Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Slow cooker pepper steak enhances ordinary beef into a mouthwatering meal that captures hearts and appetites with minimal kitchen effort.

Tender strips of meat bathe in a rich, savory sauce that promises comfort and satisfaction.

This classic dish combines robust flavors and delicate textures in a harmonious culinary experience.

The magic happens when carefully selected spices meld with succulent proteins, creating a symphony of taste that elevates home cooking.

Hearty and filling, this recipe offers a delightful solution for busy families seeking a nourishing dinner without complex preparation.

Korean and Asian culinary influences shine through in the balanced blend of ingredients that make this dish truly special.

Every bite promises a delectable journey through layers of carefully crafted flavor profiles that will leave you craving more.

What Makes Slow Cooker Pepper Steak So Easy

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: Slow cooking transforms tough beef into incredibly soft, juicy meat that practically falls apart with each bite, making this recipe a champion for creating melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
• Dump-and-Go Convenience: This hands-off recipe requires minimal prep work, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy your day, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Wonder: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly coats the beef and vegetables, delivering a restaurant-quality meal with zero complicated techniques.
• Versatile Comfort Meal: Whether you're craving a cozy family dinner or need a simple weeknight meal, this pepper steak adapts to any occasion, promising a satisfying and hearty dish that everyone will love.

Pepper Steak Ingredients for a Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal

• Beef Steak: Tender cut perfect for slow cooking, choose sirloin or flank steak for best texture and flavor.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch to the dish, select fresh and crisp peppers for maximum flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the meat, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce, use light or dark brown sugar based on preference.
• Beef Broth: Creates liquid base and enhances overall meat flavor, opt for low-sodium versions.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives a glossy finish, ensures a perfect consistency.
• Cold Water: Used to mix with cornstarch for creating a smooth slurry.

• White Rice: Neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce, serves as a classic accompaniment to the pepper steak.

How to Slow Cook Pepper Steak Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Meat and Vegetables

• Place beef strips in the slow cooker
• Add chopped bell peppers
• Add sliced onions

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixture

• Combine seasonings
• Mix in brown sugar
• Pour soy sauce over ingredients

Step 3: Add Liquid Base

• Pour beef broth into slow cooker
• Gently stir all ingredients to blend

Step 4: Slow Cook the Dish

• Cover slow cooker
• Cook on low for 5-6 hours
• Or cook on high for 2.5-3 hours until beef is tender

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

• Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl
• Whisk until smooth
• Pour mixture into slow cooker
• Cook on high for 30-60 minutes

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Spoon tender pepper steak over cooked white rice
• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired

Tips for Tender and Saucy Pepper Steak

• Slice Meat Correctly: Cut beef against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to prevent over-thickening, adding small amounts until desired consistency is reached.
• Select Perfect Beef Cut: Choose chuck or flank steak for optimal flavor and texture in slow cooker preparation.
• Manage Vegetable Texture: Add bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to maintain their crispness and prevent mushiness.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil just before serving to boost the overall taste profile.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pepper Steak

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover pepper steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Freezing: Carefully pack the steak and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pepper steak can be stored for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a quick meal option for busy days.
• Reheating: Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out the meat.

Best Pairings for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

• Pair with Full-Bodied Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak. These wines cut through the meat's richness and enhance the dish's complex seasonings.
• Balance with Crisp Asian-Inspired Salad: Create a light cucumber and green onion salad with rice vinegar dressing to contrast the hearty slow-cooked steak. The fresh, tangy elements will cleanse the palate between bites and add refreshing texture.
• Serve with Garlic Sautéed Green Beans: Prepare crisp green beans quickly sautéed with minced garlic and a touch of sesame oil. This simple vegetable side provides a nutritious accompaniment that matches the Asian-inspired flavor profile of the pepper steak.
• Recommend Jasmine Rice Pairing: Choose fragrant jasmine rice instead of plain white rice to absorb the delicious sauce and add subtle floral undertones. This rice variety elevates the overall dining experience and complements the dish's deep, savory notes.

Pepper Steak Flavor Upgrades to Try

• Spicy Asian Fusion: Add sriracha sauce and ginger for a bold, fiery kick that transforms the original recipe into a zesty meal.
• Herbal Mediterranean Style: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar and incorporate rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan, keeping the same cooking method and seasonings for a plant-based protein alternative.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Slow Cooker Pepper Steak delivers tender beef strips simmered in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Peppers and onions meld seamlessly with juicy meat, creating a comforting Chinese-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) round steak, cut into thin strips

Vegetables:

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thick
• 0.5 onion, sliced thick

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) beef broth
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

1. Arrange tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and sliced onions in the slow cooker, creating a colorful base for this savory dish.
2. Craft a robust marinade by blending rich soy sauce, aromatic seasonings, and a hint of brown sugar, thoroughly coating the meat and vegetable mixture.
3. Pour beef broth into the slow cooker, gently stirring to integrate all ingredients and ensure even distribution of flavors.
4. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic, simmering on low temperature (8 hours per /of meat) or high temperature (4 hours per /of meat) until the beef becomes fork-tender and succulent.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water, creating a smooth slurry to thicken the cooking liquid.
6. Incorporate the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, switching to high heat and cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, glossy consistency.
7. Plate the pepper steak over fluffy white rice, allowing the rich, glossy sauce to cascade over the tender meat and colorful vegetables.

Notes

• Tenderize tough cuts of beef by slow cooking, transforming them into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
• Create a rich, savory sauce using soy sauce and brown sugar that infuses deep flavor into every bite.
• Opt for bell peppers in various colors to add visual appeal and boost nutritional value.
• Cornstarch serves as a natural thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy, restaurant-quality consistency.
• Perfectly pair this hearty dish with fluffy white rice to soak up the delectable sauce.
• Ideal for meal prep, this recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg