Easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot – A Tender Family Favorite
Slow cooker recipes are a game-changer, and this Easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is no exception. There’s something magical about allowing tender beef sirloin, vibrant bell peppers, and flavorful seasonings to simmer together over hours, creating a dish that’s packed with delicious flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a hearty, home-cooked meal, this dish is the ultimate feeding-the-family solution. Plus, paired with a bowl of steamy white rice, it’s a surefire way to win over hearts and taste buds.
Another reason to love this recipe? It requires minimal prep work but delivers maximum flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, this crock pot classic becomes a kitchen favorite for anyone seeking savory comfort food with no fuss. Let’s dive in and make your dinner a success!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A well-balanced medley of savory soy, gentle sweetness from brown sugar, and a hint of warmth from ginger and garlic.
- Texture: Fall-apart tender beef strips paired with soft, succulent bell peppers and onions.
- Aroma: Deep umami notes with a touch of sweetness, and the fresh, vibrant smell of slow-cooked vegetables.
- Visual Appeal: Striking strips of green and red bell peppers nestled within hearty beef, served over fluffy, white rice.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners, with straightforward prep and a “set-and-forget” cooking method.
- Special Equipment: A reliable crock pot or slow cooker to achieve the magic!
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is designed for both culinary novices and seasoned cooks. The steps are simple and easy to follow, with no advanced techniques required.
- Category: Comfort food, Crock Pot meals, Family Dinner.
- Cuisine: Inspired by American-Chinese takeout classics with flavor-packed twists.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, with the majority of ingredients like bell peppers and soy sauce being pantry staples or affordable staples at the grocery store.
- Season: Suitable for any season but particularly comforting during fall and winter months when you crave hearty dishes.
- Occasion: Perfect as a weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or even casual entertaining for a potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe hits all the sweet spots. Its succulent beef and perfectly cooked veggies delivered in a rich, flavorful sauce are hard to beat. The combination of soy, Worcestershire, and ginger gives the dish its signature taste while allowing the freshness of the peppers to shine. Whether for weeknight dinners or meal prep, the ease of slow cooking guarantees consistency and a stress-free meal.
Cooking for a large group? This recipe scales beautifully, with the flexible nature of crock pots allowing for increased quantities. Its universal appeal makes it the fully satisfying meal everyone’s going to rave about. And thanks to the low and slow cooking process, it’s tough to mess up, meaning even those with limited kitchen time can feel like culinary rockstars. Just let the slow cooker do the work and let the aromas fill your home!
The Recipe
Easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: ~435 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or crock pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Place the sliced beef sirloin steak strips at the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring that each piece is coated. Stir gently for even distribution.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until the cornstarch is fully incorporated to thicken the sauce properly.
- Layer the sliced green and red bell peppers, onion, and diced tomatoes on top of the beef mixture. Season everything with black pepper. Do not stir.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The pepper steak is ready when the beef becomes tender and the peppers soften.
- Before serving, stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors. Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness by tweaking the brown sugar to your preference.
- You can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak or even chicken if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen beef instead?
A: Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and allow the meat to fully thaw in the crock pot to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms are great additions and can enhance flavor and bulk up the meal.
