If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting dinner that practically makes itself, this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how tender the steak gets in the slow cooker, mingling with sweet bell peppers and a perfectly balanced sauce that’s savory with just the right hint of sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes without much fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: You just toss everything into the crockpot and get hours back in your day.
Unexpected Tenderness: Slow cooking transforms round steak into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With everyday pantry staples, you get a rich, savory sauce full of personality.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for this, and it’s a great way to get veggies on the table!

A white plate holds a large base layer of fluffy, long-grain white rice, spread evenly across the plate. On top of the rice sits a colorful stir-fry with three distinct elements: dark brown thin strips of cooked beef, glossy green bell pepper slices, and bright red bell pepper slices. The stir-fry is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and chopped green onion pieces for freshness. Two black chopsticks rest across the top edge of the plate. The background shows a red bell pepper and green leafy herbs on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Pepper Steak, slow cooker beef dinner, easy crockpot recipes, hearty beef and bell peppers, comfort food slow cooker

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a fantastic example of simple ingredients coming together to create something so much more. The star is definitely the thinly sliced round steak, which soaks up all the delicious flavors. You’ll want to grab fresh bell peppers to keep things vibrant and crisp, and a handful of pantry essentials rounds things out.

Flat lay of thin strips of raw round steak, thick sliced green bell pepper, thick sliced red bell pepper, thick sliced white onion, a small pile of brown sugar, a small bowl of soy sauce, a mound of ground ginger powder, and a mound of garlic powder, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Pepper Steak, slow cooker beef dinner, easy crockpot recipes, hearty beef and bell peppers, comfort food slow cooker

Round steak: Look for a cut that’s fairly lean but easy to slice thin against the grain for tender bites.
Green bell pepper: Adds a sharp, fresh bite and color contrast.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful – I find the mix of green and red makes the dish so pretty on the plate.
Onion: Use yellow or white, sliced thick to hold texture after hours in the crockpot.
Beef broth: Your base for rich flavor – low sodium works best if you want more control over saltiness.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a little saltiness; I sometimes use tamari for gluten-free.
Ground ginger: Brings a subtle warmth that brightens the sauce without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Convenient and consistent garlic flavor throughout.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is ideal, but pre-ground works fine too.
Brown sugar: Balances the salt and tang with a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end for that perfect silky finish.
Cold water: Used to make a smooth slurry with cornstarch so no lumps form.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe my own depending on what’s in my kitchen or the mood we’re in. You can easily swap or add veggies and adjust seasonings to match your taste buds!

Adding Mushrooms: My family adores throwing sliced mushrooms into the crockpot for a meaty texture and earthiness.
Using Different Peppers: Try yellow or orange bell peppers for a sweeter twist and a pop of color.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno if you like some heat.
Low-Sodium Swap: Use low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce, then adjust salt at the end to keep flavors balanced.
Thickening Alternatives: If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch works just as well for thickening.

How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your round steak into thin strips – I like slicing against the grain to keep the meat tender and easy to chew. Then, slice your green and red bell peppers and onion thick enough so they hold some texture after hours in the crockpot. Toss all of those right into the slow cooker. It’s so satisfying watching those colorful veggies spread over the beef before the magic begins.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth

Sprinkle the ground ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar evenly over the beef and veggies. Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth next. I usually give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors without disrupting the layering too much. This helps the steak soak in all those awesome tastes as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to low for 5 to 6 hours (or high for 2.5 to 3 if you’re in a hurry). You’ll start to notice the amazing aroma as everything simmers gently. That slow cooking time is what gets the steak beautifully tender without drying it out. Don’t rush this part—you’ll be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the steak is cooked through, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into your crockpot. I usually crank the heat to high and let it cook for another 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens nicely. This step transforms your dish from soupe-like to that perfect saucy coating you want clinging to each tender strip.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Spoon that luscious pepper steak over a bed of fluffy white rice to sop up all the sauce—trust me, you’ll want every last bit. And then enjoy the compliments rolling in!

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Slice Against the Grain: This simple trick makes your steak so much more tender and enjoyable.
Don’t Skip the Thickening Step: Adding the cornstarch slurry is key for that rich, glossy sauce we all crave.
Use Fresh Bell Peppers: They hold their shape and texture better during slow cooking compared to frozen.
Timing Matters: Avoid overcooking on high settings as it can dry out the beef; low and slow is a safer bet.

How to Serve Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

The dish shows three layers on a black plate: the bottom layer is a bed of fluffy white rice with a soft texture, the middle layer has bright green and red cooked bell peppers that look tender and shiny, and the top layer is dark brown strips of cooked beef covered with white sesame seeds and small pieces of green onion scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture with a pair of dark chopsticks resting near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Pepper Steak, slow cooker beef dinner, easy crockpot recipes, hearty beef and bell peppers, comfort food slow cooker

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some chopped fresh green onions on top or a few cilantro leaves—they brighten the dish and add a fresh pop of color. A little toasted sesame seed sprinkle also adds a nice nutty crunch if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This pepper steak pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, but I sometimes switch it up with jasmine or brown rice for a nuttier flavor. A side of simple stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad also balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe over garlic fried rice with a fried egg on top, turning it into a kind of deluxe weeknight feast. You can also scoop it into warm tortillas for a fusion-style pepper steak taco that’s fun and unexpected.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next day’s lunch tastes even better! Just cool it to room temp before refrigerating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion out the pepper steak into freezer-safe containers and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want a quick dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat—super convenient for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce heats evenly. If it seems too thick after chilling, just splash in a bit of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe?

Round steak is my go-to because it’s affordable and becomes tender when sliced thin and slow-cooked properly. You can also try sirloin tips or flank steak if you prefer, but remember slicing against the grain for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Absolutely! You can brown the steak strips first in a skillet, then simmer the peppers, onions, broth, and seasonings together on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until tender. Stir in the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce.
How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

Slicing thinly against the grain and cooking low and slow in the crockpot ensures tender beef. Avoid cooking on high for longer than recommended, as this can dry out the meat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check that your beef broth and other seasoning ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Mushrooms, snap peas, or even zucchini can be great additions. Add them depending on their cooking time; sturdier veggies go in early, delicate ones closer to the end.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s comforting, easy, and gets better with every bite. I hope you’ll make it your own and enjoy sharing it just like I do with my family. Once you’ve got this in your slow cooker rotation, busy days won’t feel so tricky. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!