CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
If you’re looking for a meal that feels like comfort in a bowl—tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and a savory sauce that practically demands to be poured over rice or mashed potatoes—then CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK is for you.
This dish is one of those slow cooker classics that fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone peek in to ask, “Is dinner ready yet?” It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
The beauty of CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK lies in its simplicity. With just a few everyday ingredients—stew meat, bell peppers, and a blend of pantry staples—you can create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove, yet takes only a few minutes of prep time.
It’s a dish that brings together the rich depth of Worcestershire sauce, the brightness of tomatoes, and the comforting heartiness of beef. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe never disappoints.
Why This CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK Works
The secret behind the success of CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK is in the layering of flavors and the slow-cooking process. The flour coating helps sear the meat beautifully, creating a light crust that locks in juices.
When that browned meat simmers for hours in the slow cooker with beef broth, garlic, and stewed tomatoes, the flavors meld into something deeply savory and slightly sweet from the peppers.
Slow cooking also transforms inexpensive stew meat into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The bell peppers soften but still hold their shape, giving the dish color and a mild sweetness that balances the rich beef gravy.
The Worcestershire sauce ties everything together with umami depth, turning a few simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
What makes CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK especially appealing is how forgiving it is. You can tweak it to your taste—add more spice, throw in onions, or use different colored peppers. It’s an approachable recipe that works for busy weeknights, yet feels like something special enough for Sunday dinner.
What You’ll Need For This CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
Here’s everything you need to make your own batch of CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK:
16 oz beef stew meat: This cut becomes tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
2 bell peppers (any color): Red and green make a colorful combination, but yellow or orange peppers add sweetness too.
1 tbsp vegetable oil: For browning the meat and sautéing the garlic and peppers.
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and that classic steakhouse flavor.
1 tsp minced garlic: Fresh or jarred—garlic enhances the beefy richness of the dish.
1 can (about 14.5 oz) beef broth: Creates the base of the gravy that keeps everything moist.
1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes with juice: Brings acidity and sweetness that balance the savory flavors.
1 tsp seasoned salt: A simple way to flavor the flour coating and meat.
All-purpose flour (enough to coat the beef): Helps sear the meat and later thickens the sauce into a luscious gravy.
Optional add-ins: sliced onions, a dash of soy sauce, or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
How To Make CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
Making CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK is simple enough that even beginner cooks can master it, yet the end result tastes like you spent hours tending to it. Follow these steps:
Prepare the beef:
In a large bowl, mix flour and seasoned salt. Add your beef stew meat and toss to coat evenly. This not only seasons the beef but also helps create a slightly crispy coating when browned.
Brown the meat and veggies:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté until the beef begins to brown on all sides. You’re not cooking it through—just searing it to build flavor.
Transfer to the slow cooker:
Using a slotted spoon, move the browned meat and peppers into your slow cooker, leaving the oil and browned bits behind in the skillet (those bits are full of flavor!).
Build the sauce:
To the same skillet, add the can of stewed tomatoes (with their juice) and the can of beef broth. Stir gently to combine. Gradually whisk in a bit more flour to create a smooth gravy. This will thicken as it cooks.
Combine and cook:
Pour the sauce over the meat and peppers in the slow cooker. Add Worcestershire sauce for that rich, tangy note. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
Serve and enjoy:
Once done, the beef will be tender and the sauce thick and flavorful. Stir everything gently before serving.
Tips + Tricks & More For CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK Success
Don’t skip the browning step. It might be tempting to toss everything straight into the crock pot, but searing the beef first gives you a deeper, richer flavor.
Choose the right peppers. Green peppers offer a mild bitterness that balances the sweetness of red, orange, or yellow ones. A mix of colors makes for a beautiful presentation.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce. If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) and cooking on high for an additional 15–20 minutes.
Add onions for extra flavor. Sliced onions sautéed with the peppers can add a natural sweetness and enhance the overall taste of CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK.
Make it spicier. Add a dash of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
Use leftover sauce wisely. The gravy from CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread.
Prep ahead. You can chop the peppers, coat the meat, and refrigerate both overnight so that in the morning, you only need to combine and start the slow cooker.
How To Serve CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK is a hearty dish that deserves an equally satisfying side. Here are some great serving ideas:
Over white rice: The classic pairing. The rice soaks up all that rich gravy perfectly.
With mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes and peppery gravy make a comforting combo.
Alongside buttered egg noodles: A great option if you prefer a lighter side.
With crusty bread: Perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce.
Over quinoa or cauliflower rice: A healthier, lower-carb alternative that still tastes great.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
For a complete meal, pair CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK with:
A crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
A simple side of garlic bread for a cozy, family-style dinner.
For drinks, iced tea or a light sparkling beverage complements the savory flavors beautifully.
If you’re hosting, serve CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK directly from the slow cooker to keep it warm. Guests can ladle their portions over rice or noodles for a customizable meal.
Time for CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours (on Low)
Total time: 8 hours 15 minutes
That’s it—less than 20 minutes of hands-on work for a full, slow-simmered dinner that feels like it came from a classic diner.
Why Families Love CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK is the kind of dish that wins over both kids and adults. The beef becomes so tender it almost melts, and the sauce is mild enough for everyone while still deeply flavorful. It’s a great introduction to using a slow cooker if you’re just starting out, and it’s budget-friendly too.
This recipe also makes excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, and the sauce thickens slightly—making it even better the next day. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for easy future meals.
Customizing Your CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
Make CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK your own with a few simple tweaks:
Swap the beef for chicken or pork if you prefer a lighter protein.
Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
Stir in a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of stewed for a smoky flavor.
The recipe’s flexibility is one of its greatest strengths—you can change it up without losing that signature comfort-food quality.
Meal Prep & Storage for CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
Store leftover CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freeze in single-serving portions for easy lunches or dinners—just thaw overnight and reheat.
If you meal-prep, cook a big batch on Sunday, portion it into containers with rice or potatoes, and enjoy flavorful lunches all week long.
A Comfort Dish That Never Fails: CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
There’s something timeless about recipes like CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK. It’s the kind of meal that connects generations—easy enough for a beginner, reliable enough for busy parents, and comforting enough to remind you of family dinners growing up.
Every bite delivers that perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tender textures. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this slow cooker favorite always satisfies.
Final Thoughts on CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress, CROCK POT PEPPER STEAK checks all the boxes. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—just slow-cooked with love.
Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Serve it up, sit back, and enjoy the compliments—it’s that good.