If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner, this Pepper Steak recipe is just what you need. Featuring tender ribeye strips, sautéed onions, and vibrant bell peppers, all coated in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Served over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite side dish, this restaurant-quality Pepper Steak comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when you need something satisfying yet simple.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make Pepper Steak, share useful cooking tips, and provide variations to customize this dish to your liking. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Advertisement
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe ❤️
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
✔️ Full of Flavor – The combination of caramelized onions, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce creates an irresistible taste.
✔️ Customizable – Switch up the peppers, steak cuts, or side dishes to suit your preferences.
✔️ Nutritious & Balanced – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Pepper Steak Ingredients 🛒
Main Ingredients:
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds ribeye steak, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (helps to create a slight crust on the steak)
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
Vegetables & Seasonings:
- 2 small onions, halved and thinly sliced into semi-circles
- 3 medium-large bell peppers, cored and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
For the Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
For Serving:
- Cooked rice (or your favorite side dish)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pepper Steak
Follow these simple steps to prepare the most flavorful and tender Pepper Steak at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak 🥩
- Season the Steak – Place the sliced ribeye steak in a large bowl and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Coat with Flour – Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the steak and toss to coat evenly. This helps create a slight crust on the steak when seared and thickens the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak 🔥
- Heat the Pan – Place a large heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
- Sear in Batches – Once the oil is hot, add the steak in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and sear for about 2 minutes per batch until the outside is browned but the inside remains juicy.
- Remove from Pan – Transfer the seared steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining batches.
Pro Tip: Cooking the steak in batches prevents steaming and ensures a beautiful, caramelized crust.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Peppers 🧅🫑
- Sauté the Onions – In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the sliced onions.
- Caramelize the Onions – Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, golden-brown, and slightly sweet.
- Season the Onions – Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, paprika, smoked paprika, and white pepper, then stir to combine.
- Add the Bell Peppers – Stir in the sliced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Stir in the Garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pro Tip: Using different colored bell peppers (green, red, yellow) adds variety in flavor and presentation.
Step 4: Make the Sauce 🍛
- Add Tomato Paste – Stir in 5 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to remove any raw taste.
- Deglaze with Beef Stock – Pour in ½ cup of beef stock and stir well to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Simmer for Flavor – Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine Everything 🔄
- Return the Steak to the Pan – Add the seared steak back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Simmer for 30 Seconds – Let everything cook together for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the steak is warmed through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish 🍽️
- Plate the Pepper Steak – Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice, brown rice, or your preferred side dish.
- Garnish – Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of freshness.
Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully!
Tips & Variations for the Best Pepper Steak
✅ Best pan for the job – A cast-iron skillet works great for this recipe as it retains heat well and gives the steak a perfect sear.
✅ Steak options – Ribeye is tender and flavorful, but sirloin or flank steak works well too.
✅ Pepper variety – Green bell peppers add a savory note, while red, yellow, or orange bring sweetness and vibrant color. Mix and match!
✅ Side options – While white rice is a classic pairing, try basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous as alternatives.
Why This Pepper Steak Recipe Works
This Pepper Steak with Onions and Bell Peppers is a dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The seared steak, sautéed veggies, and savory sauce create an irresistible meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just craving a restaurant-style dish at home, this Pepper Steak recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While ribeye is rich and flavorful, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or even tenderloin for a leaner option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth.
What sides pair well with Pepper Steak?
Aside from rice, you can serve Pepper Steak with mashed potatoes, quinoa, couscous, or even roasted vegetables.
PrintPepper Steak with Onions and Bell Peppers – A Quick and Flavorful Dinner
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: 531 (pepper steak only)
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds ribeye steaks, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- 2 small onions, halved and thinly sliced into semi-circles
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 medium-large bell peppers, cored and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
- Cooked rice (or your favorite side dish)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Steak:
- Add the sliced steak to a large bowl. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the steak and toss to coat evenly.
2️⃣ Sear the Steak:
- Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet (or cast iron pan) over medium-high heat.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, sear the steak in batches for about 2 minutes per batch until browned on the outside (medium-rare or medium at most).
- Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Onions and Peppers:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden-brown.
- Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to remove its raw flavor.
- Pour in the beef stock and stir to combine, creating a flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5️⃣ Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared steak to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Let simmer for 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm through.
- Serve the pepper steak over rice (or your preferred side) and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Notes
- Best pan for the job: A cast-iron skillet works great for this recipe as it retains heat well, giving you a perfect sear on the steak.
- Steak options: Ribeye is tender and flavorful, but sirloin or flank steak works well too.
- Pepper variety: Green bell peppers add a savory note, while red, yellow, or orange bring sweetness and vibrant color. Mix and match to your preference.
- Side options: While white rice is a classic pairing, basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous are excellent alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, tender steak, and quick meals. It’s the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a hit for the whole family.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a restaurant-quality Pepper Steak at home