Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak

 

Tender, savory, and effortlessly delicious, this Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Juicy beef strips simmer with sweet bell peppers and a rich, savory sauce until they're melt-in-your-mouth tender. It's a guaranteed family favorite that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours on Low, or 3-4 hours on High

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced into ½-inch thick strips

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Seasoning & Sauce:

• 1 cup beef broth

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles

• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended):

• Pat the beef strips dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef strips for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. This step adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the final dish. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.

2. Combine in the Slow Cooker:

• Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the slow cooker on top of the beef.

• In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection:

• Gently stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking on HIGH until the sauce has thickened.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.