slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches with ribeye steak

Introduction

Craving a classic Philly Cheesesteak but don’t want the hassle of constant stovetop attention? Look no further! This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak recipe using tender ribeye steak is your answer. Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth cheesesteak ready to be piled high on toasted rolls. This recipe offers all the deliciousness with minimal effort. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy and unforgettable weeknight meal!

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Philly Cheesesteaks?

Slow cooking transforms an already delicious cut of meat like ribeye into something truly extraordinary. Here’s why this method works so well:

• Tenderizes the Meat: The low and slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the ribeye, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
• Infuses Flavor: The extended cooking time allows the flavors of the beef, onions, peppers, and seasonings to meld together beautifully, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Simply load the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Enjoy your day and come home to a ready-made dinner.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate. Then, in the morning, just dump everything into the slow cooker.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ribeye Philly Cheesesteaks

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 2 lbs Ribeye Steak, thinly sliced (partially freezing the steak first makes slicing easier)
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Bell Peppers (green, red, or yellow), 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 Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 6-8 Hoagie Rolls
• Provolone Cheese slices (or your favorite cheese for cheesesteaks)
• Optional toppings: Banana peppers, hot sauce

Preparing Your Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion and bell peppers thinly. Mince the garlic.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the sliced ribeye steak.
3. Add the Flavor: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, use two forks to shred it. Stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
6. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Slice the hoagie rolls and place them under a broiler for a minute or two to lightly toast them. Spoon the cheesesteak mixture onto each roll and top with provolone cheese slices.
7. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled cheesesteaks back under the broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as banana peppers or hot sauce.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks

• Slicing the Steak: For the best results, partially freeze the ribeye steak for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to slice thinly. A meat slicer can also be used.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can dry out the meat. Check for tenderness around the recommended cooking time.
• Customize Your Cheese: Provolone is the traditional choice, but feel free to use your favorite cheese for cheesesteaks, such as American cheese, Cheez Whiz, or mozzarella.
• Toast the Rolls: Toasting the hoagie rolls will prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Adding Mushrooms: If you like mushrooms, add 8 oz of sliced baby bella or white button mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions and peppers.

Variations on the Classic Philly Cheesesteak

While the classic Philly Cheesesteak is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Pizza Cheesesteak: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• Mushroom Swiss Cheesesteak: Add sliced mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• Spicy Cheesesteak: Add jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Conclusion

This slow cooker Philly Cheesesteak recipe with ribeye steak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, flavorful, and requires minimal effort. The tender ribeye, combined with the savory vegetables and melted cheese, creates a truly unforgettable sandwich. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a taste of Philadelphia in the comfort of your own home!