The Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is a comforting and flavorful classic, made even easier with the magic of the slow cooker. This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked beef, sweet bell peppers, and onions, all topped with gooey melted provolone cheese on a soft hoagie roll. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a game-day spread, this dish delivers all the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the need for hours of active cooking. It’s an effortless way to bring a beloved American classic to your table, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs thinly sliced beef (ribeye or flank steak)
- 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese
Directions:
- Place the sliced beef, green bell peppers, and onion in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using tongs, pile the beef and veggies onto the hoagie rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Allure of the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic American dish that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 20th century. Traditionally served on a long hoagie roll and packed with thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, it quickly became a favorite street food and has since earned its place as a comfort food classic.
This crockpot version takes all the flavors of the beloved sandwich and adds a layer of convenience, making it accessible to everyone, even on the busiest of days. The slow cooker brings out the tenderness in the beef, allowing it to soak up the rich flavors of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while blending perfectly with the sautéed onions and bell peppers.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Unmatched Convenience
One of the standout features of the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a hearty, no-fuss meal. Simply set it and forget it until mealtime. - Perfectly Tender Beef
The slow cooker allows the beef to cook low and slow, breaking down the fibers to achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ribeye or flank steak works best, offering a juicy, rich flavor that complements the other ingredients. - Balanced Flavor Profile
The savory combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder creates a flavor-packed base for the beef. Add in the sweetness of caramelized onions and bell peppers, and you have a harmonious balance of flavors that’s irresistible. - Melted Cheese Magic
No Philly Cheesesteak is complete without cheese, and this version doesn’t disappoint. Provolone cheese melts beautifully over the beef, creating the gooey, stretchy topping that makes each bite unforgettable. The cheese adds richness while bringing everything together in a deliciously satisfying way. - Customizable to Your Taste
While this recipe stays true to the classic Philly Cheesesteak, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add mushrooms, jalapeños, or different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese to make it your own. Even the level of spice can be adjusted with a touch of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Advantages
- Rich in Protein: The beef provides a hearty dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and energy.
- Vegetable Boost: The addition of bell peppers and onions not only enhances the flavor but also adds vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Energy-Packed Carbs: The hoagie roll offers a satisfying source of carbohydrates, making this a well-rounded, energy-boosting meal.
- Minimal Fats: Since the beef is slow-cooked and no extra frying is required, the recipe uses less oil while still delivering maximum flavor.
For those looking for a low-carb alternative, the filling can be served over zucchini noodles or in lettuce wraps, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying version of the dish.
Why This Recipe Appeals to Everyone
- A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
Whether you’re cooking for kids, teens, or adults, this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak appeals to everyone’s taste buds. The combination of tender beef, melty cheese, and soft hoagie rolls is a universal favorite. - Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish works beautifully for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a party. It’s great for game days or gatherings where you want a hearty and satisfying meal that doesn’t require constant attention in the kitchen. - Meal Prep Friendly
The Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is an excellent recipe for meal prepping. The beef and vegetable filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble the sandwiches fresh for a quick, effortless meal during the week.
How to Elevate the Recipe
- Choose Quality Rolls: The bread is an essential part of a Philly Cheesesteak. Opt for soft yet sturdy hoagie rolls that can hold the juicy filling without falling apart. A quick toasting in the oven can add a delicious crispiness to the exterior.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While provolone is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses for variety. Cheese Whiz is a popular option in Philadelphia, while sharp cheddar adds a tangy kick.
- Caramelize the Onions: For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions until they’re golden brown and caramelized before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step enhances the natural sweetness of the onions and gives the dish even more depth.
- Add a Crunchy Element: For a fun twist, consider topping the sandwiches with crispy fried onions or a tangy slaw for added texture and flavor.
Leftover Ideas
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), there are endless ways to repurpose them:
- Philly Cheesesteak Bowls: Serve the beef and veggies over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty, no-bread option.
- Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: Use the beef and veggies as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza dough, with an extra layer of cheese on top.
- Philly Cheesesteak Wraps: Roll the filling into tortillas or flatbreads for a quick and portable lunch.
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the filling before baking for a delicious, low-carb option.
Conclusion
This recipe offers the best of both worlds: the indulgent flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak and the ease of slow cooking. It’s an ideal dish for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring people together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a party, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to leave everyone satisfied.