Quick Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’re looking for an effortless yet delicious dinner idea, this Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce served over fluffy rice make this dish a family favorite. Best of all, the slow cooker does all the work for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Busy weeknights don’t have to mean sacrificing a homemade dinner. Between school activities, sports practices, and errands, this crockpot recipe is a lifesaver. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to enjoy.

Ingredients for Crockpot Pepper Steak:
Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef strips: Use thinly sliced round steak, cut into strips.
• Bell peppers: Green and red, sliced thick.
• Onion: Thickly sliced.
• Beef broth: For a flavorful base.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
• Ground ginger: For a hint of warmth.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Black pepper: A touch of spice.
• Brown sugar: Balances the savory flavors with sweetness.
• Cornstarch & cold water: For thickening the sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Pepper Steak:
Step 1: Add to the Crockpot
Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, and onions into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the Ingredients
Sprinkle the soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar over the beef and vegetables.

Step 3: Add Beef Broth
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker and gently stir everything together.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the steak is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Make a Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 30-60 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pepper steak over a bed of white rice and enjoy this flavorful meal!

Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak:

• Slice Evenly: Thinly slice the steak into uniform strips for even cooking.
• Avoid Mushy Peppers: Cut the bell peppers into larger strips to maintain their texture while cooking.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Avoid stirring the ingredients while they’re cooking to keep the steak strips intact.
• Low and Slow: Cooking on low ensures the beef becomes tender and flavorful.

Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite:
This Crockpot Pepper Steak and Rice recipe has quickly become a go-to in our household. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just looking for a comforting meal, this dish will make dinner a breeze. Add it to your weekly rotation, and watch how it becomes a family favorite in no time!

Substitutions and Variations for Crockpot Pepper Steak

This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some easy substitutions and creative variations:

Peppers:
While the recipe calls for both green and red bell peppers, it works just as well with only green peppers. Feel free to use what you have—it’ll still turn out delicious.

Onions:
If you’re out of fresh onions, substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of minced dried onions. They’re an easy and flavorful replacement.

Change the Meat:
You can use other cuts of meat based on what you have available. Slice the meat into strips or leave it whole, depending on your preference.

Stir-Fry Option:
For a quicker version, skip the slow cooker! Cook the ingredients in a skillet or wok with olive oil for an easy stir-fry.

Bouillon Cubes:
If you don’t have beef broth, use water with a few bouillon cubes to enhance the flavor.

Mushrooms:
Add mushrooms to the recipe for extra texture and flavor. You can cook them with the steak or sauté them separately and serve them on top.

Red Pepper Flakes:
For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking.

Worcestershire Sauce:
Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to introduce a tangy, savory depth to the dish.

How to Serve Pepper Steak:
There are plenty of delicious ways to serve this pepper steak. Here are some of our favorite options:

• White Rice: Make a large batch of rice in advance and freeze portions to use with recipes like this.
• Brown Rice: A hearty and healthy side that pairs perfectly with the savory sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to the package instructions and serve with the steak, peppers, and sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a low-carb option, pair the steak and peppers with roasted vegetables.
• Quinoa: A high-protein, nutritious base that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Fried Wontons: Serve crispy fried wontons as a fun appetizer alongside your pepper steak meal.

How to Store Leftovers:
Pepper steak tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. Pair the pepper steak with rice and roasted vegetables in meal-prep containers for a ready-to-go lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Can You Freeze Pepper Steak?
Yes! Pepper steak freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, ensuring all air is removed. Properly stored, it will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To Reheat:

• Thaw the frozen pepper steak in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.