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Turn leftovers into tacos with a sprinkle of cheese and some sour cream.
Mistake to avoid? Using frozen beef straight in the crock pot. Always thaw first to keep food safe and textures right.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes! Add them halfway through cooking to avoid mushiness.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely. Toss everything (except cornstarch/water) into the crock pot insert and refrigerate overnight. Pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and go!
Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your Worcestershire—some brands sneak in gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, hands-off, and family-approved, pepper steak in a crock pot might just be your new go-to. It’s cozy, comforting, and practically begs to be served over a big bowl of rice after a long day.
Let me know if you give it a try—tag me or leave a comment! And if you’re building your weekly meal plan, be sure to peek at this creamy broccoli cheddar chicken dish that’s also slow-cooker friendly and wonderfully filling.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot – The Most Flavorful Weeknight Lifesaver
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, slow-cooked with bell peppers, onion, and a savory soy-based sauce.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips
2 bell peppers, sliced (one red, one green)
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic in the crock pot.
2. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir together until well mixed.
3. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot, making sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Stir this slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
7. Continue cooking for the remaining time to allow the sauce to cook through and lose any raw cornstarch flavor.
8. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
You can use flank steak or sirloin for best results.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot, slow cooker beef, easy crockpot dinner
