If you’re looking for a hearty, no-fuss dinner that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma and leaves your family asking for seconds, look no further than Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot. This slow cooker version of the Chinese-American restaurant favorite is easy to prep, packed with tender beef and sweet bell peppers, and simmered in a rich tomato-soy sauce blend that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

With just a few minutes of prep and your crock pot doing the rest, this dish is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even meal prep.

🧾 Ingredients – Bold, Familiar Flavors

This dish comes together with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, turning simple sirloin and vegetables into a savory and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
¾ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
¼ cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

📝 Tip: You can substitute the green peppers with red or yellow for a sweeter flavor and more color variety.

👨‍🍳 Directions – Easy Crock Pot Magic

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hot, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Sprinkle the beef sirloin strips with garlic powder.

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef strips and sear for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned. This locks in flavor and adds a beautiful golden crust.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if needed for better browning.

Once browned, transfer the beef to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Flavor Base

In a small bowl or measuring cup:

Dissolve 1 beef bouillon cube in ¼ cup hot water.
Stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until fully dissolved.

This creates a thickening base for the rich sauce that forms in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Pour the bouillon-cornstarch mixture into the crock pot over the beef.

Add the remaining ingredients:

½ cup chopped onion
2 large chopped green bell peppers
1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Stir gently to combine everything in the crock pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to:

HIGH for 3–4 hours
LOW for 6–8 hours

🍽️ Cooking Tip: The longer it cooks on low, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes. It will soak up the savory sauce and become fork-tender.

🕒 Cooking Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–8 hours (depending on setting)
Total Time: Up to 8 hours (mostly hands-off)
Servings: 4–6

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Pepper steak is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Classic Pairings:

Steamed white rice – the go-to choice for soaking up all the flavorful sauce
Brown rice – for a nutty, fiber-rich option
Mashed potatoes – comfort food vibes with a savory twist
Egg noodles – wide noodles offer a delicious base
Cauliflower rice – for a low-carb alternative

Garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

🔄 Variations & Customizations

Love to switch it up? Try these delicious ideas:

Swap the meat: Use flank steak, round steak, or even boneless chuck roast for slightly different textures
Add veggies: Include mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat
Make it sweet & sour: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar and a splash of rice vinegar

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This dish is fantastic for make-ahead meals!

Store:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Reheat:

Microwave or reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed

Freeze:

Let cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months

🧊 Freezer Tip: Freeze the sauce and beef separately from cooked rice for better texture upon thawing.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pepper Steak

There are so many reasons this dish is a weeknight winner:

✅ One-pot slow cooker ease
✅ Tender beef strips, simmered to perfection
✅ Sweet, savory, and mildly tangy sauce
✅ Great over rice or noodles
✅ Easy to customize and meal prep

Whether you’re a slow-cooking beginner or a busy home cook looking to save time without sacrificing flavor, this recipe delivers in every bite.

💬 What Readers Are Saying

“This pepper steak is SO tender! My husband asked for seconds—and thirds!”
– Angela L.

“I added red bell peppers for color, and it turned out amazing!”
– Carlos T.

“Served it over rice with steamed broccoli—our new favorite slow cooker meal.”
– Monique H.

📌 Final Thoughts: Your New Slow Cooker Favorite

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and low on effort. It’s one of those classic recipes that reminds us why we love the slow cooker—delicious, comforting meals made with everyday ingredients, all while we go about our busy day.

So the next time you want a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s guaranteed to impress, this one’s your ticket.

Warm, savory, and just the right amount of saucy—this dish is a keeper.

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