Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe You’ll Crave Every Weeknight

I still remember the first time I had crockpot pepper steak — the kitchen smelled like a cozy mix of soy, garlic, and caramelized onions, and when I lifted the slow cooker lid, the steam carried a savory-sweet aroma that instantly made everyone hungry. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the bell peppers still had a little bite, and the glossy sauce clung perfectly to every grain of rice. It quickly became one of those recipes I’d go back to when I wanted a comforting yet easy dinner that felt like takeout but tasted homemade.

Here’s the full breakdown of this flavorful crockpot pepper steak recipe:

Callie Brooks

Crockpot Pepper Steak

This Crockpot Pepper Steak is a tender, savory-sweet slow cooker dish that tastes like takeout — but better and healthier! Made with juicy beef strips, crisp-tender bell peppers, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce, it’s perfect over rice or noodles for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 395

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1.5 lbs flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 0.33 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
• 0.5 tsp grated or ground ginger
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• cooked rice, for serving
• sesame seeds, for garnish
• sliced green onions, for garnish

Equipment

• crockpot or slow cooker
• skillet
• knife and cutting board
• whisk
• small bowl (for slurry)
• serving spoon

Method

 

1. Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak slices quickly on both sides. Transfer to crockpot.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Transfer to crockpot.
4. Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger. Pour over beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
6. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water. Stir into crockpot and cook on high for 15–20 minutes, until sauce thickens.
7. Serve hot over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 37gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1180mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 780IUVitamin C: 65mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 3.6mg

Notes

For crispier bell peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking. You can substitute beef with chicken or pork, and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy over rice.

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Effortless prep — just sear, combine, and let the crockpot do the work.
• Tender beef strips simmer in a savory-sweet sauce.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
• A healthier and cheaper alternative to takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)

How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak Step by Step

1. Prep the beef — Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear for flavor — Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown steak slices quickly on both sides, and transfer to the crockpot.
3. Sauté veggies — In the same skillet, cook onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic until fragrant. Move them to the crockpot.
4. Mix the sauce — Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger. Pour over steak and veggies.
5. Slow cook — Cover and cook on low 6–8 hours (or high 3–4 hours) until beef is tender.
6. Thicken the sauce — Stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and cook on high 15–20 minutes until glossy and thick.
7. Serve — Spoon over fluffy rice and top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

How to Serve Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Classic style: Over steamed white rice with sesame seeds.
• Low-carb option: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Comfort twist: Serve with mashed potatoes for a fusion-style bowl.
• Family-style: Add to a buffet table with egg rolls and stir-fried veggies for a takeout-inspired night.

How to Perfect Crockpot Pepper Steak

• Always slice beef against the grain for tenderness.
• Don’t skip the searing step — it locks in flavor.
• Add bell peppers later if you prefer them crisp instead of soft.
• Double the sauce if you love extra gravy over rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking peppers: Add them in the last hour if you want crunch.
• Skipping cornstarch slurry: This leaves the sauce too thin.
• Not searing beef: Skipping this makes the dish less flavorful.
• Using the wrong cut: Avoid tough cuts like stew meat unless sliced very thin.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Pro Tip: Freeze with rice in meal prep containers for quick grab-and-go dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This crockpot pepper steak recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Save this recipe for busy days, family dinners, or meal prep — because once you try it, you’ll be hooked.