If you’re craving a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, this Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is for you! Tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions are smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? This dish practically cooks itself in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it over rice, egg noodles, or even in a hoagie roll for a hearty, satisfying meal. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pepper Steak:
🥩 2 lbs shoulder steak (or flank steak), sliced against the grain
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🛢️ 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for browning)
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes
🥄 1/4 cup soy sauce
🍲 2 cups beef broth (plus extra if needed)
🧅 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
🫑 2-3 bell peppers (mix of colors), sliced
🌽 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak:
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the shoulder steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef strips for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely seared. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, and remaining beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender but not falling apart.
- Sauté the Veggies: About 30 minutes before serving, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Thicken: Add the sautéed peppers and onions to the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice, egg noodles, or in a hoagie roll. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
🍴 Pro Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Swap: Use mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for a different twist.
- Beef Alternatives: Swap the steak for chicken or pork for a lighter version.
- Extra Flavor: Stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for an umami boost.
For more slow cooker inspiration, check out our Top 10 Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Nights.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Looking for more make-ahead meals? Try 63 Crockpot Freezer Meals for Make-Ahead Dinners for easy dinners!
🍽️ Recipe Card (Structured Data)
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 350 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Leave a review below!)