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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Tasty, Easy Recipe for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Onion

Tasty, Easy Recipe for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak with Onion

by Sarah Olson on September 8, 2021 | Updated April 27, 2022 190 Comments

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Pepper steak is a Chinese-inspired meal with plenty of sauce, bell peppers, and onions. This is a stir-fry-style meal but made in the slow cooker! Wonderful served over rice and has plenty of sauce (or gravy) to go around.

pepper steak in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it.

Why this recipe works:

This recipe is easy but has so much flavor, tastes like a restaurant-style meal but is easily made at home.

The sauce has quite a few ingredients, but all are pantry staples and easy to assemble.

The slow cooking tenderizes the beef way more than cooking on the stovetop, and the sauce marries together during the long cooking time.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Ingredients

ingredients for pepper steak on a table
  • Beef – cut top sirloin or round steaks into 1/2 inch strips (some stores carry this already done for you and call it stir fry beef). Flank steak works but the beef will have a more stringy texture.
  • Bell peppers – one red and one green
  • White onion – sliced, though you can mince it if you have guest who don’t like big chunks of onions.
  • Water and beef bouillon cubes – mix hot water and bouillon cubes to start the base of the sauce.
  • Brown sugar – honey or white sugar work too.
  • Soy sauce – I use standard soy sauce in this recipe, not low sodium. Note that there is no table salt in this recipe so using regular soy sauce is important.
  • Worcestershire sauce – adds a touch of tang and layer of flavor to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch – this helps make the sauce thick and velvety.
  • Seasonings – ground ginger, garlic powder, black pepper and brown sugar
  • Red pepper flakes – This is optional if you like a spicy dish.
4 image collage about how to make sauce for pepper steak

Step by Step Directions

Step 1 – In a small bowl, add the water and beef bouillon cubes. Microwave until hot, about 30 seconds.

Step 2 – Dissolve the beef bouillon into the water, do this by squishing the cubes with the back of a spoon.

Step 3 – Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, seasonings, and cornstarch. (Add red pepper flakes if you want your sauce spicy).

Step 4 – Whisk these ingredients until smooth. This may not seem like a lot of sauce, but the beef, onion, and peppers will create more sauce while cooking.

4 image collage about how to add ingredients for pepper steak to slow cooker

Step 5 – Add the sauce mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 6 – Add the beef strips on top of the sauce.

Step 7 – Next, add the onions.

Step 8 – Then add the bell pepper strips.

pepper steak done cooking in slow cooker

How to serve and store Pepper Steak:

Serving ideas

So many different ways to serve this pepper steak over. Choose what your family enjoys most.

  • White rice
  • Brown rice
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Steamed veggies
  • Quinoa

Storage tips

  • To store pepper steak, add to tupperware and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze, add to freezer ziplocks bags and squeeze out any exesss air. Freeze for up to 3 months.
side view of pepper steak in slow cooker

Recipe FAQs

Can I make pepper steak as a freezer meal (before cooking)?

Yes, add the raw beef, onion, and peppers to a freezer ziplock bag. Mix up the sauce mixture, though let it cool before adding to the bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to use, then add contents to the slow cooker and cook.

Can I add mushrooms to pepper steak?

You can add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to pepper steak. Though the sauce may be a little watery due to how much moisture mushrooms have.

Can I use beef broth instead of bouillon?

You can if you are in a pinch. Though I use bouillon cubes and a small amount of water, so the sauce is potent. The meat and vegetables will let off their own moisture and dilute the concentrated sauce.

pepper steak on a bed of white rice

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pepper steak in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

4.99 from 122 votes
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak has tender steak, bell peppers, onions in a Chinese inspired sauce.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 421kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker Size: 4 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. beef strips Look for beef cut into strips already or buy top sirloin and cut into 1/2 inch strips (round steak works well too).
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced thick
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thick
  • 1 white onion sliced

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 tsp. brown sugar honey or white sugar work too
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • In a small microwavable bowl add the water and the beef bouillon cubes. Place in the microwave for 30 seconds, mix until dissolved. I use the back of a spoon or the tip of a whisk to break up the bouillon cubes. (If you don't have a microwave, boil your water on the stove-top).
  • Add the soy sauce, Worchestershire sauce, ginger, garlic powder, pepper, brown sugar and cornstarch to the bowl with the water and bouillon. Whisk until smooth. (Add the red pepper flakes if you desire). Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
  • Add the beef, bell peppers and onions onto the sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

