slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches easy weeknight dinner

Introduction

Craving a Philly cheesesteak but short on time? This slow cooker recipe is your answer! Enjoy tender, flavorful beef piled high on toasted rolls with melted cheese, all with minimal effort. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this slow cooker Philly cheesesteak recipe will become a family favorite.

Why This Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Easy Prep: Minimal chopping and almost no active cooking time.
• Flavorful: Slow cooking infuses the beef with rich, savory flavors.
• Tender Beef: The slow cooker transforms tougher cuts of beef into incredibly tender and juicy meat.
• Convenient: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a good Philly cheesesteak? This recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2-3 lbs Chuck Roast (or other cut for slow cooking)
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Bell Peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 packet Au Jus Gravy Mix
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Salt to taste
• Provolone Cheese Slices (or cheese of your choice)
• Hoagie Rolls
• Optional: Butter or oil for toasting rolls

How to Make Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Beef: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into smaller chunks (about 2-3 inches). This helps it cook more evenly.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker. This acts as a bed for the beef and prevents sticking.
3. Add the Beef and Seasonings: Place the beef chunks on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and au jus gravy mix. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef.
5. 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.
6. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef into the sauce.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Cut the hoagie rolls in half horizontally. Butter or oil the inside of each roll and toast them lightly in a skillet or under a broiler.
8. Add Cheese and Beef: Pile the shredded beef onto the toasted rolls. Top with provolone cheese slices.
9. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can cover the slow cooker with the sandwiches inside and let the cheese melt.
10. Serve and Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak

• Choose the Right Beef: Chuck roast is a great choice because it’s flavorful and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. You can also use other cuts like brisket or round roast.
• Don’t Skip the Vegetables: The onions and bell peppers add a crucial layer of flavor to the cheesesteaks.
• Toast the Rolls: Toasting the rolls prevents them from getting soggy from the juicy beef.
• Use Quality Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice, but you can also use American cheese, mozzarella, or even a cheese sauce.
• Add Optional Toppings: Customize your cheesesteaks with toppings like mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of horseradish sauce.

Variations and Additions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few chopped jalapenos to the slow cooker for some heat.
• Mushroom Lovers: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
• DIY Au Jus: Make your own au jus using beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

These slow cooker Philly cheesesteaks are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• French Fries
• Onion Rings
• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• A Simple Salad

Conclusion

This slow cooker Philly cheesesteak recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings. Gather your ingredients, set it in the slow cooker, and come home to a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!