Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This slow cooker pepper steak recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and bold flavors. It is designed for those busy days when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tenderness of the beef combined with the sweetness of colorful bell peppers and a savory sauce makes it a comforting dinner that’s a family favorite. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a filling and flavorful plate.

I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight and it quickly became a staple because everyone loved how flavorful it was despite the ease of preparation. Now it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort without the hassle.

Ingredients

• Beef sirloin strips or sirloin steak: choose fresh, well-marbled beef for tender results
• Colorful bell peppers: sliced thick to add sweetness and vibrant color, pick firm and shiny peppers for best texture
• Large onion: sliced to provide natural sweetness and depth
• Garlic cloves: fresh garlic boosts aroma and flavor, avoid pre-minced for authenticity
• Beef broth: use a quality low sodium brand to control saltiness in the sauce
• Beef bouillon cubes: intensify the beef flavor, crush thoroughly to blend well
• Soy sauce: adds umami and salt balance, traditional dark soy is best for richness
• Worcestershire sauce: gives a tangy kick enhancing complexity
• Honey: balances savory with a touch of sweetness, raw or mild honey works great
• Ground ginger: warming spice that lifts the sauce
• Black pepper: freshly ground for robust spice
• Salt: adjust to taste
• Cornstarch or flour: thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, cornstarch will give a smoother finish

Instructions

Make the Sauce:

Combine hot beef broth with crushed bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch or flour in a mixing glass. Stir thoroughly until the bouillon is completely dissolved and the mixture is uniform. This sauce will infuse the beef and vegetables with intense flavor while thickening as it cooks.

Layer the Ingredients:

Place the beef strips evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef to coat it fully. Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and whole garlic cloves on top of the beef. This layering allows the vegetables to steam gently while soaking up the sauce's rich flavors.

Slow Cook the Dish:

Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours depending on your schedule. If you can, give the mixture a gentle stir halfway through cooking to distribute the flavors evenly. The slow cook method breaks down the beef fibers making it tender and juicy while the sauce thickens and melds with the vegetables.

Finish and Serve:

Once cooking time is up, stir the contents well to combine the sauce and ingredients. Transfer to a serving dish and spoon the pepper steak over cooked rice, noodles, or pair it with mashed or baked potatoes for a complete meal. The sauce is generous by the end thanks to the moisture released from the beef and vegetables.

The star of this recipe for me has always been the fresh bell peppers. Their natural sweetness perfectly balances the savory beef and sauce in a way that feels bright and homey. A family memory I cherish is the first time I served this for a group of friends; everyone remarked how the slow cooking created such tender beef with vibrant vegetable flavors.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep the beef tender.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have beef sirloin strips you can use flank steak or thinly sliced stew beef but adjust cooking time for tenderness. For a gluten-free option choose tamari instead of soy sauce and use arrowroot powder as a thickener instead of cornstarch or flour. To reduce sweetness swap honey for a splash of maple syrup or omit it altogether.

Serving suggestions

Serve this pepper steak over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing. Egg noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and scallions create a delicious alternative base. For a lower-carb meal serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables and garnish with fresh sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh final touch.

Layering the ingredients and stirring midway really boosts the final flavor. Choosing high quality beef and fresh spices elevates the whole dish.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef sirloin strips or sirloin steak cut into slices work best to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.

→ Can I substitute the bell peppers with other vegetables?

Yes, vegetables like green beans or mushrooms can be used to add different textures and flavors.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Adjust the amount of cornstarch or flour used, and add a bit more broth if needed during cooking.

→ Is it necessary to stir the ingredients during cooking?

Stirring halfway through cooking helps distribute flavors evenly but isn't mandatory.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?

Steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes complement the rich beef and peppers well.