If you have a craving for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender strips of flank steak mingling with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all simmered slowly to perfection in a savory soy and Worcestershire sauce blend. It’s a dish that balances sweet, spicy, and umami notes beautifully, making dinner both effortless and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings simple ingredients together into a satisfying classic that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for building layers of taste, texture, and color in the dish. Each component plays a role in creating that signature rich and tender flavor, from the juicy flank steak to the colorful mix of bell peppers.
- 680 grams flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced into strips for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow): Sliced to add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- 1 medium onion: Sliced for subtle sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
- 60 milliliters soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness.
- 60 milliliters beef broth: Adds meaty depth and moisture.
- 30 milliliters Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy complexity to the sauce.
- 8 grams cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 15 milliliters water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For that essential peppery kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a pinch of heat if you like a little spice.
- 30 milliliters olive oil: Used to sear the steak, locking in flavor and juices.
How to Make Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the thinly sliced steak strips, just 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside. This step locks in the meat’s juices and adds incredible flavor through caramelization, but don’t cook the steak fully here—let the slow cooker finish the job.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker and add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Gently stir everything together so the flavors begin mingling, setting the stage for slow cooking magic.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer tenderizes the steak wonderfully and lets the vegetables soften while soaking up all those savory juices. It’s the kind of slow cooking that turns simple ingredients into a soulful meal.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for the remaining time, allowing the sauce to thicken to a luscious, glossy finish that coats every bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened, your Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Serve the dish piping hot over steamed rice or noodles so the sauce can soak into every forkful. This final step is where the whole meal comes together beautifully on the plate.
How to Serve Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a few sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro also adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the savory sauce like a dream. If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, consider a crunchy Asian slaw or lightly sautéed bok choy to keep things light and fresh alongside the tender steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe in warm lettuce cups to add crunch and a fresh element. You could also pile it atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutrient-packed variation. The vibrant bell peppers add such color that you can just garnish with extra pepper strips for a festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen after a day, making for an even tastier meal later on. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to prevent any texture loss.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in storage. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover the dish and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best because they slice thin and cook quickly, you can also try skirt steak or even a lean chuck roast if sliced thinly. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure tenderness.
Do I have to sear the steak before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but highly recommended because it adds depth of flavor and a smoky richness you won’t get by skipping this step. It helps lock in juices and gives the finished dish a beautiful color and aroma.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce with a splash of vinegar or a bit of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar tangy complexity. Just adjust the amount slightly to suit your taste.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it milder?
This Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe has a gentle peppery heat, mainly from black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. To keep it mild, simply leave out the red pepper flakes or use less. You can always add spice later when serving if you want more kick.
How thick will the sauce be?
Thanks to the cornstarch slurry added at the end, the sauce becomes nicely thickened—glossy enough to cling to the steak and veggies without being gluey. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use less cornstarch or skip the thickening step entirely.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about slow-cooked dishes that come together with minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. This Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly, with tender meat, vibrant veggies, and a sauce that ties it all together beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it out and discover just how easily this recipe can become one of your family’s favorites!
Print
Pepper Steak Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepper Steak Slow Cooker recipe offers tender slices of flank steak combined with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, Worcestershire, and aromatic spices. The slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables maintain a hearty texture, making it a perfect, easy-to-prepare meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat
- 680 grams flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
Vegetables
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Liquids
- 60 milliliters soy sauce
- 60 milliliters beef broth
- 30 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
- 30 milliliters olive oil
Thickening Agent
- 8 grams cornstarch
- 15 milliliters water
Spices
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked to lock in flavors.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared steak to the Crock Pot. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the steak to become tender and the vegetables to soften but still hold texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook uncovered to thicken the sauce to a nice consistency.
- Serve: Once thickened and flavorful, serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles as a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sear the steak quickly to avoid overcooking before slow cooking.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or another tender cut for best results.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
