There's something magical about coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of pepper steak simmering in a crock pot. The tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and rich, savory sauce make this dish a comforting classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

I discovered this recipe during a hectic workweek, looking for a meal that required minimal effort but delivered maximum flavor. Now, it’s one of my favorite set-it-and-forget-it dinners. Let's dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to make it effortlessly.

Why You'll Love This Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Get ready to enjoy a dish that combines convenience, flavor, and versatility. This recipe is a lifesaver for anyone with a packed schedule.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, your crock pot does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece.

The combination of tender beef strips and bell peppers creates a dish that feels hearty but not too heavy. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory beef and slightly sweet, vibrant peppers.

This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. By using affordable cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak, you can create a gourmet-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious – if not better – than the freshly made dish.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

Beef: The star of this dish is the beef. Opt for flank steak, sirloin, or a similar cut that becomes meltingly tender after slow cooking. Slice it thinly across the grain for the best texture.

Bell Peppers: These bring a burst of color and natural sweetness. Red, yellow, and green peppers work beautifully together, but feel free to use your favorites.

Soy Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient forms the base of the sauce. Go for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics infuse the dish with depth and warmth. Fresh garlic and ginger are best, but powders can work in a pinch.

Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory and tangy elements, creating a sauce that’s utterly irresistible.

For equipment, you’ll need a reliable crock pot and a sharp knife for slicing the beef and vegetables.

How To Make This Pepper Steak In A Crock Pot

Making this pepper steak is as easy as 1-2-3. Let your crock pot handle the magic while you go about your day.

Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the beef thinly across the grain and cut the bell peppers into strips. Mince the garlic and ginger, ensuring everything is ready for easy assembly.

In the crock pot, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and a touch of cornstarch to create a smooth sauce. This will thicken as it cooks, coating the beef and peppers in a rich glaze.

Add the beef strips to the sauce, stirring to ensure they’re fully coated. Set the crock pot to low and let the beef cook for 4-5 hours, allowing it to become tender and flavorful.

Two hours before the end of cooking, stir in the sliced bell peppers. This ensures they stay vibrant and slightly crisp, adding texture to the dish.

Once done, serve the pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles, letting the sauce soak into the grains for maximum flavor. The total time from prep to table is around 6 hours, but your actual hands-on time is less than 15 minutes.

Storage Options

Pepper steak stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.

Transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

For longer storage, freeze the dish in portion-sized containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a blank canvas, ready for your personal touch.

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. The heat pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bell peppers.

If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos make an excellent substitute. They provide the same depth of flavor with a slightly milder taste.

Experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, onions, or snap peas can all be added for variety and extra nutrition.

Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative, and use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening.

Feel free to use chicken or pork if you don’t have beef on hand. Adjust the cooking time slightly to account for the different textures.

Pepper steak in a crock pot is a dish that adapts to your needs and tastes. Try it today and discover just how easy and delicious homemade comfort food can be.