If there’s a dish that screams comfort food and easy weeknight dinners, it’s this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak. Imagine tender, juicy strips of top sirloin, perfectly seasoned, slow-cooked with sweet bell peppers and onions, all tucked into soft, buttery hoagie buns with gooey provolone cheese melting over the top. The aroma alone will have everyone in the house hovering in the kitchen before the first bite! Trust me, this is the kind of meal that’s both satisfying and effortless—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without the stress of standing over a hot stove.
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This slow-cooker version captures all the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak while letting the crockpot do the work. The beef turns tender and flavorful, the vegetables become sweet and caramelized, and the cheese melts just right—creating a melty, savory sandwich that’s impossible to resist.
Recipe Origin:
The Philly cheesesteak hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is beloved for its simple yet indulgent combination of thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. This crockpot adaptation brings that iconic flavor into a convenient, hands-off format perfect for home cooks.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or tongs for stirring
- Butter knife for spreading
- Hoagie buns
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
This recipe isn’t just convenient—it’s downright addictive. Here’s why:
Hands-Off Cooking: Let the crockpot do all the work. Simply prep the ingredients, and you’re free to relax while the magic happens.
Tender, Flavorful Beef: Slow cooking ensures every bite of steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with seasoning.
Melty, Gooey Cheese: Provolone cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that binds all the flavors together perfectly.
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. It’s easy to serve, easy to eat, and impossible not to love.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or your favorite spices to suit your taste.
Print
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is a slow-cooked, tender beef sandwich with sautéed peppers and onions, topped with melted provolone cheese on soft hoagie buns. Perfect for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 3/4 cups hot water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak, cut into very thin strips
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced thin (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium white onion, sliced thin (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 hoagie buns, sliced in half lengthways
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 slices provolone cheese, cut into strips
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the thinly sliced sirloin steak in a slow cooker. Pour the prepared liquid over the steak and mix to coat.
- Add sliced red and green bell peppers and sliced onion on top of the steak.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until steak is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Preheat the oven broiler or a skillet for melting cheese. Slice hoagie buns in half and lightly toast them with butter if desired.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the steak and vegetable mixture and layer it onto the hoagie buns.
- Top each sandwich with strips of provolone cheese and broil or heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak.
Notes
- Use top sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful beef.
- Thinly slice the steak to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Optional: add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Slice the steak as thin as possible for fast, even cooking.
- Cut the peppers and onions uniformly for consistent texture.
- Use a bouillon cube in hot water to deepen the beef flavor without extra fat.
- Butter the hoagie buns lightly before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Layer the provolone cheese over the meat and vegetables while hot to ensure a melty, stringy finish.
Ingredients in Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
Here’s what makes this sandwich irresistible:
Beef Bouillon Cube: Adds rich, savory depth to the beef and sauce without extra fat.
Top Sirloin Steak: Thinly sliced steak that becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Bell Peppers (Red & Green): Sweet, slightly crisp, and caramelized in the slow cooker.
White Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and balances the richness of the beef.
Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances umami flavor and gives the beef a savory punch.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Hoagie Buns: Soft, sturdy buns that hold all the meat, cheese, and vegetables perfectly.
Butter: Lightly brushed on the buns for added richness.
Provolone Cheese: Sliced or in strips, melted to perfection over the beef and vegetables for ultimate cheesiness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through creating this hearty, melty masterpiece:
Prepare the Broth Base: Dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the thinly sliced top sirloin steak into the bottom of the crockpot. Top with sliced red and green bell peppers and onions. Pour the prepared broth mixture over the meat and vegetables.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the steak is tender and the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
Prep the Buns: Just before serving, slice hoagie buns lengthwise and lightly spread butter on the inside. Optional: toast the buns in a skillet or oven for extra flavor.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Use tongs or a spoon to scoop the beef, peppers, and onions into each bun. Layer provolone cheese on top of the hot filling to allow it to melt perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, ideally with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad. Watch everyone savor every melty, juicy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 500 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4–6 hours
How to Serve Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
With Fries or Chips: Classic pairing for an indulgent comfort meal.
With a Side Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the sandwich.
With Pickles or Jalapeños: Add tangy or spicy toppings to elevate the flavor.
Presentation Tip: Serve on a platter with melted cheese draping over the sides for maximum appeal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Prep Ahead: Slice the steak and vegetables ahead of time to save prep time in the morning or before work.
Storage Tips: Store leftover beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Freezing: Not recommended for the assembled sandwich, but leftover meat and veggies can be frozen separately for later use.
Variations to Try
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Version: Include sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Options: Swap provolone for American, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Slow Cooker Substitutions: Use ribeye or tenderloin for an even richer flavor.
Additional Tips
- Stir halfway through cooking for more even seasoning distribution.
- Use thinly sliced steak to prevent toughness.
- Toasting the hoagie buns adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen steak?
A1: Freshly sliced steak works best. If using frozen, thaw first for even cooking.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Substitute steak with portobello mushrooms or seitan and use vegetable broth.
Q3: Can I use pre-sliced steak from the store?
A3: Yes, just ensure it’s very thinly sliced for best results.
Q4: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A4: Yes, cooking on high reduces the time to 2–3 hours.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Freeze meat and veggies separately; reheat gently before serving.
Q6: Do I have to use provolone?
A6: No, mozzarella, American, or Swiss cheese are great alternatives.
Q7: Can I prepare this in advance?
A7: Yes, prepare all ingredients in the morning and let cook on low while you’re out.
Q8: How do I prevent soggy buns?
A8: Toast lightly before assembling, or serve on the side.
Q9: Can I add extra sauce?
A9: Yes, save some broth before cooking to drizzle over sandwiches if desired.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, but ensure your crockpot isn’t filled more than ¾ full.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Tender steak, caramelized peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese come together in a hands-off, easy-to-make dish that tastes like it came from your favorite sandwich shop. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Serve warm, dig in, and savor every cheesy, juicy bite!
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
Watch how to make this tender, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich in your slow cooker: