Experience the savoriness of Philly cheesesteaks right in your kitchen. This slow cooker cheesesteak recipe allows you to capture the classic flavors of this iconic sandwich, with the added convenience of a slow cooker. The key to this recipe is the slow cooking process which tenderizes the beef roast and infuses it with the delectable flavors of garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Topped with melted provolone on a hoagie roll, this will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe uses simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. The beef roast, usually a rump or chuck roast is a common cut of meat. The French onion soup is a canned soup readily available at most supermarkets, often located in the soup aisle. Provolone cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese, which you can find in the cheese section. If you can't find hoagie rolls, a good substitute would be any sturdy bread that can hold up to the juices of the steak.
Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Recipe
Beef roast: The main star of the dish, which will be slow cooked until tender.
Olive oil: Used for browning the beef roast before slow cooking.
Beef broth: Adds flavor to the beef as it cooks.
Onions: Gives a sweet flavor that complements the savory beef.
French onion soup: Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami flavor.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor.
Bell peppers: Provides a sweet, crunchy contrast.
Provolone: Melts beautifully on the hoagie rolls, adding a creamy texture.
Hoagie rolls: The traditional bread for a Philly cheesesteak.
One reader, Corney Santos says:
This slow cooker cheesesteak recipe is a game-changer! The beef is so tender and flavorful, and the combination of onions, peppers, and provolone is simply mouthwatering. It's incredibly easy to make, and the aroma while it's cooking is just heavenly. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
Season the beef: Rub the beef with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
Brown the beef: Sear the beef on all sides in a hot pan with olive oil to develop a rich, caramelized crust.
Add the broth to the pan: Pour the broth into the pan to deglaze and scrape up any browned bits, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Cook on low for 8 hours: Slow cooking the beef allows it to become tender and develop rich flavors.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F: This step ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for melting the cheese on the hoagie rolls.
Top with cheese on each side: Placing cheese on both sides of the hoagie rolls ensures a gooey, cheesy bite in every bite.
How To Make Slow Cooker Cheesesteak
Whip up our tasty slow cooker cheesesteak sandwiches for your next outdoor party! It’s loaded with beef, bell peppers, and more for a filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbbeef roast,chuck or pot roast
- 1tbspolive oil
- 10.5ozbeef broth,low sodium
- 2onions,sliced
- 10.5ozfrench onion soup,canned
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 1tbspgarlic,minced
- 2bell peppers,sliced, yellow, red or green, optional
- 8ozsliced provolone,or American cheese
- 8hoagie rolls,or sub rolls
Instructions
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Season the beef with salt and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil over medium high heat on a pan, then brown the beef on all sides.
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Transfer the beef into the slow cooker.
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Add the broth to the pan to scrape up any brown bits.
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Pour the broth into the slow cooker with the onions, onion soup, soy sauce, and garlic.
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Cook on Low for 8 hours, adding the peppers during the last 45 minutes of cooking.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Open the sub rolls, then top with cheese on each side.
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Bake for 5 minutes or just until the cheese is melted.
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Top with the slow cooked beef and peppers, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 473.42kcal
- Fat: 24.82g
- Saturated Fat: 10.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.27g
- Carbohydrates: 25.29g
- Fiber: 2.41g
- Sugar: 3.07g
- Protein: 35.61g
- Cholesterol: 104.61mg
- Sodium: 712.75mg
- Calcium: 281.89mg
- Potassium: 634.39mg
- Iron: 3.61mg
- Vitamin A: 113.61µg
- Vitamin C: 40.63mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
When browning the beef roast in the pan, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This could cause the beef to steam rather than sear, resulting in less flavor. Also, when adding the bell peppers during the last 45 minutes of cooking, cut them into large pieces to prevent them from becoming too soft and losing their texture. Lastly, when melting the provolone on the hoagie rolls, keep a close eye on the oven as cheese can easily go from melted to burnt.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-sliced cheese: Save time by using pre-sliced cheese instead of slicing it yourself.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.
Buy pre-sliced vegetables: Purchase pre-sliced onions and bell peppers to cut down on prep time.
Multi-task: While the cheesesteak is cooking, use the time to prepare other components of the meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Recipe
beef roast - Substitute with pork roast: Pork roast can be used as a flavorful alternative to beef roast, adding a slightly different taste and texture to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a neutral substitute for olive oil, providing a similar cooking function.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, providing a lighter flavor profile while still adding depth to the dish.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a milder alternative to onions, adding a subtle and sweet flavor to the dish.
french onion soup - Substitute with beef consommé: Beef consommé can be used as a substitute for French onion soup, providing a rich and savory base for the recipe.
soy sauce - Substitute with Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, adding a similar umami flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative with a slightly milder flavor.
bell peppers - Substitute with cubanelle peppers: Cubanelle peppers can be used as a substitute for bell peppers, offering a similar sweet and mild flavor.
provolone - Substitute with mozzarella: Mozzarella can be used as a substitute for provolone, providing a mild and creamy cheese flavor.
hoagie rolls - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread can be used as a substitute for hoagie rolls, offering a crusty exterior and soft interior for the sandwich.
Plating Ideas for a Delicious Cheesesteak Dinner
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the slow-cooked cheesesteak on the plate with precision, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the cheesesteak to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Create height and dimension: Stack the hoagie rolls in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they stand tall and proud on the plate.
- Incorporate a drizzle of sauce: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle a reduction of the cooking juices around the plate for an added touch of elegance.
- Utilize edible flowers: Place a few carefully chosen edible flowers around the plate to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of floral aroma.
- Consider the plate selection: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish, such as a sleek white or earthy-toned plate to enhance the visual appeal.
- Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, consider adding a delicate, edible gold leaf to the plate for a touch of opulence.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop cooking appliance that allows for long, slow cooking at low temperatures. It's perfect for tenderizing meats and developing rich flavors in dishes like the slow cooker cheesesteak recipe.
- Pan: A pan is a versatile kitchen tool used for browning, searing, and sautéing ingredients. It's essential for browning the beef before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It's used in this recipe to melt the cheese on the hoagie rolls before assembling the cheesesteak sandwiches.
- Knife: A knife is a crucial tool for slicing and chopping ingredients, such as onions, bell peppers, and the beef roast, in the slow cooker cheesesteak recipe.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients, ensuring safety and cleanliness in the kitchen.
- Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and handling the beef while browning it in the pan, as well as for assembling the cheesesteak sandwiches.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are essential for accurately portioning out ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic in the slow cooker recipe.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to hold the hoagie rolls topped with cheese in the oven, allowing the cheese to melt before assembling the cheesesteak sandwiches.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
Let the cheesesteak cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the hoagie rolls from getting soggy.
To store in the fridge, place the beef and peppers in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
For freezing, transfer the cooled beef and peppers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
The cheesesteak filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the beef and peppers overnight in the refrigerator.
Place the thawed filling in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to help rehydrate the mixture.
Assemble the cheesesteaks with fresh hoagie rolls and provolone cheese for the best texture and flavor after freezing.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover slow cooker cheesesteak in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the meat is heated through and the provolone cheese is melted. This method helps to retain the moisture in the meat and keeps the hoagie rolls crispy.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the leftover cheesesteak on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the meat is heated through and the cheese is melted. However, keep in mind that the hoagie rolls may become slightly soggy in the microwave.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the leftover cheesesteak in a skillet or on a griddle. Preheat the skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the cheesesteak on the skillet and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the meat is heated through and the hoagie rolls are crispy.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover cheesesteak, you can sauté some sliced onions and bell peppers in a pan with a little bit of olive oil until they are caramelized. Then, add the leftover cheesesteak to the pan and heat until everything is warmed through.
For a unique twist, try turning your leftover slow cooker cheesesteak into a cheesesteak quesadilla. Place the leftover meat and cheese between two tortillas and cook in a skillet or on a griddle until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or salsa for dipping.
Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
Cheesesteak sandwiches are a popular street food in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are typically made with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a hoagie roll.
Is Making Cheesesteaks in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker cheesesteak recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The beef roast is the main expense, but it's balanced out by affordable ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and hoagie rolls. The use of a slow cooker also helps tenderize a cheaper cut of meat, making it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is the Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker cheesesteak recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The main culprits are:
- High-fat beef roast
- Processed french onion soup mix
- Sodium-rich soy sauce and beef broth
- Calorie-dense hoagie rolls
- Generous amount of provolone cheese
The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients and high-fat components, which can contribute to excessive calorie, fat, and sodium intake. However, with a few strategic tweaks, we can transform this comforting dish into a more balanced and nutritious meal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following adjustments:
- Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or round roast, trimming any visible fat
- Replace the processed french onion soup mix with a homemade blend of caramelized onions, low-sodium beef stock, and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary
- Swap the soy sauce for a low-sodium alternative or omit it altogether
- Choose whole-grain or sprouted grain hoagie rolls for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of provolone cheese or select a lower-fat variety
- Increase the proportion of bell peppers and onions to boost the vegetable content
- Serve the cheesesteaks with a side salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal with extra vitamins and minerals
By making these modifications, you can enjoy a more nutritious version of this classic sandwich without sacrificing flavor. Remember, moderation is key, and indulging in a less-than-healthy meal occasionally is perfectly fine as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on the Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Recipe
The slow cooker cheesesteak recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. The use of a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, flavorful beef. The addition of onions, garlic, and bell peppers adds depth and complexity to the dish. The finishing touch of melted provolone cheese on a toasted hoagie roll brings everything together in a satisfying and delicious way. This recipe is a perfect choice for a comforting and hearty meal that will surely impress your guests.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Slow Cooker Cheesesteaks
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Your Cheesesteak Meal
Why trust this Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Recipe:
This slow cooker cheesesteak recipe is a must-try for all beef lovers. The tender beef roast is seared to perfection, then slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of beef broth, onions, and French onion soup. The addition of soy sauce and garlic infuses the meat with rich umami flavors. The final touch of sautéed bell peppers adds a pop of color and freshness. Topped with gooey melted provolone cheese and served in warm hoagie rolls, this recipe promises a mouthwatering cheesesteak experience that's sure to impress.
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