© Original Recipe By Serena’s Flavor Lab ©
🥩🔮 Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak for an Irresistible Weeknight Dinner
1. Introduction
If you crave a hearty, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker pepper steak recipe is your new best friend. Tender strips of beef simmered in a savory, aromatic sauce meld perfectly with bell peppers and onions. This crock pot pepper steak is not only comforting but incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Imagine coming home to the irresistible smell of caramelized peppers and seasoned beef—pure comfort in a bowl!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 6-8 hours — perfect for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
- One-pot meal— minimal cleanup required.
- Versatile and forgiving— adjustable to suit your spice and vegetable preferences.
- Super tender beef— every bite melts in your mouth, thanks to slow cooking.
3. Ingredient Notes
For a truly flavorful easy pepper steak recipe, focus on high-quality ingredients. Choose sirloin or flank steak, which become juicy and tender when slow-cooked. Select vibrant bell peppers—red, green, or yellow—for a sweet, crunchy contrast. Fresh garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of Worcestershire add rich depth, while a touch of honey balances the savory flavors. For best results, use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhances aroma and freshness.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Cooking this slow cooker pepper steak is effortless with the right equipment. A reliable Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker ensures even and consistent heat, locking in moisture and flavor. Pair it with a sharp 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for quick vegetable roasting or crisping leftovers. The versatility of these tools will elevate your meal prep and make weeknight dinners a breeze.
5. How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing your beef into thin strips; this allows for tender, quick cooking. Dice the bell peppers and thinly slice onions. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and a splash of beef broth or water.
Step 2: Layer in the Crock Pot
Place the beef strips at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced peppers and onions on top. Pour the sauce mixture over everything, ensuring the meat is well coated. Cover and set to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, the beef should be tender and flavorful, with peppers slightly caramelized. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if desired. Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Cut the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust soy and Worcestershire to taste—less saltiness if preferred.
- Don’t overcook—lean beef can become tough if left too long.
- For extra depth, add a dash of black pepper or red pepper flakes.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Want to tweak the recipe? Use chicken or firm tofu for a different protein source. Swap out bell peppers for zucchini or snap peas for a fresher twist. For a keto-friendly option, serve over cauliflower rice. Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end enhances Asian-inspired flavors.
8. Storage & Reheating
This dish stores well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier!
9. FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then add peppers and sauce. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then quick release. This speeds up the process while maintaining tender results.
Q: How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Use thinly sliced, tender cuts and avoid overcooking. The slow cooker’s low-and-slow method ensures it stays juicy and tender.
Q: What side dishes go well with this pepper steak?
Steam fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, serve over mashed potatoes, or pair with Rice noodles or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
10. Conclusion
This easy slow cooker pepper steak recipe combines simple ingredients with the convenience of slow cooking to deliver a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, aromatic meal with minimal effort!
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Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak for Easy Weeknight Dinner
A simple, flavorful slow cooker pepper steak made with tender beef strips, fresh bell peppers, and savory sauce, cooked to perfection for an easy dinner.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Place sliced beef, bell peppers, onion, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, sesame oil, and beef broth into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Mix cornstarch with water, add to the slow cooker, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced beef for quicker cooking and tender result.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg