Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals
Description
This Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a comforting, savory, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with tender strips of sirloin steak, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a hands-off meal that delivers all the satisfaction of takeout-style beef stir-fry—without the hassle. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, making it perfect for busy families or relaxed weekend dinners. Just serve it over rice or noodles, and dinner is done!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (use any color – red and green look great together!)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce – low-sodium if preferred
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – for a touch of sweetness
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Crock Pot:
Place the thinly sliced sirloin steak, bell peppers, and onion directly into the crock pot. Spread the vegetables out evenly among the meat. - Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves and no lumps of cornstarch remain. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot. Use a spoon to gently mix or press down so everything is coated in the sauce. - Slow Cook:
- Cook on Low for 6–8 hours if you’re prepping in the morning.
- Or cook on High for 3–4 hours if you need dinner ready sooner.
The meat should be very tender, and the sauce thickened.
- Serve:
Spoon the pepper steak and sauce over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce if you like heat.
- Make It Sweeter: Prefer a sweet-and-savory flavor? Add a tablespoon of honey or hoisin sauce to the soy mixture.
- Meat Options: Sirloin is ideal, but flank steak or round steak also work well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Noodle Lover’s Dream: Pair with rice noodles or lo mein for a stir-fry-style twist.
Storage
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.