Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Patties

Description

These Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Patties are tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor. Seasoned beef patties are slow-cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a rich brown gravy until everything is wonderfully tender. It’s an easy comfort-food dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 6–8 oval patties.
2. Brown the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties for about 2–3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. Add the vegetables: Arrange sliced onions and bell peppers around and over the beef patties.
4. Make the sauce: Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Pour the mixture over the patties and vegetables.
5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the patties are cooked through and tender.
6. Thicken the gravy: During the final 15 minutes, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker juices. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and spoon the rich pepper-and-onion gravy over the patties. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or vegetables.

💡 Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef for a lighter version, but avoid overmixing the meat so the patties stay tender.
• Browning the patties first adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step when you’re short on time.
• Add mushrooms for an extra savory twist.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

❓ Q&A

Can I make these patties without browning them?
Yes. You can place the uncooked patties directly into the slow cooker, although browning gives them a deeper flavor.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well, but the patties may be slightly lighter and less rich.

What should I serve with pepper steak patties?
Mashed potatoes, white rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or green beans are all excellent choices.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze the patties with the gravy in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.