If you’re looking for an easy dinner that delivers tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich savory sauce with very little effort, this Crockpot Pepper Steak is a perfect choice.
Tender beef slowly cooks with crisp-tender bell peppers and onions in a flavorful combination of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. As everything cooks together, the beef becomes wonderfully tender while the sauce develops a delicious sweet-and-savory flavor.
The best part? Most of the preparation takes only a few minutes. Add everything to the slow cooker, let it simmer throughout the day, and finish it with a quick cornstarch slurry for a thicker, glossy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat or thinly sliced beef strips
- 2 cups sliced bell peppers, preferably a mixture of red and green
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. Add the Beef
Place the beef in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Spread the pieces into an even layer so they cook consistently.
2. Add the Vegetables
Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onion over the beef.
Using both red and green peppers adds beautiful color and a mixture of slightly sweet and savory flavors.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper.
Stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
Pour the sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables.
4. Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on:
LOW: 6–7 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until the beef is tender and cooked through.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and cut of the beef, so check for tenderness rather than relying only on the clock.
5. Thicken the Sauce
About 20 minutes before serving, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
Stir until completely smooth to make a slurry.
Pour the slurry into the crockpot and gently stir it into the sauce.
Cover and continue cooking for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve
Gently stir the pepper steak so the beef and vegetables are coated in the thickened sauce.
Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Pepper Steak
Choose the Right Beef
Thinly sliced beef strips work beautifully because they cook relatively quickly and absorb plenty of sauce. Beef stew meat is also convenient and becomes tender during slow cooking.
Don’t Cut the Peppers Too Thin
Very thin pepper slices can become overly soft during a long slow-cooking time. Slicing them into medium-thick strips helps them retain some texture.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry
The slow cooker creates a flavorful but relatively thin sauce. Adding the cornstarch slurry near the end gives it a thicker, glossy consistency that coats the beef and vegetables.
Adjust the Sweetness
Teriyaki sauce varies considerably between brands. If yours is already quite sweet, you may want to reduce the brown sugar.
Watch the Salt
Both teriyaki sauce and soy sauce can contain considerable sodium. Taste the finished sauce before adding any additional salt.
What to Serve With Pepper Steak
This tender beef and pepper mixture is especially delicious served over:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Egg noodles
- Chow mein noodles
- Cauliflower rice
For a complete meal, add a simple side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad.
Easy Variations
Add Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and work particularly well with the savory sauce.
Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Add Ginger
For a more pronounced Asian-inspired flavor, add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic.
Add Pineapple
For a sweet-and-savory variation, add a small amount of drained pineapple chunks during the final hour of cooking.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can slice the beef, peppers, and onion ahead of time and prepare the sauce separately.
Store the prepared ingredients in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
For food safety, keep raw beef refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them promptly in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop until thoroughly heated.
You can also freeze the cooked pepper steak in a freezer-safe container for up to about 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Pepper Steak is an easy comfort-food dinner that turns simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal. Tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions slowly cook in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, while a quick cornstarch slurry transforms the cooking liquid into a rich sauce that coats every bite.
Serve it over fluffy rice with your favorite vegetables for a simple family dinner that requires minimal hands-on cooking.