If you love a cozy dinner that makes the whole house smell amazing, you are going to love this Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe! Tender beef is seared until beautifully browned, then slow cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic and a savory sauce that is absolutely delicious spooned over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles.
The best part? Once the beef is seared, the slow cooker does most of the work. By dinner time, you have tender beef and vegetables swimming in a flavorful sauce with hardly any hands-on cooking.
This easy slow cooker pepper steak is one of those family dinners I love making on busy weeknights. It is cozy, flavorful and simple enough for a regular dinner, but still feels like something special when everyone sits down to eat.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- What to Serve with Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- How to Store Pepper Steak
- Can You Freeze Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Beef Dinner Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
- Easy weeknight dinner – Let the slow cooker do most of the work after you sear the beef.
- Tender, flavorful beef – Searing the steak first adds delicious browned flavor.
- Savory homemade sauce – The beef, vegetables and seasonings create a rich sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Family-friendly – Tender beef, sweet bell peppers and onions make this an easy dinner everyone can enjoy.
- Easy to customize – Use your favorite bell peppers or add extra vegetables.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Pepper Steak
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this flavorful Crock Pot Pepper Steak. The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and savory seasonings creates a delicious sauce while everything slow cooks together.
- Beef sirloin – Use a whole piece of sirloin steak so you can sear it first, then slice it against the grain for tender, flavorful pieces.
- Garlic cloves - We’re slicing the garlic to give it enough aromatic flavor, but not overpowering it by mincing the garlic.
- Olive oil - Needed to help with searing the beef, giving it a nice brown crust on the outside.
- Montreal steak seasoning - A combination of herbs and spices typically meant for seasoning steak but you can use it on any protein.
- Water & cornstarch - We combine the two to make a cornstarch slurry. When mixed into the sauce it takes it from a runny liquid sauce to a thick rich gravy-like sauce.
- Beef broth - Adds a nice robust flavor to the sauce that pairs well with the seasoned beef.
- Onion - Sliced onions that have been cooked down deliver a natural sweetness and cuts down the pungency. They’re just so good!
- Sliced red bell peppers - Adds a beautiful pop of color to the dish. It’s also a yummy sweet veggie!
- Diced red tomatoes - Lends a bit of acid and tomato flavor to the sauce.
- Soy sauce - Savory umami elements come from adding soy sauce to anything!
- Sugar - Cuts the acid of the tomato and balances all the other flavors in the sauce.
- Salt & pepper - To taste.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Making Crock Pot Pepper Steak is easy. I recommend searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker because that extra step gives the steak beautiful browned flavor.
Step 1: Season the beef
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Montreal steak seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 3: Slice the steak
Slice the steak into strips against the grain. Cutting against the grain helps make the beef easier to chew and more tender when served.
Step 4: Prepare the cornstarch slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth and no lumps remain. Add cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add everything to the slow cooker
Add the sliced beef, bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Slow cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 7: Serve
Give the pepper steak a good stir and spoon it over steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Make sure to spoon plenty of the savory sauce over the top!
Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Cut the beef against the grain. This is one of the easiest ways to get more tender bites of beef.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet. If your steak doesn't fit comfortably in one layer, sear it in batches. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam instead of brown.
- Sear the beef first. It takes only a few extra minutes and adds so much flavor to the finished pepper steak.
- Use different colored peppers. Red, yellow, orange and green bell peppers all work. Mixing colors makes the finished dish extra pretty.
- Want firmer peppers? Add the bell peppers halfway through the cooking time so they retain more texture.
- Love extra sauce? Serve the pepper steak over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles so they can soak up all that delicious sauce.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Pepper Steak
This Crock Pot Pepper Steak makes plenty of flavorful sauce, so I love serving it with something that can soak up every last drop.
My favorite sides are:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- White rice
- Jasmine rice
- Egg noodles
- Spaghetti
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Simple green salad
My personal favorite? Cheesy mashed potatoes. The savory pepper steak sauce spooned over creamy potatoes is so good!
How to Store Pepper Steak
Allow leftover Crock Pot Pepper Steak to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Yes! Crock Pot Pepper Steak freezes well.
- Allow the cooked pepper steak to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like using beef sirloin for Crock Pot Pepper Steak because it is flavorful and tender when cooked properly. You can also use another tender cut of beef that you have available.
