If you love a tender, juicy steak with a rich pepper sauce, this Instant Pot Pepper Steak is going to be your new favorite dinner. It is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights. You do not need hours to cook it—the Instant Pot does all the work for you.
This recipe is simple enough for beginners but tastes like it came from a restaurant. Every bite melts in your mouth, and the pepper sauce has just the right kick. You can make it with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles.
Whether you are cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this Instant Pot Pepper Steak is a winner. It is comforting, hearty, and full of black pepper flavor that everyone will love.
Looking for more cozy beef dinners like this? Try some of our favorite Instant Pot beef dinner recipes that are quick, hearty, and family friendly.
Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
- Ready in under an hour using your Instant Pot
- Super tender steak every time
- Bold, peppery sauce with simple ingredients
- Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Easy to customize with vegetables you love
Ingredients for Instant Pot Pepper Steak
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt to taste
Ingredient Notes or Substitutions
- Beef: You can use ribeye or tenderloin instead of sirloin.
- Bell peppers: Any color works; red adds sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Use low-sodium if preferred.
- Cornstarch: Can substitute with arrowroot powder or flour for thickening.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground gives the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Pepper Steak
Step 1: Sear the beef
Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil. Once hot, sear beef strips in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Add onions and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You can set aside these onions and bell peppers and them at step 5 for more crunchy flavor.
Step 3: Add liquids and seasonings
Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add black pepper and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Pressure cook the beef
Return the beef to the pot. Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, use natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pepper Steak
- Do not overcrowd the pot when searing beef; do it in batches.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
- Let the beef rest a few minutes after cooking for extra tenderness.
- Adjust sauce thickness with more or less cornstarch.
Variations or Add-ins
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Swap beef for chicken strips for a lighter version.
- Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Pepper Steak
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles or pasta
- Stir-fried vegetables
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Ingredients
Method
- Sear beef in Instant Pot on sauté mode. Set aside.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers, add garlic.
- Add broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Return beef. Pressure cook 15 minutes on high. Natural release 5 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce.
- Serve hot with rice, potatoes, or noodles.
Notes
This Instant Pot Pepper Steak is a simple, hearty, and flavorful meal that anyone can make. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. With tender beef and a bold pepper sauce, it will quickly become a family favorite. Try it and enjoy a restaurant-style dinner at home!
