Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. **Slice the beef:** Start by slicing the flank steak or sirloin into thin strips against the grain. This will help the beef stay tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

2. **Prep the vegetables:** Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, and mince the garlic.

#### Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)
1. **Sear the beef:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown it for 2-3 minutes. This step is optional, but browning the beef first adds extra flavor and color to the dish.

2. **Transfer to the slow cooker:** Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker. If you skipped the browning step, you can just add the raw beef directly into the slow cooker.

#### Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Sauce
1. **Add vegetables:** Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.

2. **Mix the sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

#### Step 4: Slow Cook the Pepper Steak
1. **Set the slow cooker:** Cover and cook the pepper steak on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The beef will become tender, and the vegetables will cook down, releasing their flavors into the sauce.

#### Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
1. **Thicken the sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce, making it more luscious and perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Serve over rice or noodles:** Once the pepper steak is done cooking, serve it over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

2. **Garnish:** For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

### Tips and Variations:
– **Add More Veggies:** Feel free to add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for more flavor and texture.
– **Spicy Version:** If you like some heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker.
– **Low-Carb Option:** Serve the pepper steak with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
– **Sweet and Savory Twist:** For a touch of sweetness, you can add a bit more brown sugar or even some pineapple chunks to the slow cooker. This will create a sweet-savory contrast that pairs well with the beef.
– **Gluten-Free Version:** Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

### Healthier Alternatives:
– **Lean Beef:** Use lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, to make the dish lighter and lower in fat.
– **Low-Sodium Sauce:** To reduce sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and broth. You can also skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a homemade version with fewer added salts.
– **More Veggies:** To increase the fiber and nutrition, add more vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, snow peas, or broccoli.

### Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender while the peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch. The savory sauce ties everything together, making this dish an irresistible option for dinner any night of the week. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal ready to serve with very little hands-on work. Enjoy!