Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Published: January 12, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and honey infuses the beef with a savory-sweet taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy over rice, noodles, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers—the possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: With its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at any table.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this meal can fit into a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing glass or bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The star of the show; it allows for hands-off cooking while ensuring your meal is tender and flavorful.
Mixing glass or bowl: Essential for combining sauces and dry ingredients for a well-blended flavor.
Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the vegetables quick and easy.
Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a safe surface to chop your ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Beef

2 lbs beef sirloin strips (or sirloin steak cut into slices)

For the Vegetables

3 large colorful bell peppers (sliced thick)
1 large onion (sliced)
3 garlic cloves

For the Sauce

3/4 cup beef broth
3 beef bouillon cubes
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Combine hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch/flour in a mixing glass.
Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed and the bouillon cubes are crushed.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the beef strips into the slow cooker.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef.
Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic on top of the beef.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
If possible, stir the ingredients halfway through cooking for even flavor distribution.

Step 4: Serve Your Dish

Once cooked, stir everything well to combine flavors.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve over rice or noodles or alongside mashed or baked potatoes.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe with family and friends!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Serving your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is an exciting opportunity to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy it.

Over Rice

Serve the pepper steak over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic pairing. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, enhancing each bite.

With Noodles

Pair the dish with egg noodles or udon for a heartier option. The chewy texture of the noodles complements the tender beef perfectly.

As a Sandwich

Use crusty bread or rolls to make a pepper steak sandwich. Add some fresh vegetables for crunch and extra flavor.

Alongside Mashed Potatoes

Serve the steak next to creamy mashed potatoes. This combination is comforting and perfect for soaking up the sauce.

With Steamed Vegetables

Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious balance. The freshness of the vegetables contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the steak.

In a Wrap

Use tortillas to create wraps filled with pepper steak and your choice of veggies. This makes for an easy-to-eat meal that’s great for lunch on the go.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak can elevate your dish even more. Here are some helpful tips to ensure it turns out amazing every time.

Choose Quality Beef: Select fresh beef sirloin strips for better flavor and tenderness in your dish.
Don’t Skip Marination: Allow the beef to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
Use Fresh Veggies: Opt for fresh bell peppers and onions; they add vibrant color and crunch.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding it to the slow cooker, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Stir Halfway: If possible, stir halfway through cooking to evenly distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let it sit covered for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps enhance flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Pairing your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with delightful side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fragrant option that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; buttery and delicious!
Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they provide a satisfying contrast.
Coleslaw – A refreshing side that adds crunch and balances out rich flavors.
Fried Rice – A tasty way to use leftover rice; mix in peas, carrots, and eggs for added nutrition.
Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a touch of elegance and healthiness to your plate.
Cauliflower Mash – A low-carb alternative that’s creamy and complements the pepper steak well.
Garden Salad – Fresh greens topped with a light vinaigrette provide brightness alongside hearty beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Not slicing the beef properly: Ensure the beef sirloin is sliced against the grain. This will help keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
Overcooking the vegetables: Add bell peppers and onions halfway through cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. This ensures they retain some crunch.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. Adjust salt or soy sauce levels according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
Skipping the cornstarch: Don’t forget to mix cornstarch or flour into your sauce. This thickens it, creating a rich texture that clings beautifully to the meat and veggies.
Not stirring halfway through: If possible, give your ingredients a gentle stir halfway through cooking. This helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Place cooled pepper steak in a freezer-safe container or bag.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken strips or thighs for beef in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly as chicken may cook faster.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak?

This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite veggies like broccoli or snap peas. You can also adjust spices for more heat or sweetness as per your taste.

Is it necessary to brown the meat first?

Browning is not necessary but adds extra flavor. If you have time, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe offers comfort and flavor in one pot. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights yet special enough for gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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