If there’s one meal that never fails to bring comfort on a chilly Colorado evening, it’s Crockpot Pepper Steak. This slow cooker favorite is packed with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce that tastes like it’s straight out of your favorite takeout spot. Today, I’m sharing my full story behind this recipe, plus step-by-step instructions and kitchen-tested tips to make sure your Crockpot Pepper Steak comes out flavorful and tender every time.
Whether you’re here for a weeknight dinner solution, a make-ahead freezer meal, or just craving Chinese-American flavors with zero fuss, this guide covers it all.
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Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender Crockpot Pepper Steak with colorful bell peppers and a savory homemade sauce. A simple, dump-and-go slow cooker meal with Chinese takeout flavors.
Ingredients
2 lbs sirloin steak, sliced
3 bell peppers, thickly sliced
1 large onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
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
Instructions
1. Season beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
2. Optional: Sear beef strips in a skillet for 5 minutes per side
3. Mix beef broth, bouillon, soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, ginger, pepper, salt, and cornstarch in a bowl
4. Add beef to Crockpot
5. Pour sauce over beef
6. Top with bell peppers, onions, and garlic
7. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours
8. Stir once halfway through if possible
9. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes
Notes
Freezes well up to 3 months
Adjust sauce sweetness by adding more or less honey
Add red pepper flakes for spice lovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1229mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
How My Slow Cooker Changed Dinner Time Forever
The Night Crockpot Pepper Steak Became a Family Favorite
When I first moved from Austin to Colorado, cooking became both a creative outlet and a survival skill. Busy workdays left little time for elaborate dinners. One particularly cold afternoon, I found a forgotten sirloin steak in my freezer and bell peppers in the crisper. With my slow cooker already warming on the counter, I decided to experiment. That night, my first Crockpot Pepper Steak was born—and it was an instant hit.
The tender beef, the mix of soy and honey, and the gentle heat from cracked black pepper turned a simple meal into a family favorite. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe, but the heart of it remains the same: easy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.
Ever since, Crockpot Pepper Steak became part of our go-to dinner list. It’s right up there with favorites like our Cheesy Steak Rice and even our cozy Tomato Egg and Beef Noodle Soup.
Why This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe Works Every Time
There’s something magical about slow cooking. This recipe’s success comes from letting the beef simmer in a flavorful broth for hours. The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth creates a rich, savory base. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the peppers and onions soften perfectly without turning mushy.
And let’s not forget the cornstarch trick! It thickens the sauce into a glossy, takeout-style consistency by the end of cooking.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Pepper Steak
Choosing the Best Cut of Beef for Pepper Steak
The cut of beef you use can make or break this dish. Here are my top picks:
| Beef Cut | Texture | Budget-Friendly | Cooking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sirloin | Tender | Moderate | Ideal for Crockpot use |
| Flank Steak | Slightly Chewy | Affordable | Slice thin across the grain |
| Top Round | Lean | Budget | Needs extra sauce for moisture |
For the best results, I typically go with sirloin strips, but if you’re shopping on a budget, flank steak or even top round works great too.
For tips on prepping beef, check out this chuck roast guide, which covers how to handle tougher cuts for slow cooking.
Bell Peppers, Sauces, and Secret Flavor Boosters
Bell peppers bring both flavor and color. I love mixing red, yellow, and green peppers for a visual and taste balance. Onions and garlic round out the aromatics.
For the sauce, here’s the winning combo:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Beef Broth | Depth of flavor |
| Soy Sauce | Umami richness |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Adds complexity |
| Honey | Sweet balance |
| Ground Ginger | Warmth and spice |
| Cornstarch | Sauce thickener |
For extra flavor inspiration, check out these Chili Oil Chicken Wings, which use similar bold sauces.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Crockpot Pepper Steak
Prepping Your Beef and Vegetables
Start by slicing your beef into thin, even strips. Season them lightly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Want an extra layer of flavor? Sear the strips in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes per side before adding them to the Crockpot. This step is optional but recommended if you want deeper, caramelized flavor.
Next, slice your bell peppers and onions into thick strips. This prevents them from turning too soft during the long cooking time.
Crockpot Cooking Times and Sauce Tips
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Low and Slow: Set your Crockpot to low for 6 hours.
- Fast Track: Or cook on high for about 3 hours.
Don’t worry if the sauce looks minimal at the start. The beef and vegetables will release moisture, creating a savory, flavorful sauce.
If possible, give the contents a quick stir halfway through for even cooking.
Concerned about food safety? Yes, you can put raw steak in a slow cooker. Just make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Making It Taste Like Takeout
Why Chinese Pepper Steak is So Tender
Wondering why this dish reminds you of Chinese takeout? It’s all in the cooking method and ingredient balance.
Slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues in the beef, making it tender and juicy. Meanwhile, the soy sauce and ginger mimic classic Chinese flavors. A bit of honey balances out the saltiness, giving the dish that signature sweet-savory bite.
Serving Ideas: Beyond Just Rice
Sure, white rice is a classic pairing. But why stop there?
Here are more ways to serve Crockpot Pepper Steak:
- Over buttered noodles
- On top of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Alongside mashed potatoes
- Stuffed into toasted hoagie rolls for a fun sandwich twist
Pro Tip: This dish freezes like a dream. Portion leftovers into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion: Time to Get Cooking!
There you have it—my tried-and-true Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe that’s become a weekly staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to an easy dinner, this dish delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.
Happy cooking from my kitchen to yours!
FAQs About Crockpot Pepper Steak
How do you cook pepper steak in a slow cooker?
Layer beef strips, pour over your sauce mix, top with bell peppers and onions, then cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
What is the best cut of meat for pepper steak?
Sirloin is my go-to, but flank steak or top round work as well. Check out the full cut comparison above.
Why is Chinese pepper steak so tender?
The slow cooking process, combined with soy sauce and honey, tenderizes the beef while infusing flavor.
Can I put raw steak in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. The Crockpot is designed to cook raw meats safely. Just ensure your beef reaches 165°F internally.