There is nothing quite like biting into a hot and messy sandwich. The combination of tender beef and melted cheese is hard to beat. It is the ultimate comfort food. Many people think you need a professional griddle to make one. That is not true at all.
You can make a delicious version right in your own kitchen. This Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe is designed for home cooks. It is simple and flavorful. You do not need fancy equipment. You just need a slow cooker and some good ingredients.
We all love a good shortcut in the kitchen. This recipe uses the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting. The meat cooks slowly until it is incredibly tender. The flavors meld together perfectly over time. It is a great way to feed a crowd without standing over a hot stove.
If you have been hunting for a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe Crockpot style then you are in luck. This method ensures the steak is juicy every single time. It is perfect for game days or busy weeknights. You can set it in the morning and come home to a wonderful smell.
Making Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches saves you money too. Takeout can get expensive very quickly. This recipe feeds the whole family for a fraction of the cost. Plus you can customize it exactly how you like it.
Get ready to enjoy an Easy Philly Cheese Steak that tastes authentic. It is savory and cheesy. The onions and peppers add the perfect crunch and sweetness. Let us dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love how simple this is. Most recipes require constant attention. This one does not. You just dump the ingredients in and walk away. It is the definition of low stress cooking. This Easy Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe is a lifesaver on hectic days.
The texture of the meat is another big plus. Cooking steak on a skillet can be tricky. It can get tough if you are not careful. The slow cooker guarantees the beef stays soft. It practically falls apart when you take a bite.
It is also very versatile. You can adjust the veggies to your liking. If you hate peppers you can leave them out. If you love mushrooms you can add them in. You have total control over the final dish.
Cleanup is a breeze with this method. You only have one pot to wash. No greasy splatters on your stovetop. No pile of dirty pans in the sink. Just one slow cooker liner and you are done. That is a huge win for any home cook.
Finally this dish is a crowd pleaser. Kids love the cheesy goodness. Adults appreciate the savory steak flavors. It works for lunch or dinner. It is hearty and filling. No one leaves the table hungry after eating this.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe are easy to find. You might have many of them in your pantry already. Fresh ingredients make a big difference here.
- 2 1/2 pounds flank, ribeye, sirloin, or NY strip steak
- 2 green peppers (sliced)
- 2 large yellow onions (sliced)
- 3 cups beef stock
- 3 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 envelope dry Italian dressing mix
- 8 sub rolls
- 10 slices provolone cheese or melted Cheez Whiz
Choosing the right meat is important. Ribeye offers the most flavor due to the fat content. However it can be pricey. Flank steak is a great budget option. Sirloin is leaner if you prefer less fat. All of them work well in the slow cooker.
The dry Italian dressing mix is the secret weapon. It contains a blend of herbs and spices. This saves you from measuring out ten different jars. It adds a zesty kick that balances the rich beef stock.
For the cheese you have two classic choices. Provolone is mild and melts beautifully. Cheez Whiz is the traditional choice in Philadelphia. It offers a creamy and salty kick. You can use whichever you prefer.
Do not skimp on the bread. You need a sturdy roll to hold all the juices. A soft sub roll or a hoagie bun is ideal. If the bread is too thin it might fall apart. Toasting it helps keep it together.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results. It is hard to mess this up.
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by prepping your cooking vessel. You want to make cleanup easy later. Use a slow cooker liner if you have one. It saves so much scrubbing time.
If you do not have a liner that is okay. Simply spray the inside of your crockpot with non stick cooking spray. This prevents the sugars in the dressing mix from burning to the sides.
Step 2: Slice the Meat
This is the most critical step. You need to cut the meat into very thin strips. Thick chunks will not have the right texture for a sandwich. Take your time with this part.
If you are using flank steak pay attention to the grain. You must cut on an angle against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers. It ensures every bite is tender and easy to chew.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Pot
Place your sliced meat strips into the bottom of the slow cooker. Try to spread them out a little bit. Now it is time to add the flavor.
Sprinkle the garlic salt and black pepper over the meat. Add the envelope of dry Italian dressing mix. Toss the meat with your hands or a spoon to coat it well. This helps the seasoning stick.
Pour in the beef stock. Mix everything gently. You can add the sliced onions and peppers now if you like them very soft. If you prefer them with a bit of crunch wait until later.
Step 4: Cook the Mixture
Cover the crockpot with its lid. You have two options for cooking time. You can cook on low for 6 hours. This is best if you are gone all day.
Alternatively you can cook on high for 3 and a half to 4 hours. This works if you are starting in the afternoon. Both methods yield delicious results. The house will smell amazing.
If you saved the peppers and onions for later add them now. Put them in during the last hour or two of cooking. This keeps them colorful and slightly firm.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the time is up remove the lid. Stir the mixture one last time. It should be hot and bubbly. The meat should be very tender.
Spoon the meat mixture onto your buns. Use a slotted spoon if you want less juice. Top immediately with sliced provolone cheese or warm Cheez Whiz. The heat from the meat will melt the cheese.
For an extra touch place the open sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake them for a few minutes in the oven. This toasts the bread and melts the cheese perfectly. Serve hot and enjoy.
How To Store Leftovers
You might have leftovers if you are lucky. This filling stores very well. It tastes just as good the next day. In fact the flavors often get deeper overnight.
Let the meat mixture cool down first. Do not put hot food directly into the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
You should store the bread separately. If you store the meat on the bun it will get soggy. Keep the rolls in their bag until you are ready to eat. Assemble the sandwich fresh each time.
You can also freeze the cooked meat mixture. Place it in a freezer safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months frozen. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat simply use the microwave or a saucepan. Heat it gently until it is warm all the way through. If it looks dry add a splash of water or broth. Then pile it onto a fresh bun.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe even better. Small details can make a big difference. These tricks will help you look like a pro.
Slicing raw meat thinly can be difficult. It tends to move around under the knife. Try putting the steak in the freezer for 30 minutes before cutting. It firms up the meat and makes slicing much easier.
Do not be afraid of salt. Beef needs salt to bring out its flavor. The garlic salt and dressing mix add a lot. But you should always taste the broth before serving. Add more seasoning if needed.
Toasting the buns is a game changer. It adds texture and prevents sogginess. You can butter the rolls and grill them quickly in a pan. Or just throw them in the oven as mentioned before.
If you want more veggies try mushrooms. Sliced sautéed mushrooms are a classic addition. Cook them separately in a pan with butter. Add them on top right before serving for a savory boost.
For a spicy kick add some hot peppers. Pickled jalapeños or banana peppers work great. You can add them to the slow cooker or serve them on the side. It cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe is a winner. It brings the taste of a classic sandwich shop into your home. It is easy enough for beginners but tasty enough for foodies. The slow cooker makes it practically foolproof.
You do not have to travel to Philadelphia to get a great meal. You can create Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches that rival the real thing. It is all about the tender meat and the gooey cheese. Your family will ask for this again and again.
So grab your ingredients and get that crockpot running. The smell alone is worth the effort. Enjoy your delicious homemade feast. It is the perfect meal for sharing with people you love.
FAQ
What is the best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak?
This is a hot topic. Locals often argue between Provolone and Cheez Whiz. American cheese is also popular for its melting ability. Use whatever you enjoy most. There is no wrong answer in your own kitchen.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes you can easily adapt this. Ensure your beef stock and Italian dressing mix are certified gluten free. Serve the meat on gluten free rolls or over rice. It is just as delicious without the wheat.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. This becomes a Chicken Philly. Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Slice them into strips just like the beef. The cooking time might be slightly shorter so check it early.
Why is my meat tough?
If the meat is tough it likely needs to cook longer. Slow cookers work by breaking down fibers over time. Give it another hour on low. Also ensure you sliced it against the grain initially.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes you can. Slice your meat and veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge in separate containers. In the morning just dump everything into the crockpot and turn it on. It saves time.
Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
This easy Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful beef and melted cheese on a toasted roll. A simple, no-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights or game days.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place thinly sliced steak in a slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic salt, pepper, and Italian dressing mix. Toss to coat, then pour in beef stock.
- Add sliced onions and peppers now for a softer texture, or wait until the last hour of cooking for more crunch.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3.5-4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, pile the meat and veggie mixture onto sub rolls.
- Top immediately with provolone cheese. For extra melted cheese and toasted buns, place open-faced sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the roll is crisp. Serve hot.
Notes
For easier slicing, freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before cutting. It firms up the meat and makes slicing much easier.
Always cut steak against the grain for the most tender result. This is a critical step for a great texture.
Toasting the buns is a game changer. It adds texture and prevents the sandwich from getting soggy from the juices.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
