If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender strips of beef sirloin slow-cooked with vibrant green peppers, savory soy sauce, and a rich tomato base create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivers a juicy, satisfying bite every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or just starting to explore its magic, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays an essential role, building layers of savory goodness, texture, and color in your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe. Combining quality beef with fresh vegetables and well-balanced seasonings will ensure every mouthful is deliciously memorable.
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips: Choosing sirloin ensures tender, juicy meat that holds up beautifully in slow cooking.
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the beef to lock in juices and add a caramelized crust.
- 1 cube beef bouillon: Intensifies the beefy richness of the sauce for deeper flavor.
- 1/4 cup hot water: Used to dissolve the beef bouillon and cornstarch, creating a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the beef and peppers.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Brings a mild sweetness and texture that balances the savory notes.
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped: Adds freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid: Provides a tangy base and moisture essential for slow cooking.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers umami and a bit of saltiness to perfectly season the beef and vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar: Balances acidity and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the beef during cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by sprinkling the beef sirloin strips gently with garlic powder. This step infuses the meat with subtle garlicky depth upfront. Then, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This caramelization step is key because it seals in the juices and adds complex flavor. Once seared, transfer the beef strips into your slow cooker—this will form the hearty base of your delicious pepper steak.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in the hot water, creating a flavorful broth. Stir in the cornstarch thoroughly until it is fully dissolved; this ensures your sauce will thicken beautifully during slow cooking. Pour this mixture evenly over the seared beef in the slow cooker. This sauce will mingle with all the other ingredients, creating a rich and luscious coating for every bite.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, stir in the chopped onion, roughly chopped green bell peppers, and the entire can of stewed tomatoes including the liquid. These fresh and canned ingredients provide both texture and acidity, balancing the richness of the beef. Follow by adding the soy sauce, white sugar, and salt, which enhance and harmonize the overall flavor. This combination ensures that each spoonful bursts with the classic pepper steak flair we all love.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook—choose High for 3 to 4 hours if you need dinner soon, or Low for 6 to 8 hours if you want to come home to a ready-made meal. The beef becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all those wonderful flavors, and the sauce thickens just right. The slow cooking process really brings this timeless dish to life, melding everything into a heavenly comfort food experience.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve it up. Work up an appetite because this dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Typically, it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or tender noodles that soak up the flavorful sauce. Each bite delivers a tender, juicy, and slightly sweet pepper steak experience that’s bound to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of freshness and vivid color, making your pepper steak look as good as it tastes. For an extra touch, a few crushed red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory elements.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider steamed jasmine rice or buttery egg noodles to soak up the sauce. For a light, crisp contrast, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. Mashed potatoes are also an excellent hearty choice for an even more comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak stuffed inside warm pita pockets or atop crunchy baguette slices as an open-faced sandwich. You can also turn it into a comforting bowl by layering the beef and peppers over creamy polenta. The versatility of this dish means you can easily customize it to fit any meal occasion or craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a fantastic next-day meal that tastes just as flavorful because the sauce continues to meld with the beef and vegetables overnight.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freezing is a great option. Allow the pepper steak to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, preserving the texture and taste. When ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your pepper steak on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauce’s consistency if it has thickened too much after storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. Just remember these might require a slightly different cooking time to achieve the best texture in your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe.
Do I need to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
While you could skip searing, it’s highly recommended as it locks in flavor and creates a more delicious, caramelized exterior that enhances the overall taste of your dish.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot or pressure cooker?
Yes! You can adapt the recipe for an instant pot by using the sauté function to sear the beef and then pressure cooking on high for about 20-25 minutes. Just remember to adjust liquids slightly since the pressure cooker uses less evaporation.
What if I don’t have stewed tomatoes? Can I substitute?
You can swap in diced tomatoes with a bit of tomato sauce or even crushed tomatoes. Just be aware the flavor and texture might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the soy sauce contains gluten, so to make this gluten-free, substitute with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about coming home to a warm, hearty Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe simmering away, ready to comfort and satisfy. With simple ingredients and steps, this dish continuously delivers bold flavors and tender textures that feel like a cozy hug on a plate. If you’ve never tried making pepper steak in the slow cooker before, today’s the perfect day to dive in and discover a new family favorite that’s sure to bring joy to your dinner table.
Print
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (High) or 8 hours 15 minutes (Low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Pepper Steak recipe is perfect for a comforting slow-cooked meal. Tender beef sirloin strips are seared and then slow-cooked with green bell peppers, onions, stewed tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings to create a savory, rich dish that’s ideal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Beef: Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips evenly with garlic powder. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the beef strips for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate container, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in the 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir in the cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and fully dissolved. Pour this mixture over the beef strips in the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, roughly chopped green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes with their liquid, soy sauce, white sugar, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Once the pepper steak is cooked, serve it hot over cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer less sodium, reduce the soy sauce and salt accordingly.
- Use fresh tomatoes if stewed tomatoes are not available, but you may need to add a bit more liquid.
- Beef sirloin is recommended for tenderness, but you can use flank steak as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
