Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Tender strips of beef, bell peppers, and onions are simmered in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and seasonings, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for serving over rice or noodles. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this slow cooker recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the steak)
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium works well)
1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the steak:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak or sirloin and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. This step adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time and go straight to the slow cooker.
Add ingredients to the slow cooker:
- Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker and add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and black pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Thicken the sauce (optional):
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Stir well, and let the sauce cook for an additional 30 minutes, until thickened.
Serve:
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened to your liking, serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5-6 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total time: 5-6 hours (including slow cooking)

Variations

Add extra vegetables: You can add more vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas for added texture and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker.
Spicy version: If you like a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
Different cuts of beef: You can use other cuts of beef, such as round steak or chuck roast, but flank steak or sirloin tend to work best for this dish.

Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This recipe freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I skip the searing step?

Yes, while searing the steak adds extra flavor, you can skip it if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still produce a tender and flavorful dish without the searing step.

Can I use frozen beef?

While fresh beef is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen beef. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce and checking that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes! You can make this in the Instant Pot by using the “Sauté” function to sear the beef and then following the rest of the instructions. After adding the sauce, cook on “Manual” for 15 minutes and then release the pressure.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a savory, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the beef and blending the seasonings into a rich, savory sauce. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this meal is both satisfying and simple, making it a must-try for any beef lover!