Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks

Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks make a crowd-pleasing sandwich stuffed with tender slow-cooked beef, peppers, and onions, and topped with melted provolone cheese. This simple dump-and-go recipe creates an effortless filling, and all that’s left to do at mealtime is assemble and toast the delicious sandwiches. Try this quick prep method for easy weeknight meals!

What’s To Love About This Recipe

• Enjoy this easy, family-friendly take on Philly cheesesteaks made right in the slow cooker. It shortens the preparation steps to get done-for-you tender, juicy beef and seasoned vegetables – then simply assemble the sandwiches!
• Philly cheesesteak sandwiches make a delicious, filling meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight or casual gathering, but a fun twist on your typical sandwiches at home.
• Instead of using a chuck roast or ground beef, this recipe uses shaved beef, which cooks quickly and stays tender without browning or marinating. Add the vegetables directly to the slow cooker and let them saturate in bold, classic cheesesteak flavors.
• I appreciate this slow-cooking method because it makes cheesesteaks a doable menu item on busy days without standing at the stove. 
• Using shaved beef makes the texture just right, and spooning a little of the cooking liquid over the sandwiches before melting the cheese keeps everything perfectly juicy!
• Philly cheesesteak leftovers aren’t just for sandwiches! The meat-and-veggie filling is also great for wraps, bowls, or quesadillas. My kids love topping a bowl of rice with cheesesteak filling for an easy, tasty dinner.

Ingredients Needed 

• Shaved beef steak – Shaved beef steak is the best cut for slow cooker Philly cheesesteak because it stays tender and avoids dryness that can occur with longer-cooking cuts. This is also a quicker-cooking option for easy meals, and it stays tender without becoming greasy. The thin slices of beef absorb the flavor so well during cooking!
• Onion – Thinly slice an onion to add sweetness and texture to the filling. 
• Green bell pepper – Slice a green pepper thinly lengthwise for classic flavor and presentation in the Philly cheesesteak filling.
• Mushrooms – Thoroughly wash and slice white or baby bella mushrooms to add extra depth of flavor to the filling. (If you prefer no mushrooms, feel free to leave them out.)
• Jalapeño (optional) – Jalapeño adds just the right amount of spice to the sandwich and perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the broth. These can also be omitted if you prefer no heat in the filling.
• Steak seasoning – My easy homemade steak seasoning blend adds the right amount of all-in-one seasoning for beef. Mix up a couple of batches while you’re at it and save for your next meal!
• Salt – Add a bit of extra salt to season the beef and adjust to taste with more after cooking.
• Beef broth – Broth adds plenty of savory flavor to the meat and vegetables and keeps everything tender and juicy in the slow cooker. 
• Provolone cheese – This is the classic choice for cheesesteak sandwiches because it melts smoothly and adds a mild flavor to the beef and vegetables. 
• Hoagie rolls – Split hoagie rolls are a sturdy option that holds the juicy filling, and they toast well in the oven.

How To Make Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak

To Make the Beef

1. Add the shaved beef to the slow cooker and break it apart slightly.
2. Layer the sliced onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and jalapeño (if using) over the beef.

3. Sprinkle steak seasoning and salt evenly over everything.
4. Pour beef broth around the edges of the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through.
6. Stir well to combine and evenly distribute the vegetables and juices.

To Make the Sandwiches

1. Preheat the oven to 375 ℉.
2. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture onto split hoagie rolls.

3. Top each sandwich with provolone cheese.

4. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are lightly toasted.
5. Serve sandwiches hot.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Shaved beef can include a variety of different cuts. The most important factor is that it should be thinly sliced to reach the right tenderness within the allotted time. You could also try a shaved version of sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye – feel free to ask if the butcher at your local grocery store has a recommendation or will shave the beef for you.
• Vary the presentation with colorful bell peppers and add a sweet yellow onion to complement the flavors. Any vegetables added should be thinly sliced to ensure even cooking with the beef.
• Provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but you could also try other cheeses that melt easily, such as Swiss or mozzarella. Many popular restaurant versions also use a melted cheese spread or nacho-style sauce for bold flavor!
• Jalapeño adds a hint of heat, but it can be omitted for a classic flavor or to make the sandwich filling more family-friendly. Likewise, you can also increase the amount if you prefer a spicier sandwich!
• Other breads that work well for cheesesteak sandwiches are French bread loaves, wide baguettes, or ciabatta rolls for a different shape.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak

Hearty Philly cheesesteak sandwiches make a delicious lunch or dinner option. For a classic plate, serve the sandwiches with crunchy potato chips or homemade French fries. Add mustard or another dipping sauce for extra flavor!

For a fuller meal, offer a fresh salad, such as Roasted Corn Chopped Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette or Corn and Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil.

The leftover filling offers plenty of tasty options as well! Add meat and veggies to a large wrap, then sprinkle mozzarella or provolone over the filling and heat in a pan for a cheesy, delicious quesadilla. Or, make a big batch of The Perfect Slow Cooker Rice on the second day and top with Philly cheesesteak filling for flavorful rice bowls!

Storing and Reheating

Can this be made ahead of time? 

Yes, it is easy to make the filling ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to assemble sandwiches, bowls, wraps, or quesadillas. The flavor deepens even more as it sits, so you won’t sacrifice any quality by making ahead!

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover meat and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sandwich ingredients separately and reassemble sandwiches fresh when ready to serve.

Freezer

Store the cheesesteak filling in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Allow the filling to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers 

Leftover cheesesteak filling reheats well and is versatile for many different combinations, such as wraps, bowls, or quesadillas! Heat the leftover meat and veggies in a skillet on the stove, or for short bursts in the microwave.

More Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes 

• Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Meatloaf Sandwich
• Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Sandwiches
• Easy Slow Cooker Italian Beef
• Slow Cooker Homemade Turkey Lunchmeat Sandwiches