Introduction
Craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches with Spicy Peppers! This recipe combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the convenience of slow cooking, and adds a kick of heat with the addition of spicy peppers. The result is a tender, flavorful, and satisfying sandwich that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort. Get ready to experience cheesesteak perfection!
Making Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Bell Peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 4-6 Spicy Peppers (JalapeΓ±os, Banana Peppers, or Serrano), thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- Provolone Cheese Slices
- Hoagie Rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned. This adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic and spicy peppers. Place the seared chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
- Season and Add Broth: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chuck roast. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover 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.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise. Spoon the shredded beef and pepper mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Top with provolone cheese slices.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional): You can either melt the cheese in the slow cooker by covering it for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, or you can place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount and type of spicy peppers to control the heat level. For a milder flavor, use banana peppers or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, use serrano peppers or habaneros (use caution!).
- Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice, you can also use mozzarella, American cheese, or even a cheese sauce.
- Bread Choice: A good quality hoagie roll is essential. Look for rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy.
- Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions and peppers for a more robust flavor.
- Make it Healthier: Use leaner cuts of beef and whole wheat hoagie rolls to make a healthier version of this classic sandwich.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches with Spicy Peppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender, flavorful beef, sweet peppers, spicy heat, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll, is simply irresistible. The slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience! This recipe is destined to become a family favorite.