Introduction
Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want an easier, more hands-off approach? Look no further! This slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sandwich recipe delivers all the juicy, cheesy goodness of the original, with minimal effort. Say goodbye to standing over a hot stove and hello to a delicious, homemade version ready whenever you are. This is truly the best homemade version, perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing meal without the fuss.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Cheesesteaks?
The slow cooker is a game-changer for cheesesteaks. It allows tougher cuts of beef, like chuck roast, to become incredibly tender and flavorful as they slow cook in a rich, savory broth. The low and slow cooking process melds all the flavors together, resulting in a cheesesteak that’s even more delicious than the traditional stovetop version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef: 2-3 lb chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- Onions: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Peppers: 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, but highly recommended)
- Cheese: Provolone cheese slices (the classic choice!) or white American cheese
- Beef Broth: 1 ยฝ cups beef broth
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (to taste)
- Hoagie Rolls: Your favorite hoagie or sub rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Beef: Place the seared chuck roast on top of the onions and peppers.
- Pour in the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season Generously: Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return to the Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the beef mixture onto hoagie rolls. Top with provolone or white American cheese slices.
- Melt the Cheese: Broil the sandwiches in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can cover the sandwiches loosely with foil in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sandwiches!
Tips for the Best Cheesesteak
- Don’t skip the searing step: Searing the beef creates a delicious crust and enhances the flavor.
- Use a good quality beef broth: The broth is the base of the sauce, so choose one with a rich flavor.
- Don’t overcook the beef: The beef should be tender enough to shred easily, but not completely mushy.
- Toast the rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, hot peppers, or your favorite condiments.
Conclusion
This slow cooker Philly cheesesteak recipe is a guaranteed winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. By following these simple steps, you can create a homemade version that rivals any restaurant cheesesteak. So, ditch the takeout and get ready to enjoy the best slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sandwiches you’ve ever tasted!
