If you love the classic flavor of pepper steak but want a low-maintenance way to cook it, this slow cooker variation is the perfect solution. The gentle heat works its magic over hours, transforming simple ingredients into melt-in-your-mouth bites of beef and peppers. You’ll enjoy the savory aroma filling your home while you go about your day!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for added zing)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by warming the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced steak with salt and pepper, then quickly sear it in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer each batch of browned beef into your slow cooker.
Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger (if using) to the skillet. Cook them briefly—just enough to pick up some color—then add them on top of the beef in the slow cooker. Mix together soy sauce and brown sugar (or honey) in a small bowl. Pour this savory-sweet mixture into the slow cooker, coating the beef and veggies.
Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 5 to 6 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender and the peppers are soft. In the final 20 minutes, stir in the cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce. Adjust seasonings with salt or pepper, if needed. Serve your pepper steak over rice or noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.
Incredibly Tender Pepper Steak is done, and it’s time to dig in!
This recipe is great for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who craves a cozy, hands-off dinner. Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos if you’re watching sodium or avoiding gluten. For an extra vegetable boost, toss in sliced mushrooms or zucchini.
Whether you’re a working professional seeking quick weeknight meals or a health-conscious foodie looking for a lighter alternative, this pepper steak fits the bill. Make it your own and enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavor of perfectly slow-cooked beef every time!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
