There’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. That’s why I love making pepper steak in a crock pot. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and taste, allowing me to serve a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef becomes tender while absorbing the rich flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and stewed tomatoes.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. I can prepare everything in minutes, set my crock pot, and let it do all the work. Whether I’m busy with other tasks or just want to relax, this dish is always a reliable choice. Plus, the blend of green bell peppers and onions gives it a fresh and slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef.
This dish is ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. It pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a warm crusty bread. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying meal. Best of all, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it an accessible recipe for anyone looking for a comforting homemade dish.
Ingredients:
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2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
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¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cube beef bouillon
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¼ cup hot water
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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½ cup chopped onion
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2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
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1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 teaspoon white sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
How to Make Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder. This adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the taste of the slow-cooked beef.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef strips and sear them for about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and gives the steak a rich, deep flavor before slow cooking. Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Once fully mixed, stir in the cornstarch until dissolved. This mixture will help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Pour it over the beef strips in the crock pot.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Now, add the chopped onion, roughly chopped green bell peppers, and canned stewed tomatoes (including the liquid). Pour in the soy sauce, then sprinkle in the sugar and salt. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the beef to become extra tender, while a shorter time on high speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor.
Once done, give it a final stir and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
How Long to Cook Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
Cooking pepper steak in a crock pot allows the flavors to fully develop while making the beef tender and juicy. The cooking time depends on the heat setting:
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On High: 3 to 4 hours
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On Low: 6 to 8 hours
Cooking on low is recommended if you have time, as it results in the most tender and flavorful beef. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on high will still yield delicious results.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, storing them properly ensures they stay fresh and tasty for later meals.
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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Freezing: Let the pepper steak cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips for the Perfect Pepper Steak
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Sear the Meat First
Browning the beef in a skillet before slow cooking adds a rich depth of flavor. Skipping this step may result in a less flavorful dish. -
Use Fresh Bell Peppers
Green bell peppers add a classic taste, but you can mix in red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor. -
Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. -
Enhance the Flavor
A splash of low-sodium beef broth can deepen the flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. -
Best Side Dishes
Serve with white rice, brown rice, mashed potatoes, or even over noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and tender slow-cooked pepper steak made with beef, bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
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¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cube beef bouillon
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¼ cup hot water
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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½ cup chopped onion
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2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
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1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 teaspoon white sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Sprinkle the beef strips with garlic powder.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef for about 5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a crock pot.
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Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water, then stir in cornstarch until fully mixed. Pour this mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
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Add chopped onions, green bell peppers, stewed tomatoes with liquid, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
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Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours.
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Once done, stir well and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Notes
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To thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it in the last 30 minutes.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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For added variety, mix in red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as flank steak, chuck roast, or round steak. Just ensure they are sliced into thin strips to allow for even cooking and tenderness. Chuck roast is especially great for slow cooking as it becomes very tender.
2. Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?
Absolutely! You can cook this pepper steak on the stovetop by simmering it in a large pot over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beef is tender. Keep the pot covered and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, ensure that your beef bouillon cube does not contain gluten, as some brands may include additives with gluten.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can add mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, or even baby corn for more variety. Just be mindful of cooking times—softer vegetables should be added in the last hour to prevent overcooking.