Ingredients

  • 1½ to 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
  • 3 bell peppers (red, green, and/or yellow), sliced into strips
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for balance)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions or sesame seeds

Directions

1. Recipe Overview

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a comforting, hearty dish known for its tender beef, rich savory sauce, and colorful vegetables. This recipe is designed to be dependable, flavorful, and easy—perfect for busy days and make-ahead meals.

2. Why the Slow Cooker Works

Using a slow cooker allows the beef to gently break down over time, resulting in exceptionally tender meat. The low, steady heat also helps the sauce develop deep, well-rounded flavor.

3. Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Sirloin and flank steak are ideal choices. When sliced thinly against the grain, these cuts become tender without losing their beefy texture during long cooking.

4. Preparing the Beef

Place the sliced beef in a bowl and toss lightly with cornstarch. This step helps thicken the sauce naturally as the dish cooks and coats the beef for better flavor absorption.

5. Optional Browning Step

For added depth of flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and briefly brown the beef in batches. This step is optional but adds a richer, more complex taste.

6. Vegetable Preparation

Slice the bell peppers and onion into uniform strips. Even sizing ensures they cook evenly and maintain a pleasant texture rather than becoming overly soft.

7. Layering in the Slow Cooker

Add the beef to the slow cooker first, followed by onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Proper layering allows the beef to stay moist while the vegetables soften gradually.

8. Mixing the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. This sauce forms the backbone of the dish, balancing savory and slightly sweet notes.

9. Adding the Sauce

Pour the sauce evenly over the contents of the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

10. Cooking Time

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

11. Stirring During Cooking

If possible, stir once halfway through cooking to redistribute flavors. If not, the dish will still cook evenly.

12. Texture and Sauce Consistency

As the dish cooks, the cornstarch will gently thicken the sauce. If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

13. Final Taste Adjustment

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add additional black pepper or a small splash of soy sauce if needed.

14. Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is traditionally served over steamed white rice, brown rice, egg noodles, or chow mein. The sauce pairs beautifully with any starch that absorbs flavor.

15. Family-Friendly Appeal

This dish is mild, comforting, and approachable, making it a consistent family favorite. The tender beef and savory sauce appeal to both adults and kids.

16. Make-Ahead Convenience

Pepper steak is ideal for meal prep. It can be made a day in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated without losing flavor or texture.

17. Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.

18. Reheating Tips

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a small splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

19. Customization Options

You may add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables. Adjust soy sauce quantities to suit your sodium preference.

20. Nutritional Balance

This dish provides protein-rich beef and vitamin-packed bell peppers. Pairing it with whole grains can help create a balanced, satisfying meal.

21. Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This slow cooker pepper steak consistently delivers tender meat and bold flavor with minimal effort. It is dependable enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

22. Ideal for Busy Schedules

Once assembled, the slow cooker does the work, freeing you up while still delivering a home-cooked meal.

23. Presentation Tip

Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds just before serving for a polished, restaurant-style finish.