slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches cheap and easy

Introduction

Craving the cheesy, meaty goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak but don’t want to break the bank or spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This slow cooker recipe is your answer to a delicious, affordable, and incredibly easy version of this classic sandwich. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender beef simmered in savory flavors, ready to be piled high on toasted rolls with melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Let’s dive into how you can create this crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches: Cheap and Easy Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses readily available and budget-friendly ingredients:

• 1.5-2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (or Sirloin Tip Roast, for a leaner option)
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Bell Peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 packet Au Jus Gravy Mix
• 1/2 cup Beef Broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 6-8 Hoagie Rolls
• Provolone Cheese slices (or Mozzarella or Cheese Whiz, if you prefer)
• Optional: Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef roast. If using a chuck roast, you can cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces for faster cooking, or leave it whole for easy shredding later.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray (optional). Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will act as a bed for the beef.
3. Add the Beef and Sauce: Place the beef roast on top of the vegetables. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, au jus gravy mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the beef. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker 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 with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Preheat your oven broiler. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise. Place the shredded beef mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with provolone cheese slices.
7. Broil: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the oven, top with the other half of the roll, and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations for the Best Philly Cheesesteak

• Cheese Choice: Provolone is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, white American, or even Cheese Whiz for a more authentic Philly experience.
• Add-Ins: For extra flavor, try adding mushrooms, banana peppers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
• Bread Matters: Using good quality hoagie rolls is key to a great Philly Cheesesteak. Look for rolls that are soft on the inside but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the beef will make it dry. Cook it until it’s easily shreddable, but not mushy.
• Low Sodium Option: To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium beef broth and au jus gravy mix.

Conclusion

With this slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without spending a fortune or slaving away in the kitchen. The convenience of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable sandwich. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the cheesy, meaty goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak, made easy and affordable!