Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Steak
1. **Slice the Meat**: Start by slicing the flank steak or sirloin steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help make the meat tender as it cooks.
2. **Brown the Meat** (Optional but recommended): In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced steak in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step will add extra flavor to the dish. Once browned, transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

#### Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker
1. **Add Vegetables**: To the slow cooker, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the steak.
2. **Make the Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth (or water), oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. **Toss Everything Together**: Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the steak and vegetables are coated with the sauce.

#### Step 3: Slow Cook
1. **Cook the Pepper Steak**: Cover the slow cooker and set it to **low heat** for 6-8 hours, or **high heat** for 3-4 hours. The steak will become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce and vegetables.
2. **Thicken the Sauce** (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken before serving.

#### Step 4: Serve
Once the pepper steak is ready, serve it over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Spoon the tender beef, bell peppers, and savory sauce over the rice for a comforting, delicious meal.

### Tips for Success:
– **Use Tender Cuts of Beef**: Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best for this recipe, as they are flavorful and tender when sliced thinly. Avoid tougher cuts of beef, as they may not become as tender in the slow cooker.
– **Adjust the Spice Level**: If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
– **Customize with Extra Veggies**: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas, for additional flavor and nutrition.
– **Make It Gluten-Free**: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that the oyster sauce is gluten-free if you need a gluten-free version.

### Why This Recipe Works:
– **Hands-Off Cooking**: The slow cooker does most of the work for you, making this a perfect recipe for busy weekdays when you don’t have time to hover over the stove.
– **Tender, Flavorful Meat**: The slow cooking method ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce and vegetables.
– **Family-Friendly**: With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, this dish is a hit with both adults and kids alike.

### Conclusion:
**Slow Cooker Pepper Steak** is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the best of both convenience and taste. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and savory sauce is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether served over rice, noodles, or potatoes, this slow cooker recipe is bound to impress. Try it tonight, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner!