Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Onions and Bell Peppers

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delicious, comforting dinner featuring tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions coated in a rich, savory garlic sauce. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while the beef becomes tender and juicy. Serve it over steamed rice for an easy family meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef steak, such as sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. Pat dry with paper towels and season with black pepper and paprika.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional): Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef strips in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.
4. Add the Ingredients: Place the beef strips in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir gently to coat the meat.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the beef is tender. Cooking time will depend on the cut and thickness of the beef.
6. Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the onion during the final 1–2 hours of cooking. This helps them retain some texture instead of becoming too soft.
7. Thicken the Sauce: About 20–30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and cook until the sauce thickens.
8. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce and add a little more soy sauce or black pepper if needed. For a spicy kick, stir in the optional red pepper flakes.
9. Serve: Spoon the pepper steak and vegetables over hot steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Slice against the grain: This helps make the beef easier to chew.
• Choose the right cut: Sirloin offers a leaner option, while flank steak works well when sliced thinly.
• Avoid mushy peppers: Adding the vegetables toward the end of cooking helps preserve their color and texture.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: Mixing cornstarch with cold water first prevents lumps in the sauce.
• Adjust the salt carefully: Soy sauce already contains salt, so taste before adding any extra.

What to Serve with Pepper Steak

This savory beef dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli for a satisfying dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Onions and Bell Peppers is packed with savory flavor, tender beef, and colorful vegetables. With its rich garlic-soy sauce and simple preparation, it’s a comforting homemade dinner the whole family will love!