Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Tender sirloin strips slow-cooked to perfection, nestled in a savory tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions, make this dish a timeless classic. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that practically cooks itself and fills your home with delicious aromas.

Whether you’re planning a fuss-free weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this pepper steak recipe is a must-have in your rotation. It pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles—bringing warmth and flavor to any table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into strips
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 large onion, sliced
2 large green bell peppers, sliced
1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Sprinkle beef sirloin strips with garlic powder.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sear beef strips for about 5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water, then mix in cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Add sliced onion, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Culinary Nod to Chinese-American Cuisine

While not traditionally Chinese, pepper steak has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, which evolved to suit American palates and ingredient availability. Originally inspired by stir-fried dishes like chao niu rou (beef stir-fry), pepper steak has become a Western favorite. The slow cooker version takes a different approach by trading in the quick high-heat stir-fry technique for a low-and-slow method that tenderizes the beef beautifully and deepens the flavors over several hours.

This evolution from wok to crockpot showcases how food adapts across cultures, generations, and cooking styles. With soy sauce as a key ingredient, it maintains that umami-rich profile, while the inclusion of stewed tomatoes adds a savory Western flair. It’s this fusion of flavors and textures that has made Slow Cooker Pepper Steak a beloved part of home cooking.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for This Dish?

The slow cooker isn’t just a convenience tool—it actually enhances certain dishes in unique ways. In the case of pepper steak, the slow simmering process allows the beef to break down and become incredibly tender. It also melds the savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich sauce into the meat and vegetables more deeply than a quick stir-fry could.

Bell peppers, which can sometimes turn mushy in other preparations, maintain their character here when added at the right time. The slow cooking also allows the onions to caramelize slightly, bringing a mild sweetness to the final dish.

Another bonus? It’s a great “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. You can prep everything in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and come home to an aromatic, hearty dinner without lifting a finger after the initial setup.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is how versatile it is when it comes to side dishes. The rich, saucy base of the dish makes it ideal for pairing with:

White or brown rice – The classic base that soaks up the sauce.
Mashed potatoes – A comforting twist that balances the savory flavors with creamy texture.
Cauliflower rice or zoodles – For low-carb or keto-friendly options.
Buttered egg noodles – A satisfying pairing that adds to the cozy feel of the dish.
Crusty bread – Perfect for scooping up the sauce and beefy bits.

You can also add a simple side salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans for a more well-rounded plate.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations

From a nutritional perspective, Slow Cooker Pepper Steak offers a good balance of protein, vegetables, and essential micronutrients. The beef provides iron, zinc, and B12, which are vital for energy production and immune support. Bell peppers bring in a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants, particularly if you use a variety of colors.

However, the dish can be high in sodium due to soy sauce and bouillon. For a lower-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and broth alternatives. You can also adjust the sugar content or use natural sweeteners like honey if you’re aiming to reduce processed sugar intake.

This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your soy sauce and bouillon cube are certified gluten-free—something important to keep in mind for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Another reason why this dish is a winner for meal prepping is its excellent storage quality. The flavors continue to develop after cooking, making leftovers arguably even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

This reheating flexibility makes Slow Cooker Pepper Steak ideal for batch cooking or preparing school or work lunches ahead of time.

Ways to Customize the Dish

Customization is one of the best parts of any slow cooker recipe. Here are a few ways to tailor the dish to your preferences or pantry availability:

Add mushrooms for extra umami and texture.
Use red or yellow peppers instead of green for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Substitute the beef with chicken thighs or pork shoulder for a different twist.
Spice it up with chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick.
Make it creamier with a swirl of coconut milk or a spoonful of cream cheese stirred in at the end.

No matter how you modify it, the core flavor base of soy sauce, tomatoes, and bell peppers provides a solid foundation that plays well with a wide range of ingredients.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

If you’re cooking for a family, this recipe is a sure hit. The mild seasoning appeals to younger palates, while the beef and vegetables make it filling and nutritious. For gatherings or potlucks, it scales easily—just double or triple the ingredients to suit your crowd.

Serve it straight from the slow cooker for buffet-style ease, and don’t forget the toppings bar: chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor without much extra effort.

Budget-Friendly Cooking

Beef sirloin is flavorful yet often less expensive than cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, making this a relatively budget-conscious dish. You can even stretch the protein further by adding extra vegetables or beans. The minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking also reduce energy and time costs, especially when you’re cooking for a family or prepping multiple meals at once.

In today’s economy, meals like this that are nourishing, cost-effective, and easy to prepare are more valuable than ever.

Conclusion: Why Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Should Be in Your Recipe Rotation

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, flexible, and nourishing. It brings together the comfort of home-cooked food with the efficiency of modern kitchen tools. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a busy family, or just craving something hearty and delicious without the hassle, this dish delivers.

Its roots in Chinese-American cooking give it a unique cultural flavor, while its adaptability makes it a modern classic. From its melt-in-your-mouth beef to the savory sauce and colorful peppers, this meal is an excellent addition to any recipe collection.

If you haven’t tried Slow Cooker Pepper Steak yet, now’s the perfect time to bring this cozy, satisfying favorite into your kitchen routine. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you.