Perfect Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe (Easy & Tender)

The best slow cooker pepper steak recipe combines tender flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce cooked on low for 6-8 hours. This hands-off method yields fork-tender beef with deep flavor infusion while keeping the vegetables perfectly crisp-tender. Simply sear the steak, layer ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it cook while you go about your day.

Why This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe Works

Slow cooking transforms flank steak into an incredibly tender cut perfect for pepper steak. The low, gentle heat breaks down tough muscle fibers while preserving moisture. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant attention, this easy slow cooker pepper steak recipe delivers consistent results with minimal hands-on time. The extended cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich sauce that coats every bite.

Perfect Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Quality ingredients make the difference between good and exceptional pepper steak. Here's what you'll need for this authentic slow cooker pepper steak recipe:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Flank steak	2 lbs	Sliced against the grain into 1/4-inch strips
Bell peppers (mixed colors)	3 large	Sliced into 1-inch strips
Onion	1 large	Sliced
Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
Soy sauce (low sodium)	1/2 cup	Use tamari for gluten-free option
Beef broth	1/4 cup	Low sodium preferred
Brown sugar	2 tbsp	Packed
Rice vinegar	1 tbsp
Cornstarch	2 tbsp	Mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Sesame oil	1 tsp	Added at the end

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Instructions

1. Prepare the steak: Slice flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Sear the beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over high heat. Working in batches, sear steak for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through. This slow cooker pepper steak cooking technique locks in flavor.
3. Layer ingredients: Place onions and half the bell peppers in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add seared steak, remaining peppers, and garlic.
4. Create the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Pour over ingredients in slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
6. Thicken the sauce: In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered until sauce thickens.
7. Finish: Stir in sesame oil just before serving for authentic flavor.

Slow Cooker Settings and Timing Guide

Understanding your slow cooker pepper steak cooking time is crucial for perfect results:

Slow Cooker Setting	Recommended Time	Best For
LOW	6-8 hours	Maximum tenderness, deeper flavor development
HIGH	3-4 hours	When you need faster results (slightly less tender)

Serving Suggestions for Pepper Steak

This best slow cooker pepper steak recipe pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Freshly chopped green onions sprinkled on top
• Sesame seeds for added texture
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side

For a complete meal, serve with a simple cucumber salad or egg rolls. The rich, savory sauce complements neutral grains that soak up the flavorful juices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures your slow cooker pepper steak leftovers maintain quality:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months (sauce may separate slightly when thawed)
• Reheating: Gently warm on stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed

Recipe Variations to Try

Customize this versatile slow cooker pepper steak recipe to suit your preferences:

• Spicy version: Add 1-2 tbsp sriracha or 1 chopped fresh chili to the sauce
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce
• Vegetarian option: Substitute beef with portobello mushrooms or seitan
• Sweet and sour: Add 2 tbsp pineapple juice and 1 tbsp ketchup to the sauce

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best slow cooker pepper steak recipe can encounter problems. Here's how to fix them:

• Meat is tough: Flank steak needs sufficient cooking time. Ensure you're cooking on LOW for at least 6 hours.
• Sauce is too thin: Mix additional cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
• Vegetables are mushy: Add peppers during the last 2 hours of cooking for crisper texture.
• Sauce is too salty: Balance with 1 tsp honey or additional broth.

Why Slow Cooking Beats Traditional Methods

While traditional pepper steak requires constant attention on the stovetop, this slow cooker method for pepper steak offers distinct advantages:

• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks
• Better flavor development: Extended cooking time allows flavors to meld completely
• Consistent results: No risk of overcooking or burning
• Meal prep friendly: Cooks perfectly for next-day leftovers
• Energy efficient: Uses less energy than keeping a stove burner on

Can I use frozen steak for slow cooker pepper steak?

While possible, we recommend using thawed steak for best results. Frozen steak releases excess water during cooking, which can dilute the sauce and prevent proper browning. For optimal texture and flavor, thaw steak completely in the refrigerator before preparing this slow cooker pepper steak recipe.

How do I prevent my slow cooker pepper steak from becoming dry?

To keep your slow cooker pepper steak moist, don't skip the searing step, maintain proper liquid levels (at least 1/2 cup of liquid in the cooker), and avoid overcooking. Flank steak is lean, so 6-8 hours on LOW is ideal - cooking longer than 8 hours may cause dryness.

What's the best cut of beef for slow cooker pepper steak?

Flank steak is ideal for slow cooker pepper steak because it becomes beautifully tender with long cooking while maintaining its beefy flavor. Alternative cuts include skirt steak or chuck roast (cut into strips). Avoid tender cuts like filet mignon, which will become too soft in the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes, you can adapt this slow cooker pepper steak recipe for an Instant Pot. Sear the beef using the sauté function, then cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes with a natural release. However, the texture will differ - Instant Pot cooking creates more shredded beef while slow cooking maintains distinct steak strips.

Why does my slow cooker pepper steak sauce separate?

Sauce separation in slow cooker pepper steak usually happens when the cornstarch hasn't been properly mixed or when the sauce hasn't been allowed to thicken sufficiently. Always mix cornstarch with cold water first, and let the sauce cook uncovered for the final 20-30 minutes to properly thicken. Stirring too vigorously can also cause separation.