slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches with caramelized onions

Introduction

Craving a classic Philly Cheesesteak but don’t have the time to babysit a grill or stovetop? Look no further! This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak sandwich recipe with caramelized onions is the answer. Tender, flavorful beef simmers all day with savory spices, while sweet, deeply caramelized onions add an irresistible layer of flavor. Prepare for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, even on a busy weeknight.

Making Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks with Caramelized Onions

The Star of the Show: Tender Beef

Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial for achieving that authentic Philly Cheesesteak texture. We recommend using:

• Chuck Roast: This is the go-to choice. It’s flavorful, affordable, and breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming incredibly tender.
• Sirloin Tip Roast: Another excellent option that yields a slightly leaner result.

Avoid leaner cuts like round roast, as they can become dry in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker to lock in the flavor!

Sweet and Savory Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are the secret weapon in this recipe. Their sweetness perfectly complements the savory beef and cheese. Here’s how to get them right:

1. Slice your onions thinly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking. Yellow or Vidalia onions work best.
2. Low and Slow is Key: Patience is key! Cook the onions over low heat with a little butter or olive oil until they are deeply golden brown and sweet. This typically takes 30-45 minutes.
3. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a large pan or cook the onions in batches to avoid steaming.
4. Add a Touch of Sugar (Optional): A pinch of brown sugar can enhance the caramelization process.

Assembling the Perfect Sandwich

Once your beef is cooked and your onions are caramelized, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. You’ll need:

• Hoagie Rolls: Choose your favorite! Amoroso’s rolls are a classic choice, but any sturdy hoagie roll will work.
• Provolone Cheese: The traditional choice for Philly Cheesesteaks. You can also use white American cheese or even a blend of both.
• Your slow-cooked beef and caramelized onions.
• Optional toppings: Bell peppers, mushrooms, banana peppers.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to broil.
2. Divide the beef evenly among the hoagie rolls.
3. Top with caramelized onions and your cheese of choice.
4. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, being careful not to burn them.

Full Recipe (In Bullet Point Form)

• Ingredients:
  • 2-3 lb chuck roast
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 hoagie rolls
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
• Instructions:
  • Sear chuck roast in olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Place roast in slow cooker.
  • Top with onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until beef is easily shredded.
  • Shred beef with two forks.
  • Preheat broiler.
  • Divide beef mixture among hoagie rolls.
  • Top with provolone cheese.
  • Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve immediately!

Conclusion

This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak recipe brings the iconic flavors of Philadelphia right to your kitchen, with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese is simply irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!