Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Tender, Flavorful, and Satisfying Beef Dish with a Rich Sauce

If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor but requires minimal effort, this Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the answer! Tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory soy-based sauce come together in the slow cooker to create a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, this pepper steak will quickly become a family favorite. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a hot, comforting meal at the end of the day.

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The Inspiration Behind Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Pepper steak is a beloved dish that’s traditionally stir-fried, but this slow cooker version offers all the flavor with less effort. By cooking the beef low and slow, you end up with meat that’s incredibly tender and flavorful, infused with the rich, savory notes of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The bell peppers and onions add a pop of color and sweetness, while the sauce thickens to perfection, coating every bite of steak and veggies. This dish is inspired by the classic flavors of Chinese pepper steak but adapted for the convenience of the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Will Become a Regular in Your Meal Rotation

This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce thickens into a rich, savory glaze that coats every bite. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic gives the dish a deep umami flavor, while the bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and color. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that pairs perfectly with white rice or noodles, making it both easy and satisfying!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fiber: 3g

This pepper steak is hearty and filling on its own, but you can always add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with a bowl of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a healthy, balanced meal. If you want to add a little extra crunch, sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores beautifully. Simply place any remaining pepper steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also freeze this pepper steak for up to 2 months—just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a pan or the microwave.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Slow Cooking Beef

One of the reasons this recipe works so well is because slow cooking is perfect for tenderizing tougher cuts of beef like round steak. The low, slow heat allows the connective tissue in the meat to break down, resulting in beef that’s incredibly tender and full of flavor. Plus, the slow cooker allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a deeply flavorful sauce that’s rich and satisfying.

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Cooking Tips

1. Cut the Beef Thinly: For the best texture, be sure to slice the round steak into thin strips. This helps the beef cook evenly and ensures that it becomes tender in the slow cooker.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit more heat in your pepper steak, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
3. Thicken the Sauce: To get a thick, luscious sauce, make sure to stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables beautifully.

Optional Variations

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to the slow cooker for added texture and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicier version of this dish, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
• Try Different Cuts of Beef: While round steak works well, you can also use flank steak, sirloin, or even stew meat for this recipe—just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

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Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs round steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thick
• ½ onion, sliced thick
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

Optional Ingredients:

• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the ingredients: Place the sliced beef, green and red bell peppers, and onions in the slow cooker.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours, until the steak is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the pepper steak over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!

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Easy Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the perfect dish for those busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple ingredients into a rich, savory dish that’s perfect over rice or noodles. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this pepper steak is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!