Name: Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing); 1 cube beef bouillon; 1/4 cup hot water (to dissolve bouillon); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved into bouillon liquid); 1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1 small onion, chopped); 2 large green bell peppers (roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces); 1 can stewed tomatoes (14.5 ounce can, with liquid); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

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Creamy, juicy, and full of savory flavor, this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With tender strips of beef, vibrant green bell peppers, and a rich, slightly sweet tomato-soy sauce, it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for family dinners. Fun fact: slow-cooked pepper steak brings out deeper flavors than pan-frying, because the low, steady heat lets the meat relax and soak up the sauce. If you enjoy easy slow-cooker dinners, you might also like my take on the classic Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe from this blog. This version shines because of quick prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and broad family appeal—get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again.

What is Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot?

Ever wondered why it’s called pepper steak? Is the pepper the lead actor or just the spicy sidekick? Pepper steak is a cozy, pan-Asian inspired dish made with strips of beef and plenty of bell peppers simmered in a savory sauce. Slow-cooking it in a crock pot makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender and allows the peppers to keep some texture. Some say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with this dish you’ll find it’s true for everyone at the table. Give it a try and see which part of your family falls under the spell of this comforting recipe.

Why You’ll Love This:

Tender, flavorful beef: The star of the show is the juicy sirloin strips that soak up a rich, savory sauce during slow cooking.
Budget-friendly and family-ready: Using simple pantry staples and affordable beef makes this a wallet-friendly weeknight winner. It’s a great way to stretch ingredients into multiple meals.
Bright, satisfying toppings: Fresh bell peppers and onions add color and crunch, while stewed tomatoes and soy sauce create a deep, savory base that’s slightly sweet and tangy.

If you enjoy hearty slow-cooker dinners, pair this with other comforting crock pot meals like my creamy potato hamburger soup for a cozy dinner rotation. Try it tonight — you’ll see how fast it becomes a household favorite.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because you only need a few minutes of hands-on prep and the crock pot does the rest. Preparation is simple: season, sear, mix, and slow-cook. The beef becomes tender and the sauce turns silky thanks to a cornstarch slurry and a beef bouillon boost. Expect about 15 minutes of prep and 3 to 8 hours of cooking time depending on your chosen setting. The standout element is the rich, savory sauce that clings to each beef strip and coats the peppers perfectly.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for searing
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water, to dissolve bouillon
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved into bouillon liquid
1/2 cup chopped onion, about 1 small onion, chopped
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Directions

Sprinkle the 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder evenly over the 2 pounds of beef sirloin strips so each piece gets a light coating. This adds a gentle garlic background flavor.
Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sear the beef strips in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until browned; you want a nice brown crust but not cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure good browning.
Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot, spreading strips out for even cooking.
Dissolve 1 beef bouillon cube in 1/4 cup hot water, then whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until completely smooth and lump-free. This will thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Pour the bouillon-cornstarch mixture over the beef in the crock pot, distributing it evenly.
Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 large green bell peppers (roughly chopped), the entire 14.5 ounce can of stewed tomatoes with liquid, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir gently to combine but don’t break the peppers apart.
Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thin at the end, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in, then cook on High for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
Serve hot over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, spooning plenty of sauce and peppers over the top.

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

What to Serve With

Steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce
Creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty plate
Simple steamed broccoli or snap peas for freshness
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up every last drop
A light, chilled beer or a fruity iced tea complements the savory flavors

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitute beef: Use flank steak or skirt steak if sirloin isn’t available; slice against the grain for tenderness.
Browning matters: Don’t skip searing — it builds flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Adjust salt: Taste at the end before adding extra salt — soy sauce and bouillon already contribute saltiness.
Pepper texture: Add bell peppers in the last half of cooking on Low if you prefer them firmer; add earlier for softer peppers.
Thicken safely: If sauce needs thickening, mix cornstarch with cold water first to prevent lumps.
Avoid overcooking: While slow-cooking is forgiving, extremely lean cuts can dry out if cooked too long on high.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with date.
Reheating from fridge: Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened. Heat until warmed through.
Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove. Alternatively, reheat frozen portions in a covered baking dish at 325°F (160°C) until hot, checking periodically.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions covered for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Flank steak, skirt steak, or chuck roast work well. Slice flank or skirt thinly against the grain; if using chuck, you may want longer low cooking times for tenderness.

Is it necessary to sear the beef first?
No, but searing adds a deeper, richer flavor. If short on time, you can skip searing and still have a tasty dish, but the flavor won’t be quite as developed.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure the beef bouillon cube is gluten-free to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

How can I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños with the bell peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. A splash of sriracha at the end brightens heat and flavor.

Can this be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then cook on high pressure for about 20–25 minutes with a quick release. You may need to reduce liquid slightly and thicken the sauce afterward.

Conclusion

This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a forgiving, delicious meal that proves slow cooking can turn simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s easy to prepare, kind to the budget, and perfect for busy families who want a comforting dinner with minimal fuss. If you’re looking for another trusted slow-cooker favorite or want a slightly different comfort-food vibe, check out this helpful Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe for additional tips and variations. Give this recipe a try tonight — your family will thank you.