If you are looking for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that you can prep in advance and let simmer to perfection, the CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender strips of round steak, vibrant bell peppers, and savory Italian tomatoes all mingled with a flavorful mix of seasonings, creating a meal that tastes like it took hours but requires minimal hands-on time. It’s an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the hassle.

CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is what makes this CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal so approachable and reliable. Each item brings its own unique texture and taste, ensuring the dish is rich, hearty, and visually inviting.

1 1/2 lbs round steak cut into 1/2 in strips: The star protein, offering tender, juicy bites once slow-cooked.
1/4 cup flour: Helps thicken the sauce as it cooks and crisps the steak strips slightly before stewing.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances natural flavors throughout the dish.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
1 small onion diced: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch for depth.
4-5 garlic cloves: Infuses the meal with a warm, aromatic foundation.
1 green pepper diced: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.
1 red pepper diced: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
1 16 oz can Italian style tomatoes: Rich and herb-infused, these tomatoes create a luscious sauce base.
1 tbsp beef bouillon: Intensifies the meaty flavor of the sauce beautifully.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Provides a complex, tangy depth that rounds out the flavor profile.
1 tbsp steak seasoning: Your go-to blend for seasoning the meat with a savory punch.
1 tbsp steak sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and umami for complexity in every bite.

How to Make CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by tossing your round steak strips with salt, pepper, and flour to evenly coat them. This little step sets the stage for tender steak pieces that will soak up all the delicious juices and thicken the sauce as it cooks. Once coated, place the steak into a large gallon-sized freezer bag.

Step 2: Mix the Veggies and Seasonings

In a medium bowl, combine the diced onion, garlic cloves, green and red peppers, Italian style tomatoes, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and steak sauce. This vibrant mixture is the flavor powerhouse that will meld with the steak during slow cooking.

Step 3: Assemble Your Freezer Bag

Pour the veggie and seasoning mix over the steak in your freezer bag, seal it tightly, and give it a gentle squish to distribute everything evenly. This bag is now ready to head into the freezer until you’re ready for an easy dinner solution.

Step 4: Cook the Meal

When mealtime rolls around, thaw the bag overnight in the fridge. Empty it into the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the meat fibers to juicy tenderness and mellows the peppers and onions into a mellow sweetness that’s just irresistible.

How to Serve CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal

Garnishes

For extra brightness and texture, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top right before serving. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat if you like things with a little kick.

Side Dishes

This pepper steak is perfect alongside fluffy steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple crusty bread to soak up that flavorful sauce. Adding roasted or steamed green beans and a crisp salad also complements the dish’s rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this classic into a fun family meal by serving the CrockPot Pepper Steak over cooked egg noodles or stuffing it inside warmed pita pockets topped with a dollop of sour cream. For a hearty twist, pair it with loaded baked potatoes or even as a filling for savory crepes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making reheated servings just as delicious.

Freezing

Besides freezing the meal raw as instructed, you can also freeze cooked leftovers by allowing the dish to cool completely and then transferring it to freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While round steak is ideal for its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can substitute with chuck steak or sirloin strips for a slightly different texture but equally delicious outcome.

Do I have to thaw the freezer meal before cooking?

For even cooking and food safety, it’s best to thaw the CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in the crockpot.

Can I add other vegetables to this meal?

Yes! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, sliced carrots, or even zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor variations to suit your taste.

How long can I keep the raw freezer meal in the freezer?

The assembled freezer meal will stay at its best quality for about 3 months. Beyond that, it’s still safe but may lose some texture and flavor freshness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To keep it gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the ease and comforting flavor of the CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal. It’s truly a lifesaver for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal waiting for you without the stress. Once you try it, this recipe will likely become a trusted staple in your dinner rotation, delivering big flavor with minimal effort every time.

CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This CrockPot Pepper Steak Freezer Meal is a convenient and flavorful dish featuring tender round steak strips cooked slowly with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy days, this freezer-friendly recipe makes meal prep easy while delivering a comforting, hearty dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Steak: Toss the round steak strips with salt, pepper, and flour until evenly coated. This helps to tenderize the meat and thicken the sauce during cooking.
Mix Vegetables and Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine diced onion, garlic cloves, green and red peppers, Italian style tomatoes, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and steak sauce. Mix well.
Bag the Ingredients: Add the coated steak strips to a gallon-sized freezer bag. Pour the mixed vegetable and sauce mixture into the bag over the steak. Seal the bag securely, removing excess air, and place in the freezer.
Freezing and Thawing: When ready to cook, thaw the freezer bag in the refrigerator overnight to allow for even cooking.
Cook the Pepper Steak: Empty the thawed contents into the crock-pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, stir gently and serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Notes

For best texture, do not skip thawing the freezer bag overnight before cooking.
You can substitute round steak with sirloin or flank steak strips for variation.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, especially if using low-sodium bouillon.
Adding a splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor if desired.
This meal is great for batch cooking and can be doubled to feed a larger family.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American