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### **Instructions**
**1. Brown the Beef**
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef strips to the skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meat on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. Browning the beef adds extra depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step! Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
**2. Add the Veggies and Garlic**
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes just to soften the vegetables a bit and release their aroma. You don’t need to cook them through; just a quick sauté is all it takes. Transfer the veggies and garlic into the slow cooker with the beef.
**3. Make the Sauce**
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
**4. Slow Cook**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on **low** for **6-7 hours** or on **high** for **3-4 hours**, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are softened. The longer the beef cooks, the more tender it will become.
**5. Thicken the Sauce**
Once the cooking time is up, the sauce should be rich and flavorful. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes on high to allow the sauce to thicken.
**6. Serve and Enjoy**
Once everything is ready, give the pepper steak a final stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your tender pepper steak over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired.
### **Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try**
– **Effortless Cooking**: The slow cooker does all the work for you. With just a bit of prep and a few hours of cooking, you’ll have a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal ready to serve.
– **Incredibly Tender Beef**: The slow cooking method ensures that the beef comes out incredibly tender and juicy. The flavors have time to develop, making each bite more satisfying than the last.
– **Comforting and Hearty**: Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a satisfying dinner after a busy day, this pepper steak will hit the spot. Pair it with your favorite side, and you’ve got a meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
– **Great for Meal Prep**: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, and the flavors meld together even more as they sit.
### **Tips for the Perfect Pepper Steak**
– **Choose the Right Cut of Beef**: Flank steak or sirloin work best for this recipe, as they’re flavorful and tender when slow-cooked. You can also use skirt steak or round steak, but be sure to slice them thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
– **Cut the Vegetables Uniformly**: Try to slice the peppers and onions evenly so they cook at the same rate. This ensures that you get perfectly cooked veggies in every bite.
– **Customize the Vegetables**: You can add more veggies to this dish, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas. They’ll soak up the savory sauce and add even more texture and flavor.
– **Adjust the Sauce**: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. If you want a tangier flavor, increase the amount of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce.
### **Conclusion**
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that’s bursting with flavor, this **Slow Cooker Pepper Steak** is your answer. The tender beef, sautéed peppers, and savory sauce come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker makes it perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Say goodbye to takeout and give this simple yet flavorful recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did! 🍖🌶️✨
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