Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

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Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Few meals can rival the deep, savory aroma and tender texture of a homemade Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dish with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that fills your home with incredible fragrance and satisfies every craving, this slow cooker classic is the answer.

This dish is not only delicious — it’s budget-friendly, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight family dinners. With a base of beef sirloin, sweet bell peppers, and savory stewed tomatoes, the flavors marry beautifully after hours of slow cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

  • 🍴 Tender sirloin beef that falls apart with your fork
  • 🕒 Set-it-and-forget-it convenience — perfect for busy weekdays
  • 🌶️ Colorful bell peppers and onions for added texture and nutrients
  • 🍅 Tomato-based sauce rich with flavor and depth
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Loved by adults and kids alike — great over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Here’s what you need to bring this savory, slow-cooked masterpiece to life:

  • 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced (use red, green, or a mix for color and flavor)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained

Optional for Added Flavor:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (for umami and salt balance)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening the sauce)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Lightly season the sliced sirloin with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned — this step locks in flavor and improves texture.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in small batches for best results.

🍲 2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add:

  • Sliced onion
  • Bell peppers
  • Can of stewed tomatoes (with juice)

Pour in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce if using. Gently stir to combine everything.

⏱️ 3. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook:

  • On Low for 6–7 hours
  • Or on High for 3–4 hours

The beef will become tender and flavorful, and the vegetables will be soft, but not mushy.

🥣 4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water.
  • Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will gently thicken into a luscious gravy-like consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed white or jasmine rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles or fettuccine
  • Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb version)
  • A simple green salad or sautéed green beans for added freshness

Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions for a pop of color and brightness.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

✅ Choose the Right Cut of Beef

Use sirloin, flank steak, or round steak for best results. These cuts become ultra-tender in the slow cooker.

✅ Customize the Veggies

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even baby carrots for more variety.

✅ Make it Spicy

Add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño to bring on the heat.

✅ Prep Ahead

You can slice the veggies and beef the night before, then just dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning.

Storage and Reheating

🧊 Storage:

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheating:

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

❄️ Freezing:

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Slow cooking breaks down the fibers in the beef, making it tender and juicy. The combination of bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and simple seasonings creates a rich, naturally sweet, and savory sauce that clings to every bite. This is comfort food at its finest — and it practically cooks itself.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s rustic, rich, and ready to impress — all with minimal prep.

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