There’s nothing quite like walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of a perfectly cooked meal—especially one that practically made itself. This easy slow cooker pepper steak recipe is more than just a dinner idea; it’s a comfort food classic, full of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce that will leave you licking the plate. Whether you're feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will easily become a household favorite.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. By using a slow cooker, the beef becomes meltingly tender, and the peppers soak up the rich, savory sauce like little flavor sponges. Even better, the ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find at any grocery store.
Key Benefits:
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Hands-off cooking
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Perfect for busy weeknights
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Great for leftovers
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Freezer-friendly
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Naturally gluten-free (with the right soy sauce)
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Perfection
You won’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this comforting, satisfying dish. Here’s everything you need:
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2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
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1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
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1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
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1 yellow bell pepper (optional, for sweetness and color)
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup water
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp freshly grated)
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning the meat beforehand)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
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Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
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Mushrooms for added umami
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Pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist
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Sesame oil for extra aroma at the end
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Slice your steak into thin, bite-sized strips. Make sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Slice your bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: (Optional) Sear the Meat
For even more flavor, sear the steak in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side. While not required, this step locks in flavor and adds a nice depth to the dish.
Step 3: Build the Flavor in the Slow Cooker
Add the sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and diced tomatoes with juice to the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, black pepper, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on:
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Low for 6–8 hours
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High for 3–4 hours
The beef should be tender and juicy, and the peppers soft but still slightly crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Give the mixture a quick stir before serving. Spoon the pepper steak over a bed of:
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Steamed white rice
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Brown rice
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Mashed potatoes
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Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
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Noodles or even zucchini spirals
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
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Slice the meat thinly and evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
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Don’t overcook the peppers—add them halfway through if you prefer more crunch.
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If the sauce is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
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Want a richer sauce? Stir in a spoonful of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Pepper steak stores and reheats beautifully:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these delicious spins:
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Spicy Szechuan Style: Add chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chilies for a fiery version.
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Sweet & Sour Pepper Steak: Add pineapple juice and a splash of vinegar.
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Teriyaki Twist: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki and skip the brown sugar.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Complete your meal with these perfect side dishes:
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Steamed jasmine rice
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Garlic green beans
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Stir-fried vegetables
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Egg rolls or dumplings
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Simple cucumber salad
Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Delicious Comfort Food
This slow cooker pepper steak recipe proves that amazing meals don’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little prep, you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day.
Rich, savory, and endlessly versatile, this dish is bound to become a dinnertime regular—one bite, and you’ll understand why we say, Get ready to fall in love.
