Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Crockpot Pepper Steak is a hands-off, flavorful dish inspired by Chinese cuisine that’s perfect for busy days. With tender strips of sirloin slow-cooked alongside vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce, it’s hearty comfort food that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. This recipe has become a go-to when I want something easy but satisfying, especially on days when I don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

I first tried this during a weekend when I needed a hearty dinner with zero fuss, and now it’s one of my family’s favorite regular meals. The aroma fills the house in the best way, making everyone eager to eat.

Ingredients

• Two pounds beef sirloin strips: for tender and flavorful meat look for good marbling
• Three large colorful bell peppers: sliced thick for sweetness and crunch choose firm and bright peppers
• One large onion: sliced to add natural sweetness and depth to the dish
• Three garlic cloves: for aroma and classic savory notes fresh is best
• Three quarters cup hot beef broth: which melds the flavors and keeps the beef moist
• Three beef bouillon cubes: to amplify the beefy richness crush well
• Quarter cup soy sauce: offering salty umami use low sodium if preferred
• Two teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: for tangy, complex depth
• Two tablespoons honey: to balance savory flavors with a touch of sweetness
• One teaspoon ground ginger: to add subtle warmth and spice
• Half teaspoon black pepper: for slight heat and aromatics
• Half teaspoon salt: to season
• Two tablespoons cornstarch or flour: to thicken the sauce cornstarch will give a glossy finish

Instructions

Make the sauce:

Combine hot beef broth, bouillon cubes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, ground ginger, black pepper, salt and cornstarch or flour in a mixing glass. Stir well crushing the bouillon cubes.

Assemble in slow cooker:

Place beef strips into the slow cooker. Pour sauce on top. Add peppers onions and garlic on top of the beef.

Cook:

Set to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. If possible stir the ingredients halfway through.

Finish and serve:

When finished stir well and transfer to a serving dish. Serve over rice or noodles or as a side with mashed or baked potatoes.

The combination of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce creates a unique flavor punch that makes this dish memorable at the dinner table. I always find myself going back for seconds because the beef is so tender and the peppers stay pleasant and crisp enough to provide texture contrast.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the tenderness of the beef and avoid overcooking the peppers.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have beef sirloin strips, flank steak or skirt steak sliced thin can work well. You can replace beef broth and bouillon cubes with mushroom broth for a different flavor twist. Cornstarch can be swapped for arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour if needed.

Serving suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. Thin egg noodles or wide rice noodles make a lovely base too. For a lowcarb option, cauliflower rice or sautéed greens pair nicely.

Enjoy this easy, flavorful slow cooker pepper steak that makes weeknights simple and satisfying.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef sirloin strips or sirloin steak slices are ideal as they become tender during slow cooking without drying out.

→ Can I use fresh broth instead of bouillon cubes?

Yes, substituting beef broth for bouillon cubes enhances the natural richness of the sauce while maintaining its savory profile.

→ Is it necessary to stir the ingredients while cooking?

Stirring halfway through helps distribute the sauce and flavors evenly, though it's optional for slow cook settings.

→ What vegetables are used in this preparation?

Sliced colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves provide sweetness and aroma, complementing the beef beautifully.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

The cornstarch or flour mixed into the sauce before cooking helps thicken it; you can adjust the amount or simmer longer to achieve desired thickness.

→ What are suggested serving options?

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