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Plated Crock Pot Pepper Steak with tender beef strips, red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and onions served next to a bowl of white rice garnished with green onions.
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PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT:

Craving an easy, savory meal? Our crock pot pepper steak recipe is loaded with tender beef, bell peppers, and a savory sauce. Get the recipe!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast or round steak, cut into strips
  • 2 large bell peppers (red and green), sliced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if browning meat)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the beef: Cut beef into 1/4-inch strips against the grain. Season with salt and pepper. Optional: brown in a skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side for enhanced flavor.
  2. Layer ingredients in crock pot: Place seasoned beef strips in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add sliced onions, then layer bell pepper strips on top.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Pour over the ingredients in the crock pot.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  5. Thicken the sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir into the crock pot and continue cooking until sauce thickens.
  6. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf if used. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over steamed rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your perfectly tender pepper steak!
  8. Chef's Tips: For best results, don't lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time. Beef should reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F for optimal tenderness.

Notes

Pros

  • Hands-off cooking method saves time and effort
  • Produces incredibly tender, fall-apart beef
  • Economical cuts of meat become restaurant-quality
  • Perfect for meal prep and batch cooking
  • Flavors develop beautifully during slow cooking
  • Minimal cleanup with one-pot preparation
  • Vegetables retain nutrients through gentle cooking
  • Can be prepared ahead and frozen for later
  • Feeds a family with leftovers for lunch
  • Adaptable to dietary restrictions and preferences

Cons

  • Requires 6+ hours of cooking time for best results
  • Vegetables can become soft if overcooked
  • Not suitable for last-minute meal preparation
  • May need browning step for optimal flavor development
  • Requires cornstarch slurry for proper sauce thickness
  • Limited control over texture once cooking begins