The Ultimate Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: Effortless Flavor, Tender Every Time

Are you looking for a meal that feels both like a treat and a cozy night in? What if you could create a dish that’s packed with bold, savory flavor and melts-in-your-mouth tender beef, all with the simple magic of your slow cooker? Look no further than this classic Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, a recipe adored by thousands for a reason.

This dish perfectly answers the call for what diners are craving in 2026: Maximalist Flavors that layer sweet, salty, and umami; a meal Powered by Protein that satisfies completely; and the ultimate in comforting, Nostalgic Classics made easy. It’s a versatile winner, equally perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, and it all comes together with minimal hands-on effort.

At TFGoGoGo.com, we’re passionate about recipes like this—dishes that deliver restaurant-worthy results using straightforward techniques and reliable kitchen tools. This pepper steak is a testament to the fact that incredible flavor doesn't require complexity.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

• Prep Time: 20 mins

• Cook Time: 3-8 hrs (depending on setting)

• Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins+

• Servings: 6

• Rating: 4.6 stars (from over 3,470 reviews)

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips

• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cube beef bouillon

• ¼ cup hot water

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Beef: Sprinkle the sirloin strips with garlic powder. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Sear the beef in batches until nicely browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. This step is non-negotiable for building deep flavor. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.

Create the Sauce Base: Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in the ¼ cup of hot water. Whisk in the cornstarch until completely smooth.

Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour the bouillon-cornstarch mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes (with their juice), soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir everything to combine.

Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The beef will become fork-tender and the sauce will thicken into a rich, glossy glaze.

👨🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

• The Sear Matters: Don't skip searing the beef! Browning the meat creates a flavorful fond (the browned bits) in the pan that forms the foundation of your sauce.

• Keep Veggies Crisp-Tender (Alternative Method): For bell peppers with more bite, add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning. This is a popular tip from seasoned home cooks.

• Thicken to Perfection: If your sauce needs more body after cooking, mix an extra tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, turn it to High, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.

• Flavor Boosts: For a more complex flavor profile, consider these easy additions inspired by other great recipes:

  • Add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.

  • Stir in a tablespoon of oyster sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.

  • Include a pinch of ground ginger or a few minced garlic cloves with the onions.

🍚 Serving & Pairing Suggestions

The classic and best way to serve this dish is over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. It’s also fantastic served over:

• Buttered egg noodles

• Chow mein noodles

• Cauliflower rice (for a lower-carb option)

• Mashed potatoes

📊 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)

This is a hearty and satisfying dish. The following is an approximate nutritional profile per serving, based on the specific ingredients used.

This is a general estimate. For precise dietary tracking, it's best to calculate nutrition based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Hero

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak solves the eternal dinner dilemma: how to get a flavorful, protein-packed meal on the table with minimal active cooking time. It embraces the 2026 trend of "Instant, But Elevated" – taking a convenient cooking method and elevating it with from-scratch, bold flavors.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The core method is foolproof, yet it welcomes your personal touch, whether that's adjusting the sweetness, adding a kick of heat, or throwing in extra veggies like mushrooms or carrots.

This is exactly the type of reliable, family-friendly recipe we love to feature at TFGoGoGo.com. We believe in providing detailed, tested recipes that work every time, along with honest recommendations for the practical kitchen tools—like a good slow cooker and a sturdy skillet—that make home cooking a joy, not a chore.

Ready to make your next dinner both effortless and delicious? For more crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipes and our tips on essential kitchen gear, visit the full collection on our blog at tfgogogo.com.

📝 Recipe Variations & Ideas

To spark your creativity, here’s a quick look at how this classic recipe compares to other popular versions:

About the Recipe & Our Kitchen Philosophy: This recipe is a beloved classic, tested and perfected by a community of home cooks. The high rating and thousands of reviews are a testament to its reliability. At TFGoGoGo.com, we celebrate these community treasures and focus on providing the clear instructions and practical tips you need to make them successfully in your own kitchen, using tools that offer great value and performance. We hope this becomes a new favorite in your home!