slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches simple comfort food recipe

Introduction

Craving a taste of Philadelphia without the plane ticket? Look no further! This slow cooker Philly cheese steak sandwich recipe is the epitome of simple comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, letting your slow cooker do all the work while you relax and anticipate a delicious, cheesy dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

Choosing Your Ingredients

The key to a fantastic Philly cheese steak starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

• Beef: Opt for thinly sliced steak, such as sirloin or ribeye. You can often find pre-sliced steak at your grocery store specifically for Philly cheese steaks. Flank steak also works well.
• Onions: Yellow onions are the traditional choice, providing a sweet and savory flavor.
• Peppers: Green bell peppers are classic, but feel free to add red or yellow for extra sweetness and color.
• Cheese: Provolone cheese is the quintessential Philly cheese steak cheese. However, white American cheese or even a cheese sauce can be used if you prefer a meltier, gooier consistency.
• Rolls: Choose sturdy hoagie rolls that can hold up to the juicy filling.
• Seasoning: Simple seasoning like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all you need!

Slow Cooker Preparation

1. Prep the Vegetables: Slice the onions and peppers into thin strips.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, place the sliced steak, onions, and peppers.
3. Season Generously: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The steak should be very tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the Steak: Once cooked, shred the steak with two forks.

Assembling Your Philly Cheese Steaks

1. Add Cheese: A few minutes before serving, stir in your cheese of choice into the shredded steak mixture. Let it melt and get gooey! If using sliced cheese, you can also layer it onto the meat in the slow cooker for the last 5-10 minutes.
2. Load the Rolls: Spoon the cheesy steak mixture into your hoagie rolls.
3. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious, homemade slow cooker Philly cheese steak sandwiches!

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked steak will become dry and tough. Check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
• Deglaze the Slow Cooker (Optional): For extra flavor, after removing the steak mixture, deglaze the slow cooker with a little beef broth or beer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and pour the flavorful liquid over the sandwiches.
• Customize Your Toppings: While onions, peppers, and cheese are traditional, feel free to add mushrooms, hot peppers, or your favorite condiments.
• Broil for Extra Toastiness: For extra toasty rolls, place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and the rolls are golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Conclusion

This slow cooker Philly cheese steak sandwich recipe is a winner for its simplicity, convenience, and undeniably delicious flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to experience a taste of Philly right at home!