The Juiciest Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering pepper steak that melts in your mouth becomes effortless with this slow cooker magic.

Tender beef strips absorb rich flavors while simmering gently throughout the day.

Busy home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create restaurant-quality results without hours of preparation.

Minimal effort delivers maximum taste in this comforting dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Every bite promises succulent meat infused with savory notes and robust spices.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Trust me, you want to experience this game-changing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Pepper Steak Perfection in a Slow Cooker Is So Good

• Simplify Meal Prep: Brown beef quickly in a skillet, then transfer to slow cooker for hands-off cooking that transforms tough meat into tender, flavorful bites.
• Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers for your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to match family preferences, making this recipe adaptable to various tastes.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pot wonder creates a hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal preparation and long, slow cooking ensure a delicious meal with little active kitchen time, letting you focus on other activities while dinner cooks itself.

Ingredients for Pepper Steak in a Slow Cooker

• Beef Sirloin Strips: A tender and flavorful cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft during slow cooking.

• Onion, Green Bell Peppers: These vegetables add depth of flavor and a slight crunch to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, warm garlic essence to enhance the meat's flavor.

• Bouillon Cube: Adds rich, savory depth to the overall sauce and helps tenderize the meat.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a classic umami flavor and helps season the entire dish.
• Stewed Tomatoes: Contribute moisture and a slightly tangy base to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances and brings out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the meat to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve the bouillon cube and create the sauce base.

How to Make Pepper Steak in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Sizzle and Seal the Beef

Brown the beef sirloin strips in a skillet with vegetable oil. Sprinkle garlic powder over the meat as it cooks, creating a delicious golden crust.

The goal is to lock in those mouthwatering flavors before slow cooking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Bouillon cube
• Hot water
• Cornstarch

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and free of lumps, creating a rich, thickening liquid that will bring depth to your dish.

Step 3: Layer the Magic in the Slow Cooker

• Chopped onions
• Green bell peppers
• Stewed tomatoes
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Salt

Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed and the beef is completely coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-8 hours.

The low and slow method will transform the beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up this succulent pepper steak over fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

The rich sauce and tender meat will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Pepper Steak Perfection in Slow Cooker

• Brown the beef strips before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Dissolve cornstarch completely in hot liquid to prevent lumpy sauce and ensure a smooth, silky texture in your pepper steak.
• Add bell peppers later in the cooking process to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming mushy.
• Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours allows the beef to become incredibly tender and helps the flavors develop more intensely.
• Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Variations on Pepper Steak in a Slow Cooker

• Spicy Southwest Pepper Steak: Replace green bell peppers with roasted poblano peppers and add chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick. Serve with cilantro-lime rice.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Pepper Steak: Incorporate fresh grated ginger, replace soy sauce with tamari, and add a splash of rice vinegar. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Mediterranean Herb Pepper Steak: Swap soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add dried oregano and thyme. Include sliced kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese as a topping.
• Caribbean Jerk Pepper Steak: Use jerk seasoning instead of salt, add diced pineapple, and include a touch of rum. Serve over coconut rice for a tropical flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for Pepper Steak in a Slow Cooker

• Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory beef and cut through the pepper's spiciness. These wines enhance the meat's deep flavor profile and provide a smooth drinking experience.
• Crisp Side Salad Boost: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the slow cooker's hearty meat. The salad's bright acidity will refresh the palate between bites and add a light, zesty contrast.

How to Store Pepper Steak Perfection in Slow Cooker

• Transfer leftover pepper steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled pepper steak in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place pepper steak in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing locks in the beef’s natural juices and creates a rich, caramelized exterior that adds deep flavor to the final dish. This technique helps develop a more complex taste profile.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute sirloin with chuck roast or stew meat. These cuts are equally tender when slow-cooked and provide similar rich flavors. Just ensure the meat is cut into consistent strips for even cooking.

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and create a silky texture. It also helps bind the ingredients together, preventing a watery consistency in the final dish. Without it, the sauce might be thinner and less cohesive.

Pepper Steak Perfection In A Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling pepper steak recipe brings tender beef and sweet peppers together in a rich, savory symphony. Home cooks will discover an effortless meal that promises comfort and bold Asian-inspired flavors in one hearty dish.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with liquid)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Season the beef sirloin strips generously with garlic powder, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Create a golden crust by searing the meat in a skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes per side, developing rich caramelization and sealing in juices.
3. Dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water, then whisk in cornstarch until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps, creating a thickening agent for the sauce.
4. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker, then layer chopped onions, green bell peppers, and stewed tomatoes on top of the meat.
5. Pour the bouillon-cornstarch mixture over the ingredients, followed by soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Gently stir all components to ensure even distribution of seasonings and liquids throughout the dish.
7. Set the slow cooker to High and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively use Low setting for 6-8 hours, allowing the meat to become exceptionally tender and flavors to meld harmoniously.
8. Once cooking is complete, check the meat’s tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying and complete meal with rich, savory notes.

Notes

• Searing the beef before slow cooking develops a deep, rich flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and provides a silky texture, ensuring the dish isn’t watery when served.
• For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Leftover pepper steak can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, with flavors potentially improving overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on High) or 8 hours (on Low)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg