Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak

Discover a hassle-free rendition of the iconic Philly Cheesesteak with our Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak recipe. Tender slices of top sirloin steak, bell peppers, and onions simmer to perfection in a savory broth, then get topped with gooey provolone cheese—all served on toasted hoagie buns. It’s the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly.

Ingredients:

• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 ¾ 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 ½ cup)
• 6 hoagie buns, sliced in half lengthwise
• 3 tbsp butter
• 6 slices provolone cheese, cut into strips

Directions:

Preparing the Crockpot:

1. Dissolve Bouillon: In a large measuring cup, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in hot water. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the beef strips, sliced bell peppers, and onion in the crockpot. Pour the prepared beef bouillon mixture over the ingredients. Stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Cooking Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

Preparing the Hoagie Buns:

4. Toast Buns: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread butter on the sliced hoagie buns and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden and toasted around the edges, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Assembling the Cheesesteaks:
   • Fill Buns: Remove the toasted hoagie buns from the oven. Fill each bun generously with the cooked beef mixture from the crockpot.
   • Add Cheese: Place strips of provolone cheese on top of the beef in each bun.
6. Melting the Cheese: Return the assembled hoagie buns to the oven and bake for about 3 minutes, or until the provolone cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Final Steps and Serving:

7. Serve Hot: Serve the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks immediately, savoring the melding flavors of tender meat, savory peppers, and melted cheese.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Freshly Toasted Buns: Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks immediately after assembling them with the toasted hoagie buns. The warm, crunchy texture of the buns complements the tender meat and melted cheese.
2. Garnish Options: Customize each cheesesteak with additional toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce to enhance flavor and add variety.
3. Side Dish Suggestions: Accompany your cheesesteaks with classic sides like crispy French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
4. Handling Leftovers: If you have leftover beef mixture, store it separately from the toasted buns and cheese. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop to maintain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
5. Portion Control: For large gatherings or parties, consider slicing the hoagie buns into smaller portions to serve as appetizers or party snacks, ensuring everyone gets a taste.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover cooked cheesesteak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
2. Freezing: While the beef mixture can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables and cheese may change upon thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: When reheating, ensure the meat is heated through thoroughly to maintain its flavors and texture. Use the microwave for quick reheating or the oven at a low temperature to prevent overcooking.
4. Creative Uses of Leftovers: Use leftover Philly Cheesesteak mixture to create stuffed peppers, add to pasta dishes, or as a filling for omelets or quesadillas for versatile meal options.
5. Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent hoagie buns from becoming soggy when storing leftovers, store them separately and assemble just before reheating and serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak remains deliciously fresh and enjoyable, whether served immediately or saved for later meals. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of this classic dish with ease!

Variations:

1. Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for the beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly as chicken cooks faster than beef.
2. Vegetarian Option:
   • Replace the meat with sliced portobello mushrooms or a mix of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon for flavor.
3. Spicy Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Add sliced jalapeños or banana peppers to the crockpot for a kick of heat. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for extra spice.
4. Italian Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Season the beef with Italian seasoning and add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot. Use mozzarella cheese and serve on toasted garlic bread for an Italian twist.
5. Breakfast Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Serve the beef mixture with scrambled eggs and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve on a toasted bagel or English muffin for a hearty breakfast option.
6. Pulled Pork Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Replace the steak with pulled pork and mix with barbecue sauce in the crockpot. Top with cheddar cheese and serve on toasted brioche buns for a barbecue-inspired twist.
7. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:
   • Mix the cooked beef mixture with tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Serve on toasted hamburger buns with a slice of American cheese.
8. Tex-Mex Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Season the beef with taco seasoning and add diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the crockpot. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese and serve with guacamole and salsa.
9. Asian-Inspired Philly Cheesesteak:
   • Marinate the beef in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before adding to the crockpot. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and water chestnuts. Top with provolone cheese and serve on toasted sesame seed buns.
10. Buffalo Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
    • Substitute chicken for the beef and toss with buffalo sauce before adding to the crockpot. Top with blue cheese crumbles and serve on toasted ciabatta rolls for a spicy twist.

Explore these creative variations to personalize your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining the essence of this beloved sandwich. Enjoy experimenting and discovering new flavors with every bite!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use other cuts such as flank steak or ribeye, sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2. How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy in the crockpot?
   • Ensure to slice the vegetables thinly and add them later in the cooking process to retain some texture. Alternatively, cook on low heat for a shorter duration.
3. Can I omit the Worcestershire sauce from the recipe?
   • While Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor, you can substitute with soy sauce or omit it altogether if preferred.
4. What if I don’t have beef bouillon cubes?
   • Substitute with beef broth or stock, adjusting the amount of water accordingly to maintain the desired level of flavor.
5. How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?
   • Use low-sodium beef bouillon or broth, and reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe. Opt for fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor without additional sodium.
6. Can I prepare the meat and vegetables the night before cooking?
   • Yes, you can combine the meat and vegetables in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply add the liquid ingredients and start cooking.
7. What type of cheese can I use besides provolone?
   • You can use American cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
8. How do I prevent the hoagie buns from getting soggy when assembling the sandwiches?
   • Toast the hoagie buns in the oven before assembling the sandwiches to create a barrier that helps absorb moisture from the meat mixture.
9. Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture without the buns and cheese. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
10. What side dishes pair well with Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak?
    • French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a side salad are excellent accompaniments. You can also serve with pickles or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

These FAQs provide valuable insights and tips to help you prepare and enjoy Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak with ease and confidence. Whether you’re adjusting ingredients or planning ahead, these answers will enhance your cooking experience and ensure delicious results every time.

Indulge in the simplicity and robust flavors of our Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak recipe, perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. With minimal prep and hands-on time, this dish delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy the classic taste of Philly in every bite, all thanks to your crockpot!