Simple Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe for a Tasty Crockpot Meal

Benefits and Advantages of Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slow cooker pepper steak is a flavorful and convenient recipe that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Its most notable benefit is the simplicity of preparation simply combine ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender as it absorbs the rich umami flavors from the savory sauce, bell peppers, and onions. This hands-off cooking method requires minimal oil and supervision, making it a healthier alternative to traditional stovetop recipes. The dish provides a balanced meal with protein-packed beef and nutrient-rich vegetables, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Its versatility also allows for easy customization with different seasonings and dietary substitutions without losing the essence of the classic pepper steak.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• 2 pounds (about 900 g) beef sirloin strips or top sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 3 large bell peppers (green, yellow, red, or orange), sliced thick
• 1 large onion (preferably sweet or yellow), sliced thick
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder as alternative)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) beef broth or 1/2 cup (120 ml) water with 2 beef bouillon cubes dissolved
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (regular, not low sodium)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey, agave syrup, or pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (fresh grated ginger can be used)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (optional, for thickening)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for mild heat
• Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar, to enhance sweetness

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Customizing slow cooker pepper steak to fit your dietary needs or ingredient access is simple with these substitutions:

• Vegan: Swap beef with plant-based proteins such as seitan, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms, which retain texture and absorb sauce well.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to avoid gluten exposure and check that your broth and bouillon cubes are gluten-free.
• Low-Calorie: Choose leaner beef cuts like eye of round or sirloin tip, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to lower fat content.
• Low-Carb: Replace cornstarch with xanthan gum or skip thickeners altogether to keep carbohydrate counts low.
• Sodium-Conscious: Select low-sodium soy sauce, broth, and reduce added salt to control sodium intake.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Slice Ingredients: Thinly slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Cut bell peppers and onion into thick slices to withstand slow cooking without getting mushy. Choose your protein considering any dietary preferences.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine beef broth (or water with dissolved bouillon cubes), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey or syrup, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, garlic, and cornstarch or flour. Whisk well until smooth. Add brown sugar or red pepper flakes if using.
3. Layer in Slow Cooker: Place beef strips at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour sauce evenly over beef. Layer sliced onions on top, then add bell peppers. For firmer peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for about 3 hours. Stir once mid-way if possible to mix flavors.
5. Thicken Sauce: If desired, 30 to 60 minutes before serving, mix additional cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add further salt or black pepper if needed before serving.
7. Serve: Serve hot over white or brown rice, egg noodles, or mashed/baked potatoes for a complete meal.

Following these steps guarantees tender beef and vibrant vegetables combined with a rich, savory sauce for an easy, satisfying slow cooker pepper steak experience.

For more slow cooker recipes perfect for busy days, check out Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For the best slow cooker pepper steak results, start with fresh, high-quality beef cuts like sirloin or top sirloin, sliced evenly to ensure tenderness. Although optional, briefly browning the beef before placing it in the slow cooker adds depth of flavor and a richer color. Experiment with pepper varieties such as poblano or habanero for varied heat levels and complexity.

Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas during cooking for more texture and nutrition. To change the sauce profile, try substituting a portion of the soy sauce with oyster sauce or adding a splash of rice vinegar to brighten the flavors. This recipe pairs wonderfully with different starches including white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for lower carb options.

Adjust baking and cooking times depending on your slow cooker model, and remember to add bell peppers toward the end for a firmer texture. These tips and variations offer flexibility while maintaining the comforting essence of traditional slow cooker pepper steak.

How to Store Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: Best Practices

Proper storage of slow cooker pepper steak is essential to retain its flavor and texture. Follow these guidelines:

• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within two hours of cooking to avoid bacterial growth.
• Store refrigerated for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
• For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then heat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Avoid multiple reheating cycles to maintain quality and food safety.

Using these storage methods ensures you can enjoy slow cooker pepper steak conveniently and safely at a later time.

Nutritional Value of Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Slow cooker pepper steak combines protein and vegetables in a flavorful dish with a balanced nutritional profile. The table below outlines the approximate values per 8 oz (226 g) serving:

Choosing lean beef and low-sodium condiments can optimize the nutritional profile while keeping rich taste intact.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Simple Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe for a Tasty Crockpot Meal

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

🍽️ Enjoy a flavorful and comforting slow cooker pepper steak that’s perfect for busy days and meal prep.
🌶️ This easy crockpot recipe combines tender beef with colorful bell peppers and a rich, savory sauce for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds (about 900 g) beef sirloin strips or top sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 large bell peppers (green, yellow, red, or orange), sliced thick
1 large onion (preferably sweet or yellow), sliced thick
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder as an alternative)
3/4 cup (180 ml) beef broth or 1/2 cup (120 ml) water with 2 beef bouillon cubes dissolved
1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (regular, not low sodium)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons honey, agave syrup, or pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground ginger (fresh grated ginger can be used)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust according to soy sauce and bouillon content)
2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (for thickening; optional)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for mild heat
Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar to enhance sweetness (can be substituted or combined with honey)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl or microwavable container, combine beef broth (or water) with the bouillon cubes and heat until the cubes are dissolved.
2. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey (or syrup), ground ginger, black pepper, salt, garlic, and cornstarch or flour. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth sauce. Add brown sugar or red pepper flakes if using.
3. Place beef strips into the slow cooker, pour the sauce evenly over the beef.
4. Layer the sliced onions on top of the beef, then add bell peppers. For firmer peppers, add them during the last 1 hour of cooking.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. Stir once halfway through if possible to mix flavors.
6. If needed, thicken the sauce further by mixing an additional 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker about 30 to 60 minutes before serving, cooking on HIGH until thickened.

Notes

🥩 Slice beef evenly and keep bell peppers thick to avoid mushiness.
🍲 Avoid stirring too frequently to keep steak strips intact.
❄️ This recipe is freezer-friendly; freeze raw ingredients separately or combined for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-6 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 oz (226 g)
• Calories: 267
• Sugar: 3-11 g
• Sodium: 793-1229 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg

Keywords: pepper steak, slow cooker, crockpot meal, keto-friendly