If you’ve been searching for a comforting meal that melts in your mouth and bursts with vibrant flavors, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender strips of flank steak with colorful bell peppers, fragrant garlic, and a savory sauce that simmers gently for hours, creating a dish that’s both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners when you want delicious food with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of twelve small clear glass bowls and one measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for cooking. The largest bowl, near the top left, holds many slices of raw red beef with white marbling. Surrounding it are smaller bowls filled with coarse salt and black pepper, minced yellow ginger, minced white garlic, a bright red chunky tomato sauce, vibrant green snap peas in a white bowl, red bell pepper strips also in a white bowl, and white onion pieces in another clear glass bowl. Additional bowls contain light brown brown sugar, a small dark brown soy-like sauce, white powder (likely cornstarch), and a dark liquid in a clear cup, with a glass measuring cup holding an amber liquid, all neatly placed on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the tender beef and crisp bell peppers adding texture and color, to the rich sauce that ties everything together with just the right balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes.

2 pounds flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites perfect for soaking up sauce.
3-4 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the steak a slight, satisfying coating.
1 large green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch and vibrant green color.
1 large red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a beautiful pop of red to the dish.
1 medium onion: Sliced thick for sweetness and body that complements the peppers.
14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes with liquid: Provides a subtle acidity and juicy base for the sauce.
½ cup beef broth (or water): Deepens the beef flavor and keeps everything moist.
½ cup soy sauce: Brings umami richness and saltiness that rounds out the dish.
2-3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances complexity with its tangy, fermented flavor.
3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers fragrant warmth and a burst of pungency.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced: Lends a subtle zing and brightens the sauce.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out every flavor fully.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and earthiness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Steak

Start by placing your thin strips of flank steak in the slow cooker pot, then sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the meat. Stir everything together so each piece gets a light coating. This step is crucial because the cornstarch will thicken the sauce later and help give the beef a slightly glossy, smooth texture that everyone loves.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Layer the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the thickly sliced onion on top of your coated steak. These vibrant veggies not only add color but bring a wonderful crunch and freshness to the final dish. If you prefer your peppers with more bite, you can hold off adding them for the last 1-2 hours of cooking to keep their texture intact.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as your rich, flavorful cooking liquid, blending sweet, salty, and tangy notes that marry beautifully with the meat and veggies. Pour this sauce over the contents in the slow cooker, making sure everything gets bathed evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Seal the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. This slow, gentle cooking allows the flank steak to become tender and infuse fully with the sauce’s incredible flavors. By the end of this cook time, your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma, hinting at the delicious meal to come.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or your preferred grain to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for sharing with family or friends on any day of the week.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

A white plate is filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with a thick layer of brown cooked beef strips coated in a shiny sauce. Mixed in with the beef are bright red and green bell pepper slices and some translucent cooked onion pieces. The beef appears tender with a slightly coarse texture and is sprinkled with black pepper. In the background, there is a wooden board holding a whole red bell pepper and whole green bell pepper on a white marbled surface. Another white plate with the same dish is partially visible in the back. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop and layer of texture, sprinkle sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro right before serving. A few sesame seeds also bring a lovely nutty crunch that complements the tender steak beautifully. These simple garnishes brighten the overall look and flavor without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice for a nuttier profile. For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables. A light Asian-style cucumber salad on the side can add a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the beef.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or simply mix things up, try serving the pepper steak in lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option. You can also spoon it over freshly made noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, drizzled with a bit of extra sauce. Another idea is turning it into a hearty sandwich by piling the meat and peppers inside a crusty hoagie roll with a smear of mayo or mustard for a fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making next-day servings just as delicious. When cooling, let the dish come to room temperature before sealing it to maintain the best texture and taste.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Allow the pepper steak to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date so you can enjoy it at its freshest later.

Reheating

Reheat your stored Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe gently either in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep it saucy and tender. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and avoid overheating to prevent the beef from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal because of its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute skirt steak or sirloin strips. Just ensure the slices are thin and adjust cooking time as needed based on the cut’s thickness and fat content.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?

You can make a similar version on the stovetop by cooking the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then adding the sauce and vegetables to simmer gently. However, the slow cooker’s low and slow heat is what really tenderizes the steak perfectly and melds the flavors, so it won’t be quite the same but still delicious.

How can I make the bell peppers less soft?

If you prefer your bell peppers with some crunch, add them during the last 1 to 2 hours of cooking time instead of at the start. This way, they remain vibrant and not overly cooked, giving a nice contrast to the tender steak and sauce.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The classic Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe isn’t spicy, but it does have a peppery kick from black pepper and ginger. If you want to add heat, consider tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper when adding the sauce. Adjust to your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Also, double-check any Worcestershire sauce you use, as some brands contain gluten. Otherwise, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy enough for busy days, yet packed with depth and comfort that make it a family favorite over and over again. If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, trust me—you’re missing out on one of the best ways to enjoy tender beef and vibrant veggies all in one pot. Give it a go, and let it become a staple in your meal rotation!