Imagine coming home after a long day, your stomach growling like a bear in hibernation, and the aroma of savory crockpot pepper steak wafts through the air. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug, with tender beef swimming in a rich sauce that’s as comforting as your favorite pair of sweatpants. The vibrant colors of bell peppers and onions only add to its inviting charm, making it hard to resist diving in right away.

I can still recall the first time I made this crockpot pepper steak. It was during one of those lazy Sundays when I had no plans other than lounging around, wearing my fluffiest socks. As I prepped the ingredients, I felt like a master chef about to create a masterpiece. The anticipation built up as the flavors melded together in that glorious slow cooker. Trust me, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in when you just want something delicious without all the fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can whip up this dish with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds or thirds
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; serve it over rice, noodles, or even in tacos!
The first time I served this at a family gathering, everyone kept complimenting me on how delicious it was—it felt like winning an Oscar for best home-cooked meal!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Beef Steak: Look for cuts like flank or sirloin; they become wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.
Bell Peppers: Any color works! They add sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Onion: A medium onion will provide that essential aromatic base for depth of flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are preferred; they elevate the dish with their pungent richness.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing umami flavors.
Beef Broth: This adds moisture and richness—be sure to use a good-quality broth for best results.
Cornstarch: A little cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken that luscious sauce at the end.
Seasonings: A blend of black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes brings the heat—adjust to your taste!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your beef steak into thin strips against the grain—this ensures tenderness. Chop bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces; their bright colors will bring life to your dish.
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Toss all prepared ingredients into the crockpot: beef strips, bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything well until coated evenly.
Season Generously: Sprinkle black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes over your mixture. Remember that seasoning is key; taste as you go along for optimal flavor balance.
Set It and Forget It: Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Resist peeking too often—the magic happens inside that cozy pot!
Thicken the Sauce: Once cooking time is up, mix cornstarch with water until smooth; stir this slurry into your crockpot and let it cook on high for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll notice how beautifully thickened that sauce becomes!
Enjoy every mouthwatering bite of this delightful crockpot pepper steak! It’s comfort food at its finest and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
You Must Know
- This delicious crockpot pepper steak is a game changer for busy weeknights
- The aromas will envelop your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
- Plus, the tender steak and vibrant peppers create a colorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the steak for extra flavor before adding it to the crockpot. Layer the peppers and onions on top, then pour in your sauce for maximum infusion of taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bell peppers for other favorites like poblano or even jalapeños for a spicy twist. Adding mushrooms or cherry tomatoes can also enhance flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your leftover crockpot pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an unforgettable flavor boost, marinate your steak overnight
- Always slice against the grain for tenderness
- And don’t rush; let it slow-cook for optimal results!
The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t believe how tender the meat was. They devoured it and asked for seconds—definitely a win in my cooking book!
FAQ
Can I use frozen steak for crockpot pepper steak?
Yes, but thawing overnight yields better texture and flavor absorption during cooking.
What sides pair well with crockpot pepper steak?
Serve it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce.
How do I know when my beef is done?
Cook until it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork, typically 6-8 hours on low.
Crockpot Pepper Steak
Crockpot pepper steak is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef simmered in a savory sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak (flank or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Chop the bell peppers and onion.
- In a crockpot, combine beef, bell peppers, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to coat.
- Season with black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes; adjust to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and stir into the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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