slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches meal prep idea

Introduction

Craving a classic Philly Cheesesteak but short on time? This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak sandwich meal prep idea is your answer! Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of tender, perfectly cooked beef, ready to be piled high on toasted rolls with melted cheese and your favorite toppings. This recipe is not only incredibly easy, but it’s also perfect for meal prepping, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing option for game day.

Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep: The Ultimate Guide

Why Choose Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak for Meal Prep?

• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work. Simply toss in the ingredients and let it simmer.
• Flavorful and Tender Beef: Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy Philly Cheesesteaks throughout the week.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the recipe to your liking with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings.
• Budget-Friendly: Using a less expensive cut of beef works perfectly in a slow cooker, saving you money.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (or Sirloin Steak), thinly sliced
• 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
• 1/2 cup Beef Broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• Sub Rolls (hoagie rolls)
• Provolone Cheese slices (or your favorite cheese – American, Cheese Whiz, or Swiss work too!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef, onion, and bell peppers. Mince the garlic.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, combine the sliced beef, onion, bell peppers, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
4. Shred the Beef: Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches (Meal Prep Option):
   • For meal prep, divide the shredded beef and vegetable mixture into airtight containers. Store the sub rolls and cheese separately.
   • When ready to eat, warm the beef mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop.
   • Toast the sub rolls.
   • Fill the rolls with the warm beef mixture and top with provolone cheese.
   • Broil for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches (Immediate Consumption):
   • Toast your sub rolls.
   • Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted rolls.
   • Top with provolone cheese slices.
   • Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks

• Use the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is a great choice because it becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked. Sirloin steak also works well.
• Don’t Skip the Vegetables: The onions and bell peppers add flavor and texture to the cheesesteak.
• Toast the Rolls: Toasting the rolls prevents them from getting soggy.
• Use Quality Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
• Customize Your Toppings: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
• Beef Broth Substitute: If you don’t have beef broth, you can use water with a beef bouillon cube.

Meal Prep Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store sub rolls separately at room temperature.
• Reheating: Reheat the beef mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak sandwich meal prep recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. It’s simple to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and yields incredibly flavorful and tender results. So ditch the takeout and enjoy homemade Philly Cheesesteaks anytime you want with this easy and convenient method. Happy cooking (and meal prepping)!