Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe – Easy and Tender Dinner

Tender, flavorful, and filled with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors, Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner with restaurant-quality results. This easy slow cooker dish features melt-in-your-mouth beef strips simmered with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-ginger sauce that develops deep, rich flavor over hours of gentle cooking. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and has everyone eagerly waiting for dinner.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—fork-tender beef, crisp-tender peppers, and a glossy sauce that coats everything perfectly. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weekday or feeding a hungry family, this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is as effortless to make as it is delicious. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice with optional toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes for a colorful, customizable meal that tastes like takeout made better at home.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Set it in the morning and come home to a ready-made dinner—perfect for busy schedules.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef that become incredibly tender through slow cooking.
• Better than takeout: All the flavors you love from Chinese restaurants, but healthier and more economical.
• Meal prep superstar: Make a large batch and enjoy throughout the week with different sides and variations.
• Family-approved: The sweet and savory sauce appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

6-Quart Slow Cooker or Crockpot
This is essential for the recipe. The large capacity allows all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding, ensuring tender meat and properly cooked vegetables.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For slicing beef against the grain and cutting vegetables into uniform strips for even cooking.

Mixing Bowls (2 medium sizes)
One for preparing the sauce mixture, another for tossing the beef with cornstarch before adding to the crockpot.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision is important—especially for the soy sauce, sugar, and seasonings that create the signature flavor.

Tongs or Large Spoon
Perfect for stirring and serving the finished Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe without breaking apart the tender beef.

Whisk
Essential for mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly and for incorporating the cornstarch slurry at the end.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and efficient.

Preparation Tips

• Slice beef against the grain into thin strips—this ensures maximum tenderness in the finished dish.
• Pat meat dry before coating with cornstarch to help it brown better and thicken the sauce more effectively.
• Cut vegetables uniformly so they cook at the same rate—aim for similar-sized strips.
• Layer ingredients properly in the crockpot: beef on the bottom, vegetables on top prevents overcooking.
• Don’t lift the lid during cooking—each peek releases heat and adds 15-20 minutes to cooking time.
• Thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry for that glossy, restaurant-style coating.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving perfect texture and maximum flavor in your Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe.

Ingredients for This Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold, satisfying Asian-style dish to life. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe both accessible and convenient.

For the Beef & Vegetables:

• 2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced into thin strips against the grain
• 3 large bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), cut into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced into half-moons
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating beef)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for browning)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Thickening (Added at End):

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro
• Red chili flakes
• Crispy fried onions
• Lime wedges

Everything in this list balances sweet, savory, and umami—the slow-cooked beef absorbs all these flavors beautifully. The toppings are optional but add freshness and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the sliced beef dry with paper towels. Place the beef strips in a bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This step helps create a velvety texture and thickens the sauce as the Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe cooks.

Optional: For extra flavor, quickly brown the beef in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to the crockpot. This step is optional but adds depth.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, water, brown sugar, tomato paste, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar and tomato paste are completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot

Place the coated beef strips in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger over the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring all pieces are coated.

Top with the sliced bell peppers and onions. Do not stir—layering this way prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy while ensuring the beef gets maximum flavor exposure.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the vegetables should be crisp-tender when done. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gently stir the contents of the crockpot, then pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring.

Re-cover and cook on HIGH for the final 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, coating consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or sugar if needed.

Serve the Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe hot over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred base. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or chili flakes as desired.

Notes

Beef Selection: Flank steak is ideal for this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe, but sirloin, chuck roast, or even stew meat work beautifully—just adjust cooking time for tougher cuts.

Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and variety.

Sauce Adjustments: For a sweeter profile, increase brown sugar. For more tang, add extra rice vinegar. Taste and customize to your preference.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting beef with the grain: This makes the meat tough and chewy. Always slice against the grain for tender, pull-apart results.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Adding peppers at the start can make them mushy. If you prefer crunchier vegetables, add them during the last 1-2 hours.
• Not coating the beef: Skipping the cornstarch coating results in less tender meat and a thinner, less flavorful sauce.
• Lifting the lid too often: Every time you peek, you add 15-20 minutes to cooking time. Trust the process and keep it covered.
• Skipping the final thickening step: The cornstarch slurry at the end is crucial for that glossy, restaurant-quality sauce consistency.
• Using too much liquid: The vegetables release moisture as they cook. Too much liquid at the start makes the sauce watery.
• Not slicing beef thinly enough: Thick chunks won’t become as tender. Aim for strips about ¼-inch thick.
• Forgetting to taste before serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end—slow cooking can mellow flavors.

What to Serve With Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe?

This flavorful and hearty beef dish is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can transform it into a complete Asian-inspired feast. Whether you’re going traditional or creative, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Steamed White or Jasmine Rice
Fluffy rice is the classic pairing that soaks up every drop of that savory, glossy sauce from the Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe.

Lo Mein or Chow Mein Noodles
Soft or crispy noodles add texture variety and make the meal even more filling and satisfying.

Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb alternative that’s light, healthy, and lets the beef and peppers shine as the stars.

Egg Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into something special with scrambled eggs, peas, and a splash of soy sauce.

Asian Cucumber Salad
Cool, crisp cucumbers in rice vinegar with sesame seeds provide a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.

Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy
Simple steamed greens with a drizzle of sesame oil complement without competing with the main dish.

Vegetable Spring Rolls
Light and crispy, these make a perfect appetizer or side that keeps the Asian theme going strong.

Fortune Cookies or Mango Sticky Rice (for dessert)
End the meal with a sweet Asian-inspired treat that balances the savory richness perfectly.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring an authentic takeout-style experience to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the beef and vegetables cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium-high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	22g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugar	12g
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	3g
Unsaturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	780mg

This dish delivers a protein-packed meal with balanced nutrition—perfect for a satisfying dinner that fuels your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep all ingredients the night before, store them separately in the fridge, then combine them in the crockpot in the morning for effortless cooking.

2. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast, sirloin, or even stew meat work well. Tougher cuts actually benefit from the long, slow cooking and become incredibly tender.

3. Is this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild with optional red pepper flakes for heat. You can easily adjust the spice level or omit it entirely for kids.

4. Can I make it in an Instant Pot instead?
Definitely. Use the “Meat/Stew” function and pressure cook on high for 20-25 minutes, then do a natural release for best results.

5. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem. This can be made on the stovetop in a Dutch oven—simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until beef is tender.

6. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course. Mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or water chestnuts are all excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables at the start, delicate ones during the last hour.

7. How do I prevent the beef from being tough?
Always slice against the grain, don’t skip the cornstarch coating, and ensure you cook long enough—the low and slow method is key.

8. Can I make this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free certified.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is the ultimate combination of convenience and incredible flavor—all achieved with minimal effort in your slow cooker. With its tender beef, vibrant peppers, and savory-sweet sauce, it’s everything you love about Asian takeout, made healthier and easier at home.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with endless customization options for vegetables and heat levels, it never gets boring. So grab your crockpot and make dinner something everyone will love.