Easy Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

The aroma wafted through the house, a savory, beefy scent mingling with the sweet peppers and onions. My family, usually a tough crowd on weeknights, practically stampeded into the kitchen, drawn in by the promise of something truly delicious. And what awaited them was nothing short of Philly Cheesesteak perfection – made effortlessly in our slow cooker! Forget standing over a hot stove, constantly stirring and worrying about burning. This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a game-changer. It’s become a weeknight staple in our home because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and pleases even the pickiest eaters. The beef comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the savory goodness of caramelized onions and peppers, all nestled in a soft, toasted roll with gooey, melted cheese. Honestly, you’d never guess it was made in a slow cooker – it tastes just like the real deal, maybe even better! If you’re craving that classic Philly flavor without the fuss, you absolutely must try this recipe. And for those short on time, I’ve even included Instant Pot instructions to get dinner on the table even faster. Get ready to experience Philly Cheesesteak bliss, the easy way!

Ingredients

To create this incredibly flavorful and easy slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak, you’ll need just a handful of key ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the beef, onions, and peppers to truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this family-favorite meal:

• Beef: 1.5 to 2 pounds of thinly sliced beef. Ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak work wonderfully. For the most authentic texture, look for beef specifically labeled “shaved steak” or “Philly Cheesesteak meat” at your grocery store. If you can’t find pre-sliced beef, you can thinly slice your own. Partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it much easier to achieve thin, even cuts. Cutting against the grain is also crucial for tenderness.
• Onions: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. Yellow onions are classic for Philly Cheesesteaks, offering a mild sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as they cook. You can also use white onions if preferred. Slicing them thinly ensures they cook down and become tender in the slow cooker.
• Bell Peppers: 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced. A mix of colors (green, red, yellow, orange) adds visual appeal and a variety of flavors. Green bell peppers are traditional for Philly Cheesesteaks, but feel free to use your favorites. Remove the seeds and membranes before slicing for the best flavor and texture.
• Provolone Cheese: 6-8 slices of provolone cheese. Provolone is the quintessential cheese for Philly Cheesesteaks, known for its mild, slightly nutty flavor and perfect meltability. You can use sliced provolone or purchase a block and slice it yourself. For a richer flavor, consider using sharp provolone.
• Cheese Whiz (Optional but Highly Recommended): For the truly authentic Philly experience, consider adding Cheese Whiz. While optional for some, for many purists, it’s a must-have. You can drizzle it over the meat and veggies in the slow cooker at the end, or offer it as a topping for serving. A small jar or can will suffice.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Used for searing the beef (optional but highly recommended for flavor development) and sautéing the onions and peppers (also optional but enhances flavor). You can substitute with vegetable oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point if needed.
• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup of beef broth. Adds moisture to the slow cooker and helps to create a flavorful sauce. Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use beef stock or even water in a pinch, but broth will add more depth of flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Adds a savory umami depth to the dish, enhancing the beef flavor. A little goes a long way in adding complexity.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Provides a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients without being overpowering. You can substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred, adding it along with the onions and peppers.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Enhances the onion flavor and adds another layer of savory depth.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the beef and vegetables. You can also use dried Italian seasoning if you prefer.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and adjust to your preference. Remember that cheese and broth can also be salty, so season gradually.
• Hoagie Rolls: 6-8 hoagie rolls, for serving. Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks are served on hoagie rolls. Look for soft, slightly chewy rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling. You can find them at most grocery stores. Italian rolls or submarine rolls can also be used as substitutes.
• Butter or Olive Oil (for rolls): For toasting the rolls. Toasting the rolls adds a delightful crispness and prevents them from becoming soggy. Butter adds richness, while olive oil offers a slightly lighter flavor.

Instructions

This recipe offers two convenient cooking methods: the slow cooker and the Instant Pot. Both methods deliver incredibly tender and flavorful Philly Cheesesteaks, with the slow cooker providing a hands-off, all-day cooking option and the Instant Pot offering a faster, weeknight-friendly alternative. Choose the method that best suits your schedule and preferences.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Optional Searing (Highly Recommended for Flavor): While not strictly necessary for slow cooking, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker significantly enhances the flavor of the cheesesteaks. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the sliced beef for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. You don’t need to cook it through at this point. Remove the seared beef and set aside. This searing step creates a beautiful Maillard reaction, developing rich, savory flavors that will infuse the entire dish during slow cooking.
2. Sauté Onions and Peppers (Optional but Recommended): For deeper flavor, sauté the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the slow cooker. In the same skillet used for searing the beef, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften slightly and begin to caramelize. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and peppers and adds another layer of flavor to the final dish.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the seared beef (or uncooked beef if skipping the searing step), sautéed onions and peppers (or raw onions and peppers if skipping sautéing), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable with a fork when done. The onions and peppers will be soft and flavorful.
5. Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, or once the beef is fully cooked and tender, stir the mixture in the slow cooker. Lay the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top of the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and gooey, about 5-10 minutes. If using Cheese Whiz, you can drizzle it over the top at this point as well, or serve it on the side.
6. Prepare Rolls: While the cheese is melting, prepare the hoagie rolls. Slice the rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Brush the inside of the rolls with melted butter or olive oil. You can toast the rolls in a skillet over medium heat, under a broiler, or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until lightly golden and crispy. Toasting the rolls adds a wonderful texture and prevents them from becoming soggy when filled.
7. Assemble and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted, it’s time to assemble your Philly Cheesesteaks! Using tongs or a slotted spoon, scoop generous portions of the slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls. Top with additional Cheese Whiz if desired, and any other favorite toppings (see “How to Serve” section for ideas). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions and Peppers (Instant Pot Sauté Function): Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function (Normal setting). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften slightly and begin to caramelize. Remove the onions and peppers from the Instant Pot and set aside.
2. Sear Beef (Instant Pot Sauté Function): Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot (still on “Sauté” function). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the sliced beef for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pot (Important for Instant Pot): Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to prevent the “Burn” notice when pressure cooking and adds flavor to the sauce.
4. Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot: Add the seared beef, sautéed onions and peppers, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 5 minutes on high pressure.
6. Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully switching the valve to “Venting.” Be cautious of the steam released.
7. Shred Beef (Optional): If you prefer shredded beef for your cheesesteaks, you can shred the beef at this point using two forks. It will be very tender.
8. Add Cheese: Stir the mixture in the Instant Pot. Lay the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top. Replace the Instant Pot lid (no need to seal or pressure cook). Let the residual heat melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the “Keep Warm” function to help melt the cheese faster. If using Cheese Whiz, drizzle it over the top at this stage.
9. Prepare Rolls and Assemble: While the cheese is melting, prepare the hoagie rolls as described in the slow cooker instructions (step 6). Assemble and serve the Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteaks as described in the slow cooker instructions (step 7).

