If you are craving a dish that fills your home with amazing aromas and satisfies every comforting craving, then this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe elevates tender strips of beef sirloin with colorful bell peppers and a rich, savory sauce that simmers to perfection all day long. Perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, soy, and a touch of honey, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful meal that is as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with three main layers of food. The bottom layer is made of roughly chopped white onion pieces, scattered but covering the base. On top of that, there is a layer of raw red meat strips, unevenly spread, showing a fresh texture with some seasoning. The top layer features wedges of bell peppers in three bright colors: green, red, and yellow, placed mostly on one side. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory beef, and a luscious sauce makes this recipe irresistible and keeps the preparation straightforward.

2 lbs beef sirloin strips: Choose tender sirloin for a melt-in-your-mouth texture that holds up well during slow cooking.
3 large colorful bell peppers: These bring vibrant colors and a mild sweetness that complements the beef beautifully.
1 large onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when slow-cooked to softness.
3 garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with fragrant, aromatic punch that’s simply irresistible.
¾ cup beef broth: Provides a savory base that enhances the umami of the beef and peppers.
3 beef bouillon cubes: Concentrated beef flavor that boosts the richness of the sauce.
¼ cup soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a deep, complex flavor crucial for the Chinese-inspired profile.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Layers in tangy, slightly sweet notes that balance the dish.
2 tablespoons honey: Adds subtle sweetness that glazes the beef and softens the savory intensity.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a warm spice that heightens the aroma and taste.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Infuses gentle heat and a sharp bite to brighten the sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: Seasoning essential for enhancing all other flavors.
2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by combining hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch or flour in a mixing glass. Stir vigorously to dissolve the bouillon cubes and blend all the flavors into a smooth sauce. This step is key because it transforms simple pantry staples into the rich, glossy sauce that makes this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe truly special.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the beef strips in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a hearty base. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef to ensure every tender piece gets coated. Next, scatter the thickly sliced bell peppers, onions, and whole garlic cloves on top. The layering allows the vegetables to soften gently while infusing their natural sweetness into the meat and sauce.

Step 3: Set and Let it Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, depending on your timeline. If you can, give everything a gentle stir about halfway through to help ingredients mingle and ensure even cooking. This “set it and forget it” aspect means you can spend your day doing anything else while the rich aromas build anticipation.

Step 4: Final Stir and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, give the entire mixture a good stir to blend the sauce and vegetables perfectly. Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish, making sure to scoop up all that luscious sauce. This last step guarantees every bite is tender, flavorful, and coated in that irresistible slow-cooked goodness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with stir-fried beef pieces, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, and slices of white onion, all coated in a shiny brown sauce. The beef looks tender and slightly browned, while the vegetables add bright green, red, and white colors with a soft texture. Behind the bowl, there is another white bowl filled with plain white rice, all placed on a white marbled surface. The food looks hot with faint steam rising from it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro on top before serving. Red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil can also add a pleasant heat and nuttiness, respectively, making your plate both visually appealing and exciting to the palate.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up all the delicious juices. Noodles, such as egg noodles or lo mein, work beautifully too, providing a hearty base that complements the sauce. If you prefer something different, mashed potatoes or even baked potatoes offer creamy comfort alongside the savory pepper steak.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your dinner guests? Serve this pepper steak as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fresh and fun handheld option. Alternatively, tuck it inside warm pita bread or flatbreads to create hearty sandwiches that are packed with flavor. You can even layer it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb, vibrant twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slow cooker pepper steak tastes incredible the next day because the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the sauce and meat well-covered to prevent drying out and to preserve the succulent texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe on hand for a busy night, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months with no loss of flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in minutes that tastes just as fantastic as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with flank steak or ribeye strips if desired. Just be aware that cooking times and tenderness might vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce. This way, the recipe remains just as delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Of course! Mushrooms, snap peas, or even baby corn can add an exciting twist to the dish. Just keep in mind adding too many watery vegetables might slightly thin the sauce, so adjust the thickener accordingly.

How can I thicken the sauce if it is too watery after cooking?

If you find the sauce thinner than you’d like, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Turn it to HIGH and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. The Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe keeps very well, making it an excellent choice for preparing meals in advance. Portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe that brings warmth and flavor to the table while requiring very little fuss. If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off meal that your whole family will love, this recipe is worth trying. Cozy up with a bowl of this tender beef and vibrant peppers, and enjoy the simple pleasure of great food made easy.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe