Tender, savory beef patties slow-cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions in a rich, flavorful gravy. This is a comforting, easy dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

 Ingredients

For the Beef Patties

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely grated or minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Pepper Gravy

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly cracked black pepper

 Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties

Place the ground beef in a large bowl.

Add:

• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic
• Onion
• Worcestershire sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined.

Don’t overmix, as this can make the patties dense.

2. Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 6–8 portions.

Shape each portion into an oval or round patty about ¾-inch thick.

Place them on a plate while you prepare the vegetables.

3. Optional: Brown the Patties

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown the patties for approximately 2–3 minutes per side.

They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point—the slow cooker will finish cooking them.

This step adds extra flavor and gives the patties a better exterior.

4. Prepare the Vegetables

Place the sliced onion, green pepper, red pepper, and yellow pepper in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the minced garlic.

Spread the vegetables into an even layer.

5. Make the Gravy

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Thyme

Whisk until the tomato paste is well incorporated.

6. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the browned beef patties over the vegetables.

Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the patties.

Try to distribute the liquid evenly.

7. Slow Cook

Cover with the lid.

Cook on:

LOW: 5–6 hours
HIGH: 2½–3½ hours

Cook until the patties are fully cooked and tender.

For ground beef, the center should reach 160°F (71°C).

8. Thicken the Gravy

About 15–20 minutes before serving, mix:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

Stir until completely smooth.

Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the gravy around the patties.

Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

9. Serve

Carefully transfer the pepper steak patties to serving plates.

Spoon the soft peppers, onions, and rich gravy over the top.

Finish with fresh parsley and black pepper.

 What to Serve With It

These patties are especially good with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Egg noodles
• Roasted potatoes
• Cauliflower mash
• Green beans
• Crusty bread

 Tips

• Don’t skip browning if you want deeper, richer flavor.
• Avoid opening the slow cooker repeatedly because it releases heat and can increase cooking time.
• Slice the peppers fairly thick so they don’t completely disappear during slow cooking.
• For a richer gravy, replace ½ cup of the beef broth with a little heavy cream near the end.
• For extra mushroom flavor, add 8 oz (225 g) sliced mushrooms with the peppers.

 Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until steaming hot.

You can also freeze the cooked patties with the gravy for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q&A

Can I skip browning the patties?
Yes. You can place them directly into the slow cooker, although browning gives them better flavor and color.

Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works, but the patties will be leaner and slightly less rich.

Can I use only green peppers?
Absolutely. Use about 2–3 sliced green bell peppers.

Why is my gravy thin?
Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it. Cook for another 15–20 minutes with the lid on until the gravy thickens.

Can I make this spicy?
Yes. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.

Can I make the patties smaller?
Yes. Smaller patties work well, but begin checking them earlier because they may cook faster.