This Pepper Steak & Gravy recipe is a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this savory meal combines tender beef with colorful bell peppers and a rich gravy. Not only is it easy to prepare, but its hearty taste also makes it a standout choice for those seeking comfort food. With the perfect balance of spices, this dish promises to impress everyone around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of seasonings and sautéed vegetables creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that fits any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: With its delicious taste and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the delightful flavors as leftovers; they taste even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Pepper Steak & Gravy recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Why These Tools Matter
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
- Skillet: Provides ample space for sautéing vegetables and browning meat perfectly.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements for balanced flavors.
Ingredients
This savory Pepper Steak & Gravy recipe is true southern comfort food! It’s an easy recipe that the whole family will love!
For the Beef
- 2 pounds top sirloin (thinly sliced)
For the Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
For Cooking
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

How to Make Pepper Steak & Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
In a large mixing bowl, add the steak slices and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until well combined. Season with all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss again to ensure every piece is coated with seasoning.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet, stirring to mix them with the melted butter. Sauté until they begin to soften and turn brown on the edges. Once done, move them to one side of the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
On the opposite side of the skillet, add the seasoned steak slices. Allow them to sear for about 4-5 minutes before mixing them with the vegetables. Continue cooking until fully browned; this should take around 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of your strips.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Add another 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir to combine it with the meat and veggies. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring continuously until the gravy thickens. Reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve your Pepper Steak & Gravy over rice or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal! Enjoy!
How to Serve Pepper Steak & Gravy
Pepper Steak & Gravy is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. The rich flavors of the steak and gravy pair well with many sides and garnishes, making each meal a celebration.
Over Rice
- Fluffy White Rice: Serve the pepper steak over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the savory gravy.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture of mashed potatoes complements the robust flavors of the dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Elevate your dish by adding roasted garlic to the potatoes for an extra punch of flavor.
In a Wrap
- Tortilla Wraps: Wrap the pepper steak mixture in a warm tortilla for a tasty on-the-go meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use fresh lettuce leaves as wraps filled with pepper steak and veggies.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish.
How to Perfect Pepper Steak & Gravy
To ensure your Pepper Steak & Gravy turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use High-Quality Meat: Choosing top sirloin or another tender cut will ensure that your steak is juicy and flavorful.
- Sear Properly: Allowing the meat to sear well before mixing with vegetables enhances its flavor profile through caramelization.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary, as overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning the meat.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference for balanced flavors.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the gravy to simmer thickens it beautifully and melds all flavors together.
- Serve Immediately: For best taste and texture, serve your dish hot right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Pepper Steak & Gravy
Pairing side dishes with your Pepper Steak & Gravy can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Steamed Vegetables: Fresh steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread makes for a delicious accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
- Coleslaw: The crisp texture of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the steak and gravy.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness complements the savory elements of the dish, creating a delightful balance.
- Fried Plantains: These sweet and savory bites offer an interesting twist that pairs well with the meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side option that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pepper Steak & Gravy, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to be aware of:
- Over-seasoning the meat: Adding too much seasoning can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced flavor.
- Not slicing the meat properly: Cutting the steak too thick can lead to chewy pieces. Aim for thin slices to ensure tenderness and even cooking.
- Skipping the sauté step: Neglecting to sauté the vegetables can result in a lack of flavor. Always take time to caramelize them before adding the steak.
- Rushing the searing process: Searing on high heat is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow enough time for a good crust.
- Ignoring gravy consistency: If your gravy is too thin, it won’t coat your meal well. Make sure to let it simmer until it thickens adequately.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pepper Steak & Gravy
- Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pepper Steak & Gravy
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Pepper Steak & Gravy spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or increase the black pepper amount during cooking for extra heat.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken works well and will still provide you with a delicious Pepper Steak & Gravy experience.
What side dishes pair well with Pepper Steak & Gravy?
Rice or mashed potatoes are excellent choices as they soak up the flavorful gravy beautifully.
How long does it take to prepare Pepper Steak & Gravy?
The entire cooking process takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini based on your preference.
Conclusion
This Pepper Steak & Gravy recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables, making it a family favorite that you’ll want to try again and again!

Pepper Steak & Gravy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting taste of Pepper Steak & Gravy—a classic dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. This savory meal features tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful gravy that will delight your taste buds. With its quick preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you crave something hearty yet easy to make. Serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious gravy. With its balance of spices and fresh ingredients, this Pepper Steak & Gravy is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds top sirloin (thinly sliced)
- 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine steak slices with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add bell peppers and onions, sauté until softened, then move to one side.
- Cook the steak: Add seasoned steak to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes before combining with vegetables. Cook until fully browned (around 10-12 minutes).
- Make the gravy: Add remaining butter and flour to the skillet; stir in beef broth gradually until thickened. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg