Looking for a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the ultimate family-friendly meal—tender beef strips simmered in a rich, savory sauce with colorful bell peppers. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-go slow cooker recipe brings the flavor of takeout into your own kitchen using simple ingredients you already have.
Made with lean beef strips, fresh bell peppers, and a homemade soy-garlic sauce, this dish is high in protein, low in effort, and packed with bold flavors. It’s naturally gluten-free (if using gluten-free soy sauce) and great for meal prepping. Just serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it: Just add everything to the crockpot and walk away.
- Tender beef: The slow cooking makes even lean cuts melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Better than takeout: You control the ingredients—less sodium, no MSG.
- Meal prep friendly: Freezer-safe and great for leftovers.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
What is Pepper Steak?
Pepper steak is a classic Chinese-American dish made with thinly sliced beef and bell peppers in a savory, often slightly sweet sauce. In this slow cooker version, we adapt the dish for convenience without losing its bold, umami-packed taste. The beef becomes incredibly tender after slow simmering, and the peppers soften just enough while keeping their color and bite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 onion, sliced
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, added at the end)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Veggies
Slice your sirloin into thin, even strips. Also, slice your bell peppers and onions and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. This creates the base flavor for the dish.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the sliced beef into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers on top. Pour the sauce over everything, making sure the beef is well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your pepper steak over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Over steamed white rice or brown rice.
- Low-carb: With cauliflower rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Comfort twist: Try over buttery mashed potatoes for a fusion-style dinner.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice meat against the grain to make it more tender.
- Use flank steak or top round if you don’t have sirloin.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or snow peas for variety.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sliced chili.
- Want a richer sauce? Add 1 tablespoon oyster sauce to the mix.
Notes
- This dish is freezer-friendly! Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Slow Cooker Steak
A hearty and flavorful dinner made in the crockpot! This slow-cooked pepper steak is packed with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Asian-style sauce.
Duration
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 7 hours
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Slice beef, peppers, and onion.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add beef to the slow cooker. Layer with peppers and onion.
- Pour sauce over everything.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Mix cornstarch and water, stir in, and cook 30 minutes more to thicken.
- Serve over rice or noodles.