Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Patties
Description
These Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Patties are tender, juicy, and packed with savory beef flavor. Homemade seasoned beef patties simmer slowly with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich brown gravy until everything is deliciously tender. It’s an easy comfort-food dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
🛒 Ingredients
Serves 4–6
🥩 Steak Patties
1½ lbs ground beef
½ small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
🫑 Pepper Gravy
1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
🌽 To Thicken
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 6–8 oval patties.
Optional browning: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the patties for 2–3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step for an easier slow-cooker version.
Layer the vegetables: Place sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Arrange the beef patties over the vegetables.
Make the gravy: Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour over the patties.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the beef patties are cooked through and tender.
Thicken the gravy: Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker during the final 15–20 minutes. Keep the lid on while the gravy thickens.
Serve: Spoon the rich pepper gravy and vegetables over the patties. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower mash, or egg noodles. 🥔🍚
💡 Tips
Don’t overmix the beef or the patties can become tough.
Browning the patties first gives the gravy a deeper, richer flavor.
For extra gravy, increase the beef broth to 2½ cups and adjust the cornstarch slurry as needed.
A combination of green, red, and yellow peppers makes the dish colorful and slightly sweeter.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the patties will be slightly leaner.
Q: Can I make this without browning the patties?
Absolutely. Simply place the uncooked patties directly into the slow cooker.
Q: How do I know the patties are done?
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, then store the patties and gravy in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to about 3 months.
Q: What is the best side dish?
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they soak up the flavorful pepper gravy beautifully.