If you love the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want an easier way to prepare it, this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak is the perfect solution. Tender beef slowly cooks with onions, bell peppers, savory seasonings, and a flavorful broth until everything is juicy and incredibly tender.
Pile the finished beef and vegetables onto toasted hoagie rolls and top with melted provolone or mozzarella for an easy, comforting sandwich that is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Crockpot Beef
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or sirloin steak
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving
- 6–8 hoagie rolls
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella, optional
- Butter, for toasting the rolls
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
For the best flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef for about 2–3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
This step is optional, but it adds a deeper roasted flavor to the finished cheesesteak.
2. Layer the Crockpot
Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the minced garlic.
Place the seared beef on top of the vegetables.
3. Add the Flavorful Broth
Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce around the beef.
Add the butter on top.
Cover the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for about 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Cooking time will vary depending on the cut and thickness of the beef.
5. Shred the Beef
Transfer the cooked beef to a cutting board.
Shred or thinly slice it against the grain, depending on the texture you prefer.
Return the beef to the slow cooker and stir it together with the onions, peppers, and cooking juices.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Toast the Rolls
Slice the hoagie rolls without cutting completely through them.
Spread the cut sides lightly with butter.
Toast them in a skillet, oven, or under the broiler until lightly crisp and golden.
7. Assemble the Cheesesteaks
Fill each toasted roll generously with the tender beef, onions, and peppers.
Place provolone cheese over the hot filling.
For an extra-melty sandwich, place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak
Choose the right beef. Chuck roast produces exceptionally tender shredded beef, while sirloin gives you a texture closer to a traditional steak sandwich.
Sear before slow cooking. Although optional, browning the beef adds another layer of flavor.
Slice vegetables evenly. Thin, evenly sliced onions and peppers cook beautifully and distribute throughout the beef.
Don’t add too much liquid. The beef releases its own juices as it cooks, so you only need enough broth to create a flavorful cooking environment.
Melt the cheese at the end. Provolone becomes wonderfully gooey when placed over the hot beef just before serving.
Best Cheese for Philly Cheesesteak
Provolone is a classic choice and gives the sandwich a mild, creamy flavor.
You can also use:
- American cheese
- Mozzarella
- White American cheese
- Cheez Whiz
- Pepper Jack for a spicy variation
For an especially cheