Savory Pepper Steak Skillet with Garlic Gravy Sauce

If fast and flavorful is your dinner motto, this Savory Pepper Steak Skillet is about to become your weeknight hero. Made with tender slices of beef, bell peppers, onions, and a silky garlic gravy, this dish brings restaurant-style Chinese-American flavor to your kitchen with hardly any fuss.

Pepper steak is one of those comforting classics—a takeout favorite that’s surprisingly simple to replicate at home. This version doesn’t just mimic it—it elevates it. We take the time to build a rich sauce, sear the beef for maximum browning, and let the sweet peppers and onions keep their vibrant crunch.

The base of this dish is thinly sliced sirloin or bottom round steak, marinated briefly in soy sauce and black pepper for extra flavor. From there, it’s all about high-heat cooking in layers: brown the beef quickly, sauté the veggies just until they’re tender-crisp, and finish it all with a glossy, savory gravy.

What’s great about this skillet recipe is how adaptable it is. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can swap in your favorite peppers, toss in mushrooms, or adjust the garlic level to your heart’s content.

One key tip: slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. This ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. And don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches to get that golden sear rather than steaming.

The gravy deserves its own standing ovation. It’s a luscious mix of brown gravy mix, soy sauce, ginger, and just enough black pepper to make things pop. Once thickened, it clings to every strip of beef and every chunk of bell pepper like it was meant to be there.

And the best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes. Minimal chopping, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family meal, an easy dinner for two, or a dish that makes amazing leftovers, this pepper steak skillet delivers.

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin or bottom round steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (divided)
• 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for searing
• 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 5–6 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat. Working in batches, sear beef strips for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Add another tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté onions and peppers over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
6. Return beef to the pan along with any juices. Pour in the sauce.
7. Stir well and let simmer until sauce thickens and everything is coated, about 2–3 minutes.
8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For more sauce, double the gravy mix and water.
• Use pre-sliced stir-fry beef to save time.
• Don’t overcook the peppers if you like them crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet:

• Quick, easy, and full of flavor.
• A healthier, homemade alternative to takeout.
• Customizable with your favorite veggies.
• Ideal for meal prep or fast weeknight dinners.

This Savory Pepper Steak Skillet is a fast, flavorful stir-fry-style meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Juicy beef, colorful peppers, and a garlicky brown gravy come together in just 30 minutes for a dish that’s better than takeout.