When you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the answer. This dish combines tender beef, savory bell peppers, and a rich sauce, all cooked together to create a perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re busy with work or school activities, this slow cooker recipe is here to make your life easier without sacrificing taste.
Perfectly suited for family dinners or meal prep, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is not only quick to put together but also delivers a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious spices, while the peppers and onions bring in a sweet and slightly smoky flavor. This meal is a great go-to when you want something satisfying, comforting, and hassle-free.
What Makes Crock Pot Pepper Steak Special?
This dish is more than just a simple beef recipe. It brings together the best of slow cooking – tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce that’s infused with classic Asian flavors. When you make Crock Pot Pepper Steak, you’re not only saving time in the kitchen, but you’re also ensuring a meal that’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Additionally, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with beef or another protein, Crock Pot Pepper Steak can be adapted to suit your tastes. It’s a balanced meal, featuring a great combination of protein, vegetables, and sauce, which makes it a great option for anyone looking for something hearty yet healthy.
Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Before you start, it’s important to understand the key ingredients that make Crock Pot Pepper Steak so special. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will make this dish a hit at your table.
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Beef Strips: The foundation of this dish is the beef, and while you can use various cuts, the most popular choice is thinly sliced round steak or flank steak. These cuts of beef are tender and cook well in a slow cooker, absorbing all the seasonings and sauce.
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Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers not only add color to the dish but also contribute a slight sweetness and crunch. They’re key for balancing out the richness of the beef and sauce.
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Onions: Onions bring a savory base to the dish and help deepen the flavor of the sauce as it cooks.
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Beef Broth: This serves as the liquid base of the sauce, providing depth and moisture to the beef and vegetables.
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Soy Sauce: A crucial ingredient for adding saltiness and umami, soy sauce is what gives Crock Pot Pepper Steak its savory punch.
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Ginger: Ground ginger adds a subtle warmth to the dish, enhancing the Asian-inspired flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
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Garlic Powder: Garlic powder complements the ginger, providing an aromatic depth that’s a signature in many Chinese-inspired dishes.
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Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and enhances the overall flavor of the beef and peppers.
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Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is used to balance the savory and salty elements, giving the dish a hint of sweetness that’s typical in Chinese-style pepper steak.
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Cornstarch and Water: These two ingredients are combined to create a slurry that will help thicken the sauce, making it rich and glossy, and perfect for serving over rice.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Making Crock Pot Pepper Steak is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this dish:
Step 1 – Prepare the Beef and Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing your beef into strips. You can use round steak, flank steak, or any cut of beef that you prefer. Cut the bell peppers and onions into thick slices to ensure they hold up during the slow cooking process. Add the beef, bell peppers, and onions to your slow cooker.
Step 2 – Add the Seasonings and Sauce
Once your ingredients are in the crockpot, sprinkle in the garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and brown sugar. Then, pour the soy sauce and beef broth over everything. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce and seasonings.
Step 3 – Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The beef will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. You want the beef to cook through and absorb all the delicious broth and seasonings.
Step 4 – Thicken the Sauce
After the cooking time is up, mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Cook on HIGH for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce is thickened, it’s time to serve your Crock Pot Pepper Steak. This dish is best served over a bed of rice, which helps soak up the rich sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Customizing Your Crock Pot Pepper Steak
One of the best features of Crock Pot Pepper Steak is its versatility. You can easily adapt this dish to suit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you want to try a different cut of beef, make the dish spicier, or even swap out some vegetables, this recipe can be personalized in several ways. Let’s explore some of the best variations and substitutions.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
While the recipe calls for thinly sliced round steak or flank steak, feel free to experiment with other cuts of beef. Here are a few options:
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Beef Stew Meat: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, beef stew meat works well. It will become tender as it cooks in the slow cooker, making it a great substitute for round steak or flank steak.
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Skirt Steak: If you prefer a bit more flavor, skirt steak is an excellent choice. It’s slightly more flavorful but still tender when cooked low and slow.
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Chuck Roast: Another alternative is chuck roast. It’s a bit fattier, which adds richness to the dish, and it shreds beautifully, making it a good option if you like your beef to break apart.
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Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, consider using tofu or tempeh. Both will absorb the flavors of the sauce and give you the protein you need without the meat.
Vegetable Variations
While the original recipe uses bell peppers and onions, you can switch things up by adding or replacing vegetables based on your preferences. Here are some ideas:
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Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a savory depth and earthy flavor to the dish. You can add them directly into the crockpot or sauté them separately and stir them in at the end.
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Carrots: For a slightly sweeter flavor and extra nutrition, add sliced carrots. They will hold their texture well in the slow cooker and add color to your dish.
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Zucchini: If you want a lighter option, zucchini is a great choice. It cooks down nicely and adds a fresh flavor to the pepper steak.
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Snap Peas or Snow Peas: For some crunch and a fresh flavor, try adding snap peas or snow peas. These vegetables will add a slight sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Spice Level Adjustments
If you prefer your Crock Pot Pepper Steak to have a little more kick, there are several ways to spice it up. You can adjust the heat level depending on your preferences:
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Jalapeños: Adding sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños will give your dish an extra level of heat. For a more intense spice, try adding some of the seeds.
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Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a controlled level of heat without overwhelming the dish. Sprinkle in small amounts until you reach your desired spiciness.
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Sriracha Sauce: For a tangy and spicy addition, stir in a tablespoon or two of sriracha sauce. This will give the dish a delightful punch.
Changing the Sauce Base
While the beef broth and soy sauce combination is the foundation of the sauce, you can modify it to suit your flavor preferences:
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Worcestershire Sauce: For a deeper, more complex flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. It brings a savory, tangy element to the sauce.
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Oyster Sauce: If you want to intensify the Asian flavor, a tablespoon of oyster sauce will provide richness and umami.
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Coconut Aminos: For a soy-free alternative, use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. It’s slightly sweeter but will still provide the salty umami flavor needed for this dish.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
To ensure your Crock Pot Pepper Steak turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
Slice the Beef Evenly
When cutting your beef into strips, make sure they’re all similar in size. This will ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce properly. Thin strips of beef work best in slow cookers, as they become more tender and soak up the sauce better.
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
Although it may seem tempting to pile in all the ingredients, overcrowding your crockpot can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure you have enough space for the ingredients to cook properly. If necessary, consider cooking in batches or using a larger slow cooker.
Stir at the Right Time
For the best results, avoid stirring the beef and peppers too early in the cooking process. Stirring too often can break down the beef and vegetables, making the sauce less rich. Stir only at the end or when adding the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Adjust the Seasoning
Different brands of soy sauce can vary in saltiness, so taste the sauce before serving. If you find it too salty, add a bit more brown sugar or a splash of water to balance it out. If it’s too bland, a little extra soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Once your Crock Pot Pepper Steak is ready, it’s time to serve it. The dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
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Steamed Rice: The classic choice for Crock Pot Pepper Steak is steamed white rice. It soaks up the rich sauce beautifully and is the perfect base for the tender beef and vegetables.
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Brown Rice: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice is a great option. It’s hearty and full of fiber, making it a great complement to the dish.
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Noodles: For something a little different, serve your pepper steak over cooked egg noodles. They will absorb the sauce just like rice and add an extra layer of texture.
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Roasted Vegetables: If you want to keep it low-carb, roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or asparagus make a great side dish. Their natural sweetness balances out the savory beef.
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Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative, quinoa is an excellent choice. It’s filling, nutrient-dense, and pairs wonderfully with the beef.
Storing and Reheating Crock Pot Pepper Steak
If you have leftovers, Crock Pot Pepper Steak keeps well for several days and even gets better after sitting overnight. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, and the flavors will have more time to meld together.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Crock Pot Pepper Steak. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Why You Should Try Crock Pot Pepper Steak
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and hassle-free dinner that can feed your whole family, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the perfect choice. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also versatile, customizable, and packed with flavor. Here’s why you should add this dish to your regular rotation:
Time-Saving and Convenient
One of the best things about slow-cooked meals is how much time they save, and Crock Pot Pepper Steak is no exception. With just a little prep work, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. The best part is that it frees up your time for other tasks, whether you’re running errands, helping with homework, or simply relaxing at home.
By the time you’re ready to serve dinner, your house will be filled with the savory aromas of slow-cooked beef, peppers, and spices. It’s a meal that takes little active effort but delivers a big payoff.
Healthy and Nutritious
This dish is not only flavorful but also balanced and nutritious. Packed with lean protein from the beef, fiber from the peppers and onions, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal without compromising on nutrition.
Plus, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that you’re using fresh, wholesome products. With options for low-sodium soy sauce and the ability to swap in different vegetables, you can easily make this dish fit any dietary requirements.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting friends for dinner, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a hit every time. Its familiar, comforting flavors appeal to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family meals. Since it’s cooked in a slow cooker, it’s also perfect for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Serve it with rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Budget-Friendly
For a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, Crock Pot Pepper Steak is surprisingly affordable. The ingredients, such as round steak or flank steak, bell peppers, onions, and beef broth, are easy to find and reasonably priced. You can feed a family of four (or more) without breaking the bank, making this a great option for anyone on a budget.
And, if you have leftovers, it’s a meal that tastes just as good the next day, making it even more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts on Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Crock Pot Pepper Steak is more than just a meal – it’s a solution to busy weeknights, a go-to dinner when you need something comforting and filling, and a dish that’s easy to customize for any taste. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that your whole family will love.
The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether you’re using beef or experimenting with other proteins, adding more vegetables, or adjusting the spice level, this recipe is flexible and forgiving. It’s the kind of dish that can evolve based on your preferences, ensuring that you never tire of it.
So, give Crock Pot Pepper Steak a try! It’s perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or just an easy night in. Once you taste how tender the beef gets and how the sauce coats the vegetables, you’ll understand why this dish is a fan favorite. Enjoy the rich, bold flavors and let the slow cooker do the hard work for you!
Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs round steak (cut into thin strips)
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1 green bell pepper (sliced thick)
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1 red bell pepper (sliced thick)
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1/2 onion (sliced thick)
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1 1/2 cups beef broth
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/2 tsp ground ginger
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Place the beef strips, bell peppers, and onion in a slow cooker.
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Add Seasonings: Pour the soy sauce, beef broth, and add garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and brown sugar over the beef and vegetables.
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Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the beef is cooked through.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 30-60 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
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Serve: Serve the Crock Pot Pepper Steak over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes:
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Meat Substitute: You can use flank steak, beef stew meat, or skirt steak instead of round steak.
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Vegetable Variations: Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
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Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños for some extra heat if you prefer a spicier dish.
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Sauce Adjustments: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative to soy sauce or add Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
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Calories: 188 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 13g
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Protein: 22g
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Fat: 6g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Cholesterol: 55mg
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Potassium: 520mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 5g
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Vitamin A: 600 IU
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Vitamin C: 35mg
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Calcium: 20mg
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Iron: 2mg
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours (Low) or 2.5-3 hours (High)
Total Time: 5-6 hours (Low) or 2.5-3 hours (High)
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 188 kcal
Yield: 6 servings
