Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak 🫑🥩🍚

Tender beef, soft peppers, and a rich savory sauce slow-cooked to perfection.

Introduction

Some meals bring back memories of home before the first bite ever hits your tongue. Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is one of those timeless dishes — warm, saucy, savory, and aromatic in a way that feels like dinner at Mom’s house after a long day.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into melt-in-your-mouth comfort: tender strips of beef, sweet peppers, soft onions, and a glossy soy-based gravy that begs to be served over rice or mashed potatoes. The slow cooker does all the work while your home fills with an irresistible aroma that feels comforting and familiar.

This is easy home cooking at its very best — the kind that warms your heart and fills your table with smiles.

Ingredient Overview

Meat & Vegetables

  • 2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
    Becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker.

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    Sweet and vibrant.

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
    Classic pepper steak flavor.

  • 1 medium onion, sliced
    Adds sweetness as it slowly cooks.

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Builds savory depth.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup beef broth
    The base of the savory gravy.

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
    Adds umami and saltiness.

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    Balances the savory sauce with gentle sweetness.

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    Boosts flavor with rich tang.

  • 1 tsp black pepper
    Warm and aromatic.

  • ½ tsp paprika
    Adds color and mild heat.

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
    For a little kick.

For Thickening (Optional)

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water
    Turns the sauce into a glossy gravy.

To Serve

  • Steamed rice

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Egg noodles

  • Sesame seeds or green onions (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Beef & Vegetables

Place sliced steak, bell peppers, and onion in the slow cooker.

Step 2 — Build the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Beef broth

  • Soy sauce

  • Brown sugar

  • Worcestershire

  • Garlic

  • Black pepper

  • Paprika

  • Red pepper flakes (if using)

Pour over the beef and vegetables.

Step 3 — Slow Cook

Cook on:

  • LOW for 6–7 hours, or

  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Beef should be extremely tender.

Step 4 — Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.

Step 5 — Serve

Enjoy over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use stew meat instead of steak?
Yes — slow cooking tenderizes it beautifully.

2. Can I use frozen peppers?
Yes — add them in the last hour for best texture.

3. Can I skip the sugar?
Yes — or substitute with honey.

4. Can I make this spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.

5. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes — reduce cooked time by 1 hour.

6. Do I have to thicken the sauce?
No — it’s optional.

7. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely — they pair perfectly.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce.

9. Can I add broccoli?
Yes — add during the last 45 minutes.

10. Can I prep this the night before?
Yes — assemble everything except the slurry.

11. Do I need to brown the beef first?
Not required — slow cooker does the work.

12. Can I use coconut aminos?
Yes — great soy sauce substitute.

13. Will flank steak work?
Yes — very tender after slow cooking.

14. Why is my sauce too thin?
Use the cornstarch slurry or simmer uncovered.

15. Why is my sauce too salty?
Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce next time.

16. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — freezes very well.

17. Will the peppers get mushy?
Cook on LOW to keep them tender—not mushy.

18. Can I add ginger?
Yes — adds amazing depth.

19. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use an 8-qt slow cooker.

20. What’s the best way to serve this?
Steamed rice or buttered egg noodles.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Slice beef thinly for quick tender cooking.
2. Use a mix of red + green peppers for sweetness + flavor.
3. Add peppers later for firmer texture.
4. Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid saltiness.
5. Brown the beef first for extra flavor (optional).
6. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
7. Use beef broth instead of water for richer taste.
8. Stir gently to keep peppers intact.
9. Add mushrooms for more umami.
10. Add onions first — they soften the best.
11. Cook LOW for tender beef.
12. Add ginger for a takeout-style flavor.
13. Use brown sugar to balance acidity.
14. Add Worcestershire for steakhouse depth.
15. Thicken sauce only at the end.
16. Add green onions for freshness.
17. Serve with jasmine rice for aroma.
18. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
19. Add 1 tbsp butter at the end for glossy sauce.
20. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for better texture.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

  2. Freeze up to 3 months.

  3. Reheat on stovetop over low heat.

  4. Add broth if sauce thickens too much.

  5. Microwave in short intervals, stirring.

  6. Freeze meat + sauce, not rice.

  7. Add fresh peppers after reheating for crunch.

  8. Store in glass containers to keep flavors fresh.

  9. Avoid boiling when reheating (toughens beef).

  10. Add a splash of soy sauce before serving leftovers to refresh flavor.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Add ½ tsp ginger for Asian-style flavor.

  2. Sear beef in butter for deeper richness.

  3. Use red wine for a more steakhouse-style sauce.

  4. Add honey for a glossy finish.

  5. Add roasted garlic for natural sweetness.

  6. Use tomato paste for a thicker gravy.

  7. Add mushrooms + Worcestershire for umami.

  8. Use smoked paprika for added depth.

  9. Add a splash of balsamic for complexity.

  10. Stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch early for thicker sauce.

  11. Add sesame oil at the end for aroma.

  12. Use flank steak for extra tenderness.

  13. Add crushed red pepper for heat.

  14. Stir in peas at the end for color.

  15. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.

  16. Add soy + honey for teriyaki-inspired flavor.

  17. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for extra thickness.

  18. Cut peppers chunky for better texture.

  19. Serve over garlic butter rice for luxury.

  20. Finish with fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the kind of meal that brings calm to a busy day — simple ingredients, slow simmered, full of flavor, and perfect for effortless dinners. Rich, savory, tender, and comforting every single time.

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