Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty meal with minimal effort. Tender beef steak strips slow-cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a savory sauce blend together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of rich flavor. Cooking the steak in a crock pot ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.

Using the crock pot makes this recipe incredibly convenient. You can prepare all the ingredients, set the cooker, and let it do all the work while you go about your day. The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth gives the dish a deep, savory flavor profile, complemented by the sweetness of bell peppers and the richness of tender beef. It’s the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal prep but yields an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless to Make

This recipe is made in a crock pot, which means you can throw everything in and let it cook while you do other things, saving you time in the kitchen.

2. Tender, Flavorful Beef

The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce and the veggies.

3. One-Pot Meal

With the beef, peppers, onions, and sauce cooked together in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, and you don’t need multiple pans for preparation.

4. Versatile Serving Options

Serve this dish over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting and filling meal that pairs well with various sides.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is perfect for making in advance, and leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a great option for meal prep and busy weeks.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef steak, cut into thin strips
2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

Add Vegetables: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the crock pot.
Beef Alternatives: You can use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different protein choice.
Thickened Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can double the amount of cornstarch or adjust to your desired consistency.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well until the ingredients are fully mixed.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook

Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for the remaining time to allow the sauce to thicken and cook through.

Step 6: Season

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness from the soy sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. The sauce will soak into the sides, making for a flavorful and filling meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch slurry, or add more beef broth to thin it out.
Extra Flavor: For more depth of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce, which will balance the saltiness and bring out the sweetness of the peppers.
Meal Prep: This recipe makes great leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2-3 months.

How to Serve

Over Rice: Serve the pepper steak over steamed white or brown rice for a complete and filling meal.
With Noodles: If you prefer pasta, serve the dish over egg noodles or spaghetti for a delicious twist.
On Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty meal, serve the pepper steak over mashed potatoes.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of beef broth to bring back the sauce’s consistency.

Freezing

This pepper steak can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftovers in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use chicken or pork strips in place of the beef.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the crock pot for a spicy kick.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep.

5. Can I freeze this pepper steak?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

6. Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?

Yes, you can cook the pepper steak on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on low.

7. What should I serve with this dish?

Serve this pepper steak over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, use a cornstarch slurry as directed in the recipe, or reduce the sauce by simmering it for a longer time.

9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content of the dish.

10. How long does it take to cook on low?

It takes about 6-8 hours on low for the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting, hearty meal. The beef becomes tender and absorbs the savory sauce, and the bell peppers and onions add freshness and sweetness. Whether served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion.