Slow Cooker Pepper Steak – Tender, Flavor-Packed, and Easy to Make

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dinner with minimal prep, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe is a must-try. Featuring tender strips of flank steak slow-cooked in a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions, this dish is a family favorite that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, juicy beef that practically melts in your mouth.

• Rich flavor from the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.

• Colorful and healthy thanks to the fresh bell peppers and onions.

• Set it and forget it – the slow cooker does all the work.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Main Ingredients

• 3 pounds flank steak, cut into strips – Lean, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking.

• 4 bell peppers, sliced – Use any combination of red, yellow, orange, or green for a vibrant dish.

• 2 onions, sliced – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons olive oil – Helps infuse the sauce with richness.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic boost.

• 1½ cups soy sauce – Savory umami base.

• 1½ cups water – Balances the flavors and keeps the beef moist.

• ½ cup cornstarch – Coats the beef for a silky texture and helps thicken the sauce.

• 1 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the salty soy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Coat the Beef

1. Cut the flank steak into thin strips.

2. Place cornstarch and the beef strips into a ziplock bag.

3. Seal and shake the bag thoroughly until all the beef is evenly coated. This helps the sauce thicken later while giving the meat a smooth texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker

1. Add olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and minced garlic into your slow cooker.

2. Stir until well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Step 3: Add the Beef

• Gently place the coated beef strips into the slow cooker.

• Stir lightly to ensure the meat is fully submerged in the sauce mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.

• This slow cooking time allows the beef to absorb the sauce’s flavors and become tender.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

• About 1.5 hours before cooking time is complete, add the sliced onions and bell peppers.

• Stir gently and continue cooking for the remaining time so the vegetables soften but retain a bit of their texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, give the pepper steak a final stir. Serve hot with:

• Steamed white rice

• Egg noodles

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Variations & Tips

• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers when you add the bell peppers.

• Thicker Sauce – Remove 1 cup of sauce at the end, whisk with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, then return to the slow cooker and cook for 10 minutes.

• Vegetable Boost – Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Different Cuts – You can use sirloin or top round instead of flank steak for variety.

Storage & Reheating

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

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

enjoy!