Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce with colorful bell peppers — this Crock Pot Pepper Steak is the ultimate comfort meal that practically cooks itself! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this slow cooker classic delivers all the flavor of a takeout favorite with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Trim any excess fat and slice the beef into thin strips against the grain.
2. Sear the meat: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef strips in batches — this locks in flavor. Transfer to your slow cooker.
3. Add veggies and sauce: Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the beef. Pour in the diced tomatoes, soy sauce, water (or broth), brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Stir lightly to combine.
4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
5. Thicken the sauce (optional):
   • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
   • Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you prefer a thicker sauce.
6. Serve: Spoon the pepper steak and sauce over fluffy rice or warm noodles.

Pro Tips

• For deeper flavor, use beef broth instead of water and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you like a bit of heat.
• To make it extra hearty, toss in sliced mushrooms or baby corn during the last hour of cooking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day — perfect for meal prep!