1 cup of sliced mushrooms can be added to this recipe. Though the sauce will be slightly thinner due to how much moisture mushrooms contain.
Cut the onion and bell pepper into thick slices so they will stay intact during the long cooking time it takes to get the beef tender.
Serve over white or brown rice, spaghetti noodles or quinoa. (Not calculated in the nutrition)
Refrigerate leftovers for up the 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use beef broth instead of bouillon cubes?
You can if you are in a pinch. Though I use bouillon cubes and a little amount of water so the sauce is potent. The meat and vegetables will let off their own moisture and dilute the concentrated sauce.
To make into a freezer dump meal:
Add the raw beef, onion and peppers to a freezer ziplock bag. Mix up sauce mixture, though let it cool before adding to the bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge when ready to use, then add contents to the slow cooker and cook according to recipe directions.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 421kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 552mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 721IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Other great recipes like this one:

  • Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken with Bell Peppers and Onions
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  • Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo
  • Slow Cooker Beef Chow Mein
  • Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

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    103727 shares
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    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Shauna says

      September 29, 2021 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is sooooo good and super easy to make, I played around with the cooking time and temp a bit and when to add in the peppers, my moms makes the same one but on the stovetop and they love it like that also! I’d highly recommend this recipe

      Reply
    2. Cat says

      September 20, 2021 at 10:58 am

      Can you cook this on high? What do you expect the time to pay for that?

      Reply
      • Shauna says

        September 29, 2021 at 7:28 pm

        5 stars
        I cook mine on high for about the same amount of time but I don’t add the peppers till the last 30-45 mins I like my beef super tender tho which is why I cook it on high! Hope that helps

        Reply
        • Michelle says

          December 4, 2021 at 6:58 am

          can you double the sauce

        • Sarah Olson says

          December 4, 2021 at 12:04 pm

          Yes!

    3. Mike Purcell says

      September 19, 2021 at 3:02 am

      Definitely going to try this one. Possibly including a few carrots. What do you think?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 19, 2021 at 9:58 am

        I think carrots would be great, though you may need to cook a little longer for them to soften.

        Reply
    4. Brenda Clough says

      September 18, 2021 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious, can’t wait to try it out thanks for posting the size of slow cooker used. Big help

      Reply
    5. Sue Plantenberg says

      September 6, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      My Mom made Pepper steak all the time growing up – have never been able to duplicate it – am going to give this a try! makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

      Reply
    6. Anonymous says

      August 28, 2021 at 3:53 pm

      My mom use to use beef consume. Has anyone tried it with that instead of beef c
      Bouliion.

      Reply
      • Elaine says

        September 18, 2021 at 7:19 am

        Thats what I always use. So much flavor!

        Reply
    7. Angelica Mula Cruz Adia says

      August 17, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Convenient and fool-proof.

      Reply
    8. Mom22 says

      August 4, 2021 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      I made this exactly as is but used cube steak. My whole family, 3 generations, loved it. (Including my Asian husband and picky kids.)
      I have made pepper steak quite a few times and they have always said its just ok or its gross.
      I saved this recipe.

      Reply
    9. Anonymous says

      July 2, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      For those who don’t cook, just putting the ingredients together is a crock! Measurements usually help. It helps especially when the recipe needs additional help .

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        July 2, 2021 at 9:11 pm

        The exact recipe with measurements is there 🙂 For every recipe on this site there are measurements.

        Reply
    10. Stephanie says

      May 9, 2021 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      My husband and I LOVE this recipe. I have to substitute coco aminos for the soy sauce/brown sugar and tapioca flour for the cornstarch to make it compliant with my diet, but otherwise I follow the recipe exactly. I portion it over cauli rice and freeze it for grab and go meals for work. I love that it is so versatile and have had great success in the crockpot in addition to the pressure cooker. I am beyond grateful that I stumbled across this, because it is a keeper!

      Reply
    11. Anonymous says

      April 14, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      I made my pepper steak with mushrooms celery onions and fresh garlic minced plus added Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce and cornstarch and ginger. Marinated the beef in this mixture over night. I only used green bell peppers though. It was absolutely amazing. Please try it like this. Also for the broth, I used better than bouillon roast beef flavor omg it made a big difference rather then just bouillon cubes. Thank you so much for my base ingredients. This was sooooo good

      Reply
    12. Nita Vincent says

      April 14, 2021 at 10:33 am

      My family LOVES this. I have to make it at least once a week!

      Reply
    13. AKjess says

      April 7, 2021 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner last night. Used a red pepper and mushrooms we needed to use up. Also added red pepper flakes because we like a little heat. It was delicious!

      Reply
    14. Becky says

      March 1, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      If I’m using liquid beef boullian cubes do I have to use water or broth? 2tsp = 2 beef cubes.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 1, 2021 at 2:24 pm

        Yes, you’ll need some water.

        Reply
    15. Phil says

      February 28, 2021 at 6:10 am

      how much beef broth is 2 bouillon cubes ide rather use that

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 28, 2021 at 6:17 am

        Use the amount of beef broth I use in water.

        Reply
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