Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish

Directions

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Prepare the beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef sirloin and cut it into thin strips. Season the beef with black pepper.
2. Slice the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips. Mince the garlic.

Assembling the Slow Cooker:

1. Combine sauces and seasonings: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the beef strips in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and undrained diced tomatoes on top.
3. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Cooking the Pepper Steak:

1. 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 cooked through.
2. Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking for the remaining time until the sauce has thickened.

Serving the Pepper Steak:

1. Prepare the rice: While the sauce is thickening, cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2. Serve: Serve the slow cooker pepper steak over a bed of rice, garnished with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes and Tips

• Vegetable options: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Meat choices: You can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak or chuck roast if preferred. Just ensure they are sliced thinly for even cooking.
• Soy sauce alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Food and Drink Pairings

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad. For drinks, a light beer, a glass of red wine, or even a chilled green tea would complement the flavors nicely.