Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 20 minutes
– Cooking time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
– Total time: Approximately 6 hours
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak
– 2 lb (900 g) beef steak, thinly sliced (sirloin, flank steak, or round steak)
– 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
– 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (optional)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
For the Sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening the Gravy
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 3 tablespoons cold water
For Cooking
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
For Garnishing
– 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
– Fresh parsley or sesame seeds (optional)
– Extra sliced red bell pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
1. Select fresh sirloin, flank steak, or round steak.
2. Trim away excess fat and tough connective tissue.
3. Slice the beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain.
4. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
5. Season lightly with black pepper, paprika, and a little salt.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Brown the beef strips in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker.
Tip: Browning is optional, but it adds extra flavor to the finished dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
1. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly.
2. Remove the seeds and inner membranes.
3. Slice the green and red peppers into thin strips.
4. Peel and slice the onion.
5. Chop the tomatoes if using.
6. Mince the garlic.
7. Add the onions, garlic, and tomatoes to the slow cooker with the beef.
Reserve the bell peppers for later if you prefer them slightly crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. Take a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Pour in the beef broth.
3. Add soy sauce.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce.
5. Add oyster sauce.
6. Add brown sugar.
7. Add tomato paste.
8. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
9. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
10. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Taste the sauce before adding extra salt because soy sauce and oyster sauce already contain sodium.
Step 4: Add the Sauce to the Slow Cooker
1. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions.
2. Gently stir to coat the ingredients.
3. Make sure the beef is mostly covered with liquid.
4. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef
1. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours.
2. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours.
3. Check the beef for tenderness.
4. Stir gently once if needed.
5. Continue cooking until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Cooking time depends on the cut and thickness of the beef.
Step 6: Add the Bell Peppers
1. Open the slow cooker carefully.
2. Add the sliced green and red bell peppers.
3. Stir gently into the beef and sauce.
4. Replace the lid.
5. Cook for another 30–45 minutes on HIGH or until the peppers reach your preferred tenderness.
Do not add the peppers too early if you want them to retain their color and texture.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
1. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir until completely smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
4. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 10–15 minutes.
6. Allow the sauce to thicken into a glossy gravy.
Add a little more cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
1. Taste the pepper steak.
2. Adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
3. Add sesame oil for extra aroma if desired.
4. Stir gently.
5. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
1. Transfer the tender beef and vegetables into a serving bowl.
2. Spoon plenty of rich gravy over the top.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds.
4. Serve hot with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak
– Slice beef against the grain for a more tender bite.
– Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
– Brown the beef before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
– Add peppers near the end to avoid overcooking.
– Use fresh garlic and ginger for better aroma.
– Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it.
– Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently because heat escapes.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving
Nutrient Amount
Calories 365 kcal
Protein 39 g
Carbohydrates 17 g
Total fat 15 g
Saturated fat 5 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 7 g
Sodium 780 mg
Estimates are for the pepper steak without rice or noodles. Actual nutrition depends on the beef cut and sauce brands.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Amount
Almonds 0 g
Walnuts 0 g
Cashews 0 g
Pecans 0 g
Peanuts 0 g
Pistachios 0 g
Macadamia nuts 0 g
Hazelnuts 0 g
Allergen information:
– Oyster sauce may contain shellfish.
– Soy sauce contains soy and often wheat.
– Worcestershire sauce may contain additional allergens depending on the brand.
– No nuts are intentionally included.
– Check all ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in airtight portions for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until thoroughly hot.
– Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Best Side Dishes
1. Steamed jasmine rice.
2. Garlic butter noodles.
3. Mashed potatoes.
4. Fried rice.
5. Steamed broccoli.
6. Egg noodles.
7. Fresh cucumber salad.
Delicious Recipe Variations
– Spicy Pepper Steak: Add extra chili flakes or sliced jalapeños.
– Mushroom Pepper Steak: Add sliced mushrooms during the final 1–2 hours.
– Honey Garlic Pepper Steak: Replace brown sugar with honey and add extra garlic.
– Asian-Style Pepper Steak: Add fresh ginger and a little sesame oil.
– Extra Vegetable Pepper Steak: Add carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Final Result: Beautifully tender beef strips coated in a rich, glossy brown gravy, surrounded by colorful red and green bell peppers, sweet onions, and flavorful garlic. Every bite is savory, juicy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully satisfying!
Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Pepper Steak!