Slow Cooker Peppered Beef {Easy, Fast, and Healthy}

Ready to win over your family with the best slow-cooked peppered steak? Take your meals to the next level with this simple, delicious, and healthy recipe.  Did you know that Americans consumed over 30 billions pounds of beef in 2021? That's a lot of steak night potentional.

This slow cooker pepper steak recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time and delivers over 20 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, its a surefire hit for any household craving a hearty, flavorful meal.

What is Slow Cooker Peppered Beef?

Pepper steak originates from way back to 1948 from  Fujian cuisine , where it was known as qīngjiāo ròusī. In the original dish pork was used and the seasonings were a lot lighter compared to the beef that we are going to cook here shortly. 

Peppered Steak has quickly become a household favorite for its flavorful profile, ease of preparation, and minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect recipe for those busy days when time is short, and you need a delicious meal without the hassle. Whether its a quick weeknight dinner or a last minute solution to feed a crowd, this dish never disapoints. Give it a try, and it just might become one of your go-to meals as well!

Ingredients You'll Need

 
• 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin (could be top or round steaks) or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1tsp ginger 
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp cold water (to thicken)
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

Beef Selection

Best cuts of beef for this recipe: I tend to use top sirloin or round steaks but really any steak will do!

Tips for choosing tender, flavorful meat : 

• Color: look for might that is vibrant. If the meat  is brown it might be a sign to choose a different piece.
• Odor: If the meat has a foul or unpleasant odor look for a different piece.
• Texture:Look for firmness. Anything that springs back when touched is a good sign
• Marbling:This is fat. This indicates flavor. (Note: not all cuts have marbling)
• Date- Locate the use by date indicated on the label.

Fresh Produce

You can't make peppered beef without onions and bell peppers-- it's like trying to make pizza without dough and tomato sauce; it just doesn't work! So, be sure to have these key ingredients on hand before diving into this recipe.

Add ons:

• Mushrooms Add sliced button or cremini mushrooms for a savory, umami boost.
• Broccoli Toss in some florets during the last 30 minutes for a not only crunch but health boost!
• Cabbage Shred some cabbage for a soft texture and mild flavor profile.
• Carrots Add some sliced carrots for a touch of sweetness and color
• Sugar Snap Peas Stir in some sweet delicious pease to perfectly balance out the meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

• Gather all the ingredients:Mise en place. Cut the green bell peppers, onion, and steak. Place all the seasonings in a small bowl. Make the cornstarch slurry.

• Sear the steak (optional)This is optional but highly recommended due to the additional flavor it brings.
• Add everything to slow cooker: Add beef broth and can of tomatoes to slow cooker. Followed by the steak, peppers, onions, followed by the seasonings. Note: remember to whisk together the corn starch in cold water or else you'll have white clumps in your sauce.

• Cook time: Cover and cook. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Keep in mind the meat wont be as tender and juicy if you are cooking on high.
• Plate: serve over rice and enjoy.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing:This will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze:This will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheat:Place the crockpot pepper steak back in the slow cooker for 30 minutes or until hot. Or place in the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Thanks for giving this Slow Cooker Peppered Beef recipe a try! If it brought some extra flavor to your dinner table share it with a friend!

---

Read Next