Crockpot Pepper Steak – Tender, Savory, and Effortlessly Delicious
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a slow-cooked, flavorful meal waiting to be served. This Crockpot Pepper Steak is the ultimate dinner solution for busy families who crave something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Made with tender sirloin steak, colorful bell peppers, and a deeply savory sauce that’s infused with garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and diced tomatoes, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. Perfect over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this slow cooker pepper steak is comforting, affordable, and ridiculously easy to prepare.
Why This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe Works
- ✅ Dump-and-go convenience – Just a few minutes of prep
- ✅ Slow cooked for ultimate tenderness
- ✅ Rich, savory flavor with simple pantry ingredients
- ✅ A family-friendly, high-protein dinner
- ✅ Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients – Simple and Flavorful
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sirloin steak (cut into strips) | 2 lbs. |
| Minced garlic | 2 teaspoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Hot water | ⅔ cup |
| Beef bouillon cube | 1 cube |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Bell peppers (any color, sliced) | 2 large |
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional, but Recommended)
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak strips and minced garlic.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the beef and garlic to your slow cooker.
🔥 Tip: Browning the meat adds an extra layer of flavor, but you can skip this step to save time.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in the ⅔ cup of hot water.
- Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until fully combined.
🥣 This sauce thickens during cooking and infuses the beef with a savory, slightly tangy richness.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Add the chopped onion and diced tomatoes (with juice) over the beef.
- Pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Add sliced bell peppers on top.
- Season with black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the crockpot and cook on:
- Low for 6–8 hours
- Or High for 3–4 hours
⏱️ Cooking low and slow results in the most tender, flavorful steak.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is thick and aromatic, your pepper steak is ready.
Serving suggestions:
- Over steamed white or jasmine rice
- With mashed potatoes
- Alongside buttered noodles
- In a hoagie roll for a delicious sandwich twist
🌿 Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pepper Steak
- 🥩 Use sirloin or flank steak for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
- 🫑 Mix red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
- 🌶️ Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
- 🧂 No bouillon cube? Use ⅔ cup of strong beef broth instead.
- 🧄 Love garlic? Double it for a more robust flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in meal-size portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave on medium heat or reheat gently on the stovetop until warm. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
(Based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary.)
Variations You’ll Love
| Variation | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Spicy Pepper Steak | Add 1 tsp of sriracha or chili garlic paste. |
| Sweet & Tangy | Add 1 tbsp honey and a splash of rice vinegar. |
| Asian-Inspired Twist | Use hoisin sauce instead of brown sugar. |
| Low Carb/Keto | Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. |
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe is the perfect marriage of ease and flavor. With just a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a rich, savory, and satisfying dish that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day. The meat turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauce is packed with flavor, and the bell peppers provide just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
Add this slow cooker classic to your recipe box—you’ll come back to it again and again for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and meal prepping success.