Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Beef Crock Pot

This recipe can also be made with pork, the recipe may be doubled if desired --- this is very good!

• Ready In: 7 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄3 cup cider vinegar
• 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained and reserve juice
• 3  tablespoons soy sauce
• 1  tablespoon  fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
• 3 -6  tablespoons  oil
• 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless beef sirloin (cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces, or use a cut of beef of choice)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (or to taste)
•  salt and pepper
• 3  cups  baby carrots, cut in half
• 1  large onion, cut into about 1-inch pieces
• 3  tablespoons cornstarch
• 3  tablespoons cold water
• 1  large green pepper, seeded and chopped

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cider vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce and garlic.
2. Add/stir in the brown sugar until completely dissolved; set aside.
3. Heat oil in a skillet.
4. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper then brown in hot oil on all sides.
5. Place the browned meat in the slow cooker along with the red pepper flakes.
6. Add in carrots and onion to the slow cooker.
7. Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the veggies and beef.
8. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 7-9 hours or on HIGH heat for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
9. Increase the heat to HIGH.
10. Dissolve the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
11. Add in the cornstarch mixture, pineapple chunks and green pepper into the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
12. Continue to cook for about 30 minutes, or until the green pepper is crisply tender and the juices are thickened.
13. Serve with cooked rice.