When life gets busy and time feels short, slow cooker meals become true kitchen heroes. This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a meal that feels hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying. With tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, savory gravy, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Pepper steak is inspired by classic Asian-style comfort food, but this version is adapted to be simple, approachable, and perfect for everyday home cooking. Everything slowly simmers together in the crock pot, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender while the sauce thickens into a delicious gravy that coats every bite. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and has everyone asking, “When’s dinner ready?”
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight, preparing a cozy weekend meal, or looking for something easy yet impressive, this pepper steak fits the bill. Serve it over fluffy rice, pair it with a crisp salad, and you have a complete, comforting dinner with almost no stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 16 ounces beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 bell peppers, any colors you like, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can beef broth
- 1 can stewed tomatoes, with their juice
- Seasoning salt, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for coating and thickening
Step-by-Step Instructions :
1. Coat the Beef
Start by placing the beef stew meat into a large bowl. Sprinkle with seasoning salt, then add enough flour to lightly coat each piece. Toss the meat until it is evenly covered. This step helps lock in moisture and also plays a key role in thickening the gravy later.
2. Brown the Meat and Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the floured beef, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef begins to brown on the outside and the peppers start to soften slightly. You’re not cooking everything through here—just building flavor.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Once the beef is lightly browned, carefully transfer the meat and peppers into your slow cooker. Leave the remaining oil and drippings in the skillet, as they will be used to create the sauce.
4. Make the Gravy
Using the same skillet, add the stewed tomatoes along with their juice and pour in the beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits left in the pan. Gradually sprinkle in a small amount of flour while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth, rich gravy.
5. Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the prepared gravy over the beef and peppers in the slow cooker. Gently stir to make sure everything is evenly coated. Cover with the lid and cook on low for about 8 hours, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to fully develop.
Serving Suggestions
This pepper steak is best served hot, spooned generously over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful gravy beautifully. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad or lightly steamed vegetables on the side.
Conclusion :
There’s something truly special about a meal that requires just a little preparation yet delivers such big rewards. This Crock Pot Pepper Steak is proof that slow cooking can turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable. The beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart, the bell peppers add sweetness and color, and the rich gravy ties everything together in the most comforting way.
What makes this recipe a standout is not just the flavor, but the ease. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner to cook itself, yet still feel homemade and satisfying. It’s also a wonderful option for family dinners, meal prepping, or even serving guests—because everyone loves a warm, hearty plate of pepper steak.
Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to earn a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s cozy, flavorful, and endlessly comforting—exactly the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every tender, savory bite.
