Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks: Effortless Comfort Food for Busy Nights
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks are everything you want in a comfort meal—melty, cheesy, and loaded with tender steak and veggies. But the best part? Your slow cooker does nearly all the work. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and it all happens hands-off while you tackle your busy day. Trust me, once you give this a try, you’ll never go back to the stovetop version.
Traditional Philly cheesesteaks can take quite a bit of active cooking time—slicing, sautéing, assembling. I found this slow cooker trick when my weeknights started feeling too chaotic. With this method, you get the same juicy, flavorful sandwich, without sweating it out over a skillet. Set it and forget it, then come back to insanely good steak and melted provolone packed into a soft, toasty hoagie roll. Are you hungry yet?
Why This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks Recipe Is a Game-Changer
- Time-Saving Prep: Toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner’s practically ready when you are.
- Perfectly Tender Steak: Slow cooking ensures your sirloin or skirt steak comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Mess-Free Method: No greasy stovetop to wipe down afterward—everything cooks in one pot.
- Customizable: Mix up the veggies, spice level, or even the bread to fit your family’s preferences.
- Great for Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for easy leftovers or meal prep.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks Recipe
For this recipe, your trusty slow cooker is the MVP. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model works perfectly for this recipe, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing your steak super thin—this helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Pro tip: Pop the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing so it’s easier to handle.
- Oven: For getting those hoagies warm and cheese-melty perfect at the end.
Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s a quick peek at the stars of the show:
- Sliced Steak: Sirloin or skirt steak works best. Look for pre-cut options to save time or slice thinly yourself.
- Mushrooms and Peppers: Fresh button mushrooms and green bell or poblano peppers add texture and flavor. You can use frozen if needed.
- Provolone Cheese: The ultimate cheesesteak topper—its creamy texture complements the steak perfectly.
- Hoagie Rolls: A soft bun is key! Toast them lightly for a crispy edge that won’t go soggy.
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks Recipe Details
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks Ingredients
- 1-2 slices sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds round sirloin beef steak or skirt beef steak, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 poblano peppers or green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- Chipotle or regular mayo (optional)
- 6 slices provolone cheese
How to Make Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, mix together onions, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the butter over the mixture.
- Place the steak on top. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for an even seasoning.
- Add mushrooms and bell peppers on top of the steak. Pour 2 1/2 cups of beef broth and soy sauce over the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Stir once or twice, if you get the chance, to evenly distribute flavors.
- If your liquid runs low, add the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth. The steak should stay mostly submerged during cooking for maximum tenderness.
- Stir in freshly chopped cilantro (if using) once the steak is fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread mayo on the hoagie rolls (optional), stuff each roll with the steak mixture, and top generously with provolone cheese.
- Wrap each sandwich in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey and melted.
- Serve immediately with jalapeños or French fries, if you like a little extra kick. Enjoy warm!
Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
- Go Thin with the Steak: Super-thin slices cook faster and soak up all those delicious juices. Freeze the steak slightly to make slicing easier.
- Customize the Cheese: While provolone is classic, mozzarella or even pepper jack can add a fun twist.
- Use Fresh Rolls: The softer the hoagie roll, the better. Toast them lightly for extra crunch.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for busy weeknight reheats. Just thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Leftover Magic: The filling makes amazing nachos or quesadillas the next day!
Easy Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks Variations
- Cheese Swap: Trade provolone for American or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread and serve the steak and veggies over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
- Veggie Loaded: Toss in extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for a veggie-packed twist.
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Sirloin and skirt steak are ideal, but chuck roast or ribeye also work well for this recipe.
What’s the best way to slice steak thinly?
Freeze your steak for about 20 minutes before slicing—it makes the meat firmer and way easier to handle.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and cook the filling a day ahead. Reheat in your slow cooker or on the stovetop before assembling sandwiches.
Will any other cheeses work?
Yes! Mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack are great alternatives. Use whatever melts best for you.
What’s the easiest way to store leftovers?
Keep leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop for best results.
These Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks are the ultimate shortcut for comfort food that feels gourmet. Try them out, and let me know—what’s your go-to slow cooker recipe these days? Drop your ideas below. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, mix together onions, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the butter over the mixture.
- Place the steak on top. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for an even seasoning.
- Add mushrooms and bell peppers on top of the steak. Pour 2 1/2 cups of beef broth and soy sauce over the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Stir once or twice, if you get the chance, to evenly distribute flavors.
- If your liquid runs low, add the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth. The steak should stay mostly submerged during cooking for maximum tenderness.
- Stir in freshly chopped cilantro (if using) once the steak is fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread mayo on the hoagie rolls (optional), stuff each roll with the steak mixture, and top generously with provolone cheese.
- Wrap each sandwich in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey and melted.
- Serve immediately with jalapeños or French fries, if you like a little extra kick. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
