Crockpot Pepper Steak

The Crockpot Pepper Steak is a timeless comfort food classic, slow-cooked to bring out the bold flavors of tender beef, savory soy-garlic sauce, and colorful bell peppers. This dish effortlessly delivers warmth and flavor with minimal prep, making it a favorite for busy weekdays or cozy weekends.

It’s rich in taste and satisfying in texture, with a glossy sauce that clings to the steak and veggies. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is both nourishing and crowd-pleasing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds top sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced steak for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
2. Transfer the steak to the slow cooker. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, honey, ginger, and black pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours.
5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
6. Once the sauce has thickened and the steak is fork-tender, serve over hot rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Crockpot Pepper Steak is the ultimate fusion of comfort, ease, and bold flavor. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, gracing dinner tables with its tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and rich, savory-sweet sauce. But what makes this version the best? Let’s dive into the story behind the dish, its nutritional value, tips for success, and how it can fit into your weekly meal rotation effortlessly.

A Little Background: The Origins of Pepper Steak

Pepper steak has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine, often made with thin strips of beef stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a soy-based sauce. It became especially popular in American households during the 1950s and ’60s as Asian flavors began to influence Western cooking. The dish was—and still is—a delicious introduction to savory umami notes and vibrant veggie textures, all while using familiar ingredients found in any pantry.

Over time, cooks began adapting pepper steak into more convenient versions, leading to this slow cooker twist. It combines the same great taste with the hands-off magic of crockpot cooking, giving busy families a reliable, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe is the Best (Hands Down)

There are many pepper steak recipes out there, but this one takes the crown for several reasons:

1. Maximum Flavor with Minimal Effort

Thanks to slow cooking, the beef becomes ultra-tender, and the sauce has hours to develop its flavor. The sweet-savory combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a glaze that clings beautifully to the meat and vegetables.

2. No-Fuss Weeknight Dinner

This is a true dump-and-go recipe. A quick sear of the meat is optional but enhances the depth of flavor. After that, just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer away while you go about your day.

3. Balanced and Nutritious

With lean cuts of beef, fresh bell peppers, garlic, and onions, this dish is protein-packed and loaded with vitamins—especially vitamin C and antioxidants from the peppers. Served with a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa, it becomes a wholesome, balanced meal.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for batch cooking or meal prepping. The flavors even deepen over time, so leftovers taste just as good (if not better!) the next day.

5. Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

The rich, savory sauce appeals to both kids and adults. Even picky eaters love it when served over warm rice or noodles. You can easily adjust the sweetness or heat level depending on your family’s taste preferences.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Let’s break down some of the goodness inside each bite:

• Bell Peppers – High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Red peppers, in particular, are rich in beta carotene and support immune health.
• Lean Beef – A great source of iron, protein, and B vitamins, which support energy production and muscle health.
• Garlic & Ginger – Known for anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness without refined sugar, offering a touch of antioxidants.

This recipe is proof that comfort food can still be nutritious and made with real, whole ingredients.

Tips for Success

To get the best possible results, here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Use the right cut of beef: Sirloin, flank, or even round steak work well. Trim excess fat and slice it thin for faster, more even cooking.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: This helps thicken the sauce in the last 30 minutes, turning it from a broth into a glossy glaze that coats every bite.
• Slice peppers thick enough to hold shape: You want them to stay slightly crisp-tender even after slow cooking.
• Let it rest a few minutes before serving: This helps the sauce settle and the flavors to bloom.

Customization Ideas

One of the reasons this dish is so loved is because it’s very customizable. Here’s how to make it your own:

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a kick of heat.
• Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli are great additions and boost the fiber content.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
• Switch up the protein: Try it with chicken or tofu for a lighter variation.
• Serve it creatively: Beyond rice, you can use cauliflower rice, noodles, or even stuff it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

How to Store and Reheat

This Crockpot Pepper Steak stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 2 months.

• To Store: Cool the leftovers and transfer to airtight containers.
• To Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm gently on the stove. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

Pairing Suggestions

Make your dinner spread complete with one or more of these pairings:

• Sides: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
• Veggies: Roasted bok choy, sesame green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad.
• Drinks: Light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, green tea, or sparkling water with lemon.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Pepper Steak is everything we love about a cozy, satisfying dinner—it’s easy to make, full of rich flavors, family-friendly, and nourishing. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this is a recipe that belongs in your regular rotation. Its Asian-inspired flavors, minimal cleanup, and flexibility make it a true weeknight hero.

Plus, there’s something deeply comforting about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of dinner that practically made itself. If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy, and hassle-free meal, this Crockpot Pepper Steak is it.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pepper Steak is the perfect blend of bold flavor, wholesome ingredients, and effortless cooking. With tender slices of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, savory-sweet sauce, this dish delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the stress of last-minute prep. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something satisfying and simple, this recipe checks all the boxes. Versatile, customizable, and always delicious—it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!