Absolutely! Red, yellow, orange and green bell peppers all work well in this recipe. Feel free to use one color or a combination.
You don't have to, but I highly recommend it. Searing the beef creates a beautiful browned exterior and adds extra flavor to the finished slow cooker pepper steak.
Yes. The tomatoes add flavor and moisture to the sauce, but you can experiment with leaving them out and adjusting the liquid as needed.
The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce. If you want an even thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.
Yes! To make pepper steak in the Instant Pot, use the Sauté function to brown the seasoned beef in olive oil, then add the onion, garlic, beef broth, bell peppers, tomatoes, soy sauce and seasonings.
Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.
Stir in a cornstarch slurry using the Sauté function and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles.
Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots and broccoli can all be delicious additions. Keep in mind that vegetables added earlier in the cooking process will become softer.
Pepper steak is delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles. The savory sauce makes it especially good with sides that can soak it up.
More Easy Beef Dinner Recipes
If you love this easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak, here are a few more Munchkin Time beef recipes to try next:
- Mongolian Beef – Tender beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce.
- Salisbury Steak – A cozy family dinner with tender beef patties and rich gravy.
- Beef Lo Mein – Tender beef, noodles and vegetables tossed in a flavorful sauce.
- Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy – An easy comfort-food dinner with tender beef and homemade gravy.
- Slow Cooker Chuck Roast – Another cozy slow cooker beef dinner perfect for busy days.
- Ribeye Steak – A simple steak dinner when you're craving something quick and flavorful.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating and review in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @munchkintimeblog.
📖 Recipe
Crock Pot Pepper Steak
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef sirloin cut into 2 inch strips
- 2 tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2-3 garlic cloves sliced
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ onion sliced
- 2 large red bell peppers cut in half then sliced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes cubed
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the beef: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with Montreal steak seasoning.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
- Save the skillet juices: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Do not discard the juices and browned bits left in the skillet—they add lots of flavor to the sauce.
- Slice the beef: Slice the steak into strips against the grain for more tender bites.
- Make the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add everything to the slow cooker: Add the sliced beef, all of the juices and browned bits from the skillet, cornstarch slurry, beef broth, garlic, bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce is flavorful.
- Serve: Give the pepper steak a good stir and spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don't skip the sear! Browning the beef first adds so much delicious flavor to the finished pepper steak.
- Save those skillet juices! All those little browned bits and juices left in the skillet go straight into the slow cooker—they make the sauce extra flavorful.
- Slice against the grain for tender, easy-to-bite pieces of beef.
- Love firmer peppers? Add the bell peppers halfway through cooking so they keep a little more of their bite.
- Serving idea: This pepper steak is delicious over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Make sure to spoon plenty of that savory sauce over the top!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Let the pepper steak cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Amanda
My family absolutely loves this recipe! We may or may not have fought over leftovers for work the next day!
Denay DeGuzman
My appetite and fork are ready! This fabulous crockpot pepper steak is cooking in my kitchen. Everything smells delicious! Thank you for this delightful new recipe.
Munchkin Time
Thank you for rating this recipe Denay! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Eve Hunt
this was fabulous! And different! And easy! Saving this recipe for sure - thanks much!!
Munchkin Time
So glad you like this recipe~ Thank you for the recipe review!
Ashley atchley
This recipe was excellent. Did not make any changes and served with rice. It's a keeper! 5 stars
Munchkin Time
Thank you Ashley for the recipe review! I am so glad you like this recipe!
April
I made this tonight in my knock off instant pot. I sautéed the meat, added the garlic and 3/4 of a tin of petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, other seasoning and salt & pepper. Used pressure cook setting for 20 minutes and let it naturally release for 10, then quick released the rest. Thickened with tapioca flour (gluten free) and adjusted seasoning. I have a thing with mushy veggies, so I sautéed the peppers and onions on the side, served with white rice.
My husband almost cried he was so happy. It reminded him of what his mom cooked for his brothers birthday every year. The meat kept its shape while being amazingly tender.
Thanks for the recipe!!!
Munchkin Time
Wow, April! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe adjustments and review! I am so happy to hear that your husband like this Crock Pot/ Instant Pot Pepper Steak, it is amazing how it reminds him of what his mom cooked for his brothers birthday every year! What a surprise!!! Thank you so much for sharing this, it is one of the best recipe reviews! Best wishes, Love!