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and toppings. This is an approximation for one serving, assuming 6 servings from the recipe.)

• Serving Size: 1 Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (approximately 1/6th of the recipe)
• Calories: Approximately 550-700 calories per serving
  • Protein: 40-50 grams
  • Fat: 30-40 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
  • Sodium: 800-1200 mg (depending on broth and cheese used)
  • Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
    • Fiber: 2-4 grams
    • Sugar: 5-8 grams

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (including slicing vegetables and beef, and optional searing/sautéing)
• Cook Time (Slow Cooker): 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Cook Time (Instant Pot): 5 minutes pressure cooking + quick release + cheese melting time (approximately 15-20 minutes total)
• Total Time (Slow Cooker): 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutes
• Total Time (Instant Pot): 35-45 minutes

How to Serve

These Easy Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks are delicious on their own, but here are some fantastic ways to serve them and create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Sides:
  • French Fries: A must-have classic pairing! Serve with ketchup, mustard, or even more Cheese Whiz for dipping.
  • Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings are another perfect side that complements the savory cheesesteaks.
  • Potato Chips: Simple and satisfying, potato chips add a crunchy element to the meal.
• Vegetable Sides:
  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesesteak.
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a healthy and refreshing counterpoint.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
• Toppings and Condiments:
  • Cheese Whiz: For the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak experience, offer extra Cheese Whiz for drizzling on top.
  • Hot Peppers: Pickled hot peppers, banana peppers, or jalapeños add a spicy kick for those who like it hot.
  • Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise: Classic sandwich condiments that everyone can customize with.
  • Lettuce and Tomato (Optional): While not traditional in a true Philly Cheesesteak, some people enjoy adding shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes for freshness.
  • Pickles: Dill pickles or sweet pickles offer a tangy and crunchy contrast.
• Make it a Platter: Arrange the Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches on a platter surrounded by bowls of your chosen sides and toppings, allowing everyone to customize their perfect plate.

Additional Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteaks

1. Quality Beef is Key: While this recipe is forgiving, starting with good quality beef will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture. Look for ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak for the best results. Don’t skimp on the beef!
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing: If you choose to sear the beef, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of searing it, preventing that desirable browning and flavor development.
3. Thinly Slice Everything: Thinly sliced beef, onions, and peppers cook more evenly and create the characteristic texture of a Philly Cheesesteak. Take your time and slice everything as thinly as possible.
4. Toast the Rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls is a crucial step that elevates the entire sandwich. It adds a pleasant crispness and prevents the rolls from becoming soggy from the juicy filling.
5. Don’t Overcook: Whether you are using the slow cooker or Instant Pot, be mindful not to overcook the beef. Overcooked beef can become dry and tough. The beef is done when it is easily shreddable with a fork.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

A: It’s not recommended to use frozen beef directly in the slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe. Frozen beef will release a lot of water as it thaws, which can dilute the flavors and affect the texture. It’s best to thaw the beef completely in the refrigerator before cooking for optimal results. If you are using the Instant Pot, you might be able to cook from frozen, but you would need to significantly increase the cooking time and searing will be difficult. Thawing is always preferred.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the Philly Cheesesteak filling ahead of time. The cooked beef and vegetable mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. It’s best to toast the rolls and assemble the sandwiches just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Q3: Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Mushrooms are a popular addition to Philly Cheesesteaks. You can add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers. Sauté them together before adding them to the slow cooker or Instant Pot, or add them raw. Cremini or white button mushrooms work well.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: While provolone is traditional and highly recommended, you can certainly use other types of cheese if you prefer. Good substitutes include:

• American Cheese: Melts beautifully and has a classic, mild flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharper, more pronounced cheese flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts well and has a mild, buttery flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a mild flavor and a very gooey, stretchy melt.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: For a spicy kick, pepper jack is a great option.

Q5: My slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak is watery. How can I fix it?

A: If your Philly Cheesesteak is too watery, there are a few things you can do:

• Remove Excess Liquid: Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and vegetables from the slow cooker, leaving the excess liquid behind.
• Reduce the Sauce: If you want to thicken the sauce, you can turn the slow cooker to high (or use the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot if applicable) and let the liquid simmer and reduce for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
• Cornstarch Slurry (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker mixture and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Use this sparingly as too much cornstarch can make the sauce gluey.

Enjoy making and savoring these incredibly easy and delicious Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot!) Philly Cheesesteaks! They are sure to become a family favorite.

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