Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

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Tender beef, peppers, and a savory sauce are combined in this delicious slow cooker pepper steak recipe. It's perfect for a hassle-free dinner.

A bowl of rice with steak pieces and peppers in front of a slow cooker.

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Craving a delicious and hassle-free meal? This mouthwatering dish combines tender steak pieces, vibrant peppers, and savory flavors, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker.

With this recipe, you can create a flavorful masterpiece for dinner in just a few simple steps. So say goodbye to long hours spent in the kitchen and hello to the convenience of a slow cooker. Just add some fluffy rice to serve with this delicious crockpot pepper steak for a no-stress meal on busy days.

Reasons to Love

Convenience. The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Just set it up in the morning, and you'll return to a fully cooked, flavorful meal in the evening.
Tender Meat. Slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender. The low and slow method breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in juicy and succulent pepper steak.
Enhanced Flavor. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and intensify, creating a rich and delicious taste in the pepper steak.

Ingredients

This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. As these items slowly meld together in the slow cooker, they create a blend of flavors that combine beautifully with the tender steak and vibrant peppers

Here's what you'll need to make the recipe:

steak (round steak, flank steak, or sirloin)
red bell pepper
onion
cumin powder
tomato paste
unsalted beef stock or water
bay leaves
fresh thyme
salt and black pepper

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

You'll need to slice the steak and the vegetables before placing them in the Crock Pot. Preparing the meat by thinly slicing it against the grain will help ensure tenderness once it's cooked in the slow cooker.

A crock pot filled with beef and onions.

Spread the peppers and onions over the bottom of your slow cooker. Place steak over the vegetables.

A glass measuring cup with a beef broth mixture in it.

In a medium bowl, mix together the cumin powder, tomato paste with salt, pepper and beef stock, or water. Taste before adding salt if your beef stock is salted.

A crock pot filled with cut steak and herbs.

Pour sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves and thyme brunches.

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until beef cubes are tender. Check seasoning during the last hour. Add a splash of more stock or water if sauce reduced too much.

Remove thyme brunches and bay leaves. Sprinkle extra fresh thyme leaves and serve, pouring the gravy on top of the steak cubes.

Hint: Thinly slice the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps the meat absorb the flavors more effectively and results in a tender and flavorful dish.

Variations

Looking to put a new twist on your slow cooker pepper steak? There are plenty of easy ways to customize this dish.

Spicy - adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the recipe.
Garlic - toss in some minced garlic for extra flavor
Vegetables - experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to give the dish a unique touch.
Protein - swap out the traditional beef for chicken or tofu to create a lighter version of this hearty meal.
Traditional - add a tablespoon or two of soy sauce and omit the cumin. You can also add a dash or two or Worcestershire sauce

Check out my easy beef stew recipe, too. It can easily be adapted for the slow cooker.

Tips

Top tip: Taste the sauce before starting the slow cooking process and during cooking. You may need to add more salt and pepper.

Sear the beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
You can thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry. Mix ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of water and stir into the sauce.
Try this recipe with a less expensive cut of beef like stew meat. It will become tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
You can use an Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process. Meat that is cooked under pressure also comes out tender without the wait of slow cooking.

A spoon is being used to pour sauce over pepper steak on rice.

Serving suggestions

I find this dish is best served over rice for a satisfying meal. The light and fluffy texture of regular white rice perfectly complements the rich flavors of tender beef and vibrant pepper in this dish.

For a healthier twist, you can also pair it with quinoa or cauliflower rice to add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to your meal. If you're looking for a heartier option, serving the pepper steak over mashed potatoes or egg noodles will provide a comforting meal as well. You can even learn how to make Chinese noodles to serve it on.

Storage

Once the dish has cooled down, transfer it into an airtight container to prevent any air exposure. This will help preserve the flavors and prevent the meat from drying out. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

When reheating leftover slow cooker pepper steak, make sure to do so gently to avoid overcooking the meat. You can reheat it in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven at a low temperature. Adding a splash of beef broth or water while reheating can help keep the meat moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I make it without bell pepper?

Certainly! If you dislike bell pepper, substitute it with other vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or zucchini. Feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to suit your taste.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Slow cooker pepper steak freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! If you're feeding a larger crowd or simply want leftovers for future meals, feel free to double (or even triple) the ingredients in the recipe. Just make sure that your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients.

A bowl of rice with slow cooker pepper steak over it.

Related Recipes

Want to try some of my other slow cooker meal ideas for one or two people?

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