Crock Pot Pepper Steak – Easy Crockpot Recipes for a Flavorful Dinner 2025

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, then this Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation.

Savory, tender strips of beef are slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce with sweet bell peppers and onions. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dish that works well for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, or even meal prep. Best of all, it’s a “set it and forget it” recipe—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work.

This dish combines the deep, umami richness of soy sauce and Worcestershire with the natural sweetness of bell peppers. Serve it over fluffy rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for the Best Flavor

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a classic crock pot pepper steak that’s bursting with flavor:

Protein

2 pounds beef sirloin or round steak – Thinly sliced against the grain. Choose lean, well-marbled cuts that become tender with slow cooking.

Vegetables

1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 large onion – Sliced; adds savory sweetness.

Sauce Base

3 tablespoons soy sauce – Use low-sodium if preferred.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and tang.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice – Adds acidity and body to the sauce.
1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth or beef consommé – The base of the cooking liquid.

Thickening Agent

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water – Mixed to make a slurry for thickening.

To Serve

Cooked white or brown rice – Optional but recommended.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

3. How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Slice Your Ingredients

Slice the beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain.
Slice bell peppers and onion into similar-sized strips.

Step 2: Load the Crockpot

Place the sliced beef, bell peppers, and onions into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together:

Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Ground ginger
Black pepper
Diced tomatoes with juice
Beef broth or consommé

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Low: 6–7 hours
High: 3–4 hours

Beef should be fork-tender, and vegetables will be soft but not mushy.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
Stir it into the crockpot and turn heat to high for 30 more minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the pepper steak over cooked rice and garnish with parsley.

4. Why This is the Best Easy Crockpot Dinner

Here’s why this dish consistently ranks among top slow cooker recipes:

✅ Minimal Prep: Chop, pour, and cook. That’s it.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of meat and pantry staples.
✅ Family-Friendly: A hit with picky eaters and adults alike.
✅ Flexible: Make it spicy, sweet, tangy—or all three!
✅ Cleans Up Easy: One-pot meals mean fewer dishes.
✅ Meal Prep Magic: Tastes even better the next day!

5. Flavor Boosters and Substitutions

Looking to elevate or adapt this dish? Try these options:

Add brown sugar (1 tsp) for a touch of sweetness.
Splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy contrast.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for deeper flavor.
Swap soy sauce for tamari for gluten-free diets.
Use crushed tomatoes or tomato paste for a thicker sauce base.
Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.

6. Smart Tips for Cooking Beef in a Crockpot

✅ Use Lean Cuts

Too much fat can make the sauce greasy. Sirloin, round steak, or flank steak work well.

✅ Slice Against the Grain

This ensures tender bites even after slow cooking.

✅ Don’t Overcook

Yes, crockpots are forgiving—but even beef can dry out if left too long on high.

✅ Don’t Skip the Slurry

The cornstarch mixture makes the sauce glossy and rich, just like a takeout-style dish.

7. Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Meal Prep Ideas

This recipe is a meal prep hero. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

Make-Ahead Tips:

Prep all ingredients the night before and store in the fridge in a large zip bag.
In the morning, dump everything into the crockpot and cook.

Freezing Instructions:

Cooked pepper steak freezes beautifully.
Store in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Label with the date and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Meal Prep Tip:

Portion into individual containers with rice for ready-to-go lunches or dinners.

8. Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fridge:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezer:

Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat fully before serving.

Important Tip:

Store rice separately to avoid sogginess.

9. Variations to Try for a New Twist

Want to shake things up? Try these exciting twists:

Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Sweet and Sour Style: Mix in pineapple chunks and a dash of rice vinegar.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.
Tex-Mex Inspired: Add chili powder and cumin; serve with black beans.
Asian Fusion: Add hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and snow peas in the last hour.

10. What to Serve with Pepper Steak

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides:

Starches: White or brown rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.
Veggies: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad.
Bread: Crusty rolls or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Drinks: Iced tea, light red wine, or sparkling water with lemon.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Not ideal for this recipe—ground beef will crumble and change the texture. However, for an alternative recipe, try crockpot ground beef stroganoff or chili.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but they may become softer than fresh ones. Add them in the last 2 hours for better texture.

Can I cook it overnight?

You can, but consider using a programmable slow cooker to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

Use a mix of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.

Can I add rice directly to the crockpot?

Not recommended, as it can become overcooked and mushy. Cook rice separately for best results.

12. Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food Classic

Crock Pot Pepper Steak is more than just another slow cooker meal—it’s comfort food at its finest. The savory beef, colorful peppers, and velvety sauce hit all the right notes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone craving a cozy dinner, this dish delivers every single time.

It’s incredibly versatile, requires minimal prep, and is budget-friendly. Most importantly, it tastes even better than takeout—with fewer additives and more heart. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

13. Full Printable Recipe Card