Pepper Steak in a Crockpot

Ingredients:
2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
2-3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced into strips
1 medium onion, sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Steak:
Slice the beef into thin strips. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Optional Browning:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef strips for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. (This step adds flavor but can be skipped for convenience.)
3. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:
Place the sliced beef in the bottom of the crockpot.
Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
5. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Optional Thickening:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve:
Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired