Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This slow cooker pepper steak delivers deep, savory flavors with minimal effort. It's the kind of meal that simmers gently all day, filling your kitchen with a cozy aroma and results in tender beef and vibrant peppers just bursting with taste. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without standing over the stove.

I first made this during a hectic week, and the leftovers lasted beautifully, making it a staple in my meal rotation. It quickly became a favorite in the family because of its simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients

• Beef sirloin strips: tender and lean, they soften beautifully with slow cooking
• Colorful bell peppers: provide sweetness and crunch, plus a pop of color
• Onion: adds natural sweetness and depth— choose firm, fresh onions for best flavor
• Garlic cloves: for that essential pungent kick— fresh is always better than pre—minced
• Beef broth: the base for the sauce, enhancing the beefy richness— opt for low sodium if possible
• Beef bouillon cubes: intensify the beef flavor— crush well to dissolve evenly
• Soy sauce: delivers saltiness and umami— use a good quality brand for best results
• Worcestershire sauce: adds tang and complexity
• Honey: brings a touch of sweetness and helps to balance savory flavors
• Ground ginger: adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the other ingredients
• Black pepper: fresh ground for a bit of sharp heat
• Salt: balances flavors— adjust to taste
• Cornstarch or flour: thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency

Instructions

Make the Sauce:

Combine hot beef broth with the crushed beef bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and cornstarch or flour in a mixing glass or bowl. Stir vigorously until the bouillon cubes dissolve completely and the mixture is smooth. This creates a flavorful, thickening sauce that will coat the beef and vegetables beautifully.

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

Place the beef strips at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef to cover it well. Layer the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves on top of the beef and sauce. This arrangement ensures that the beef cooks evenly and the vegetables stay tender but not mushy.

Set Cooking Time:

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. If you can, give the mixture a gentle stir halfway through cooking to keep everything coated with sauce and distribute the flavors more evenly.

Finish and Serve:

Once cooking time is complete, stir the pepper steak thoroughly to combine the flavors and check the consistency of the sauce. If it needs thickening, you can turn the slow cooker on HIGH and cook uncovered for 10—15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside mashed or baked potatoes for a comforting meal.

What I love most about this recipe is how the slow cooker transforms the beef into melt—in—your—mouth tender bites while the bell peppers add freshness with every forkful. This dish has been a hit in family dinners where everyone eagerly asks for seconds around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the texture of the meat and vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have sirloin strips, flank steak or skirt steak cut into strips works well. You can replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for similar sweetness. Cornstarch can be swapped with arrowroot or all—purpose flour as a thickener.

Serving Suggestions

For an authentic touch, serve this over steamed jasmine or basmati rice. It’s equally delicious with egg noodles or even mashed potatoes. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions or sesame seeds before serving to brighten the dish.

This slow cooker pepper steak is an easy, flavorful weeknight winner that reheats well as leftovers.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Sirloin steak strips are ideal as they become tender during slow cooking and absorb the sauce well.

→ Can I use other types of peppers?

Yes, bell peppers of any color work wonderfully, adding sweetness and texture to the dish.

→ How long should it cook on low setting?

Cooking on low for about 6 hours ensures the beef becomes tender and flavors meld perfectly.

→ Is it possible to thicken the sauce more?

Yes, adjusting the amount of cornstarch or flour before cooking helps create a thicker sauce.

→ What are good serving options for this meal?

Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside mashed or baked potatoes for a complete, hearty meal.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely, flavors develop even more after resting, making it great for preparing in advance.