Zesty Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Slow-cooked tender beef sings with robust flavors in this classic pepper steak in a crock pot recipe that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Succulent strips of meat meld perfectly with sweet bell peppers and rich seasonings.

Each bite delivers a mouthwatering blend of hearty protein and aromatic spices.

The slow cooking method ensures every morsel becomes incredibly tender and packed with deep, satisfying taste.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet delicious meal that requires minimal preparation.

Home cooks can easily transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Warm up your kitchen and your family’s hearts with this irresistible pepper steak that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak That’s Packed With Richness

• Quickly sear beef, toss ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it simmer without constant monitoring, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Combining soy sauce, bouillon, and fresh vegetables creates a rich, layered taste profile that transforms simple beef strips into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Adaptable recipe allows easy modifications like swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Generous portion sizes and hearty ingredients make this pepper steak perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding multiple people with minimal effort.

Sizzling Ingredients For Bold Pepper Steak

• Beef Sirloin Strips: A tender cut of beef that becomes wonderfully soft when slow-cooked and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Soy Sauce, Salt, Sugar: These seasonings work together to create a deep, savory flavor profile that complements the beef and adds complexity to the dish.

• Bouillon Cube, Hot Water, Cornstarch: The bouillon provides a rich base of flavor, while cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.

• Onion, Green Peppers, Stewed Tomatoes: These vegetables add freshness, color, and additional layers of flavor to the pepper steak.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in flavor and create a delicious caramelized exterior before slow cooking.

Essential Tools For Crock Pot Magic

• Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: Essential for creating tender, flavorful pepper steak with minimal effort.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing beef strips and developing rich, golden-brown edges.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for dissolving bouillon and cornstarch, ensuring smooth sauce preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing in vegetables and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements and consistent flavor.

Slow-Cooking Pepper Steak To Tender Perfection

Step 1: Sear Beef Strips

Sprinkle sirloin strips generously with garlic powder.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place beef strips into the hot pan, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In a separate bowl, dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water, stirring until completely integrated.

Whisk in cornstarch until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Gently pour this flavorful liquid over the beef strips in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables And Seasonings

• Chopped onions
• Sliced green peppers
• Stewed tomatoes
• Soy sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

• High setting: Cook for 3 to 4 hours
• Low setting: Cook for 6 to 8 hours

The meat will become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully during cooking.

Serve hot over rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Tips For Pepper Steak With a Kick

• Pat beef sirloin strips dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the meat and vegetables evenly.
• Select crisp green peppers and sweet onions for maximum flavor and texture, adding a vibrant crunch to the dish.
• Taste and modify soy sauce and salt levels based on personal preference and sodium sensitivity.
• Use the low-temperature setting for more tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef strips that absorb all the rich, savory seasonings.

Creative Ways To Change Up Pepper Steak

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Replace green peppers with jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat, adding a fiery dimension to the classic recipe.
• Swap beef sirloin with firm tofu or seitan, using similar seasonings and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce, replace bouillon cube with homemade vegetable broth, and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthy option.
• Paleo-Friendly Adaptation: Eliminate cornstarch, use arrowroot powder as a thickener, and choose grass-fed beef for a grain-free, nutrient-dense meal.

Serving Pepper Steak For a Family Feast

• Comforting Family Dinner: Serve this hearty pepper steak over fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with a side of roasted broccoli for a quick and satisfying lunch at work or school.
• Texture Boost: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top just before serving to add a fresh crunch and extra flavor dimension.
• Side Dish Perfection: Pair with a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich and savory meat dish.

Storing Steak Leftovers For Future Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour pepper steak into skillet, add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Why sear the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing creates a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to the meat’s taste, giving the pepper steak a richer, more complex flavor profile.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Sirloin works best, but you can substitute with chuck roast or flank steak. Just ensure the meat is trimmed and cut into strips for even cooking and tenderness.

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and creates a glossy, smooth texture that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly. It prevents the liquid from being too watery.

• How do I know when the pepper steak is done cooking?

The beef should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. The vegetables will be soft, and the sauce will have thickened.

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pepper Steak with Asian-inspired flavors simmers slowly in a crock pot, creating tender beef strips. Robust spices and simple ingredients come together for a hearty meal you can savor with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
• 1/2 cup chopped onion

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cube beef bouillon

Thickening and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Season sirloin strips generously with garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
2. Sear beef in hot vegetable oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes per side, creating a rich golden-brown exterior.
3. Transfer seared beef into the slow cooker, maintaining the caramelized flavor.
4. Dissolve bouillon cube completely in hot water, whisking until no granules remain.
5. Gradually incorporate cornstarch into the bouillon mixture, stirring until smooth and free of lumps.
6. Pour the bouillon-cornstarch liquid over the beef in the slow cooker, coating evenly.
7. Add sliced onions, chopped green peppers, and stewed tomatoes to the slow cooker.
8. Drizzle soy sauce over the ingredients, then sprinkle sugar and salt for balanced seasoning.
9. Gently stir all components to distribute flavors uniformly.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
11. Once cooking is complete, allow the pepper steak to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

• Sear beef at high heat to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a beautiful caramelized exterior that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, allowing the natural meat and vegetable flavors to shine.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce without compromising the recipe’s authentic taste.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the pepper steak, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on High) or 8 hours (on Low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 660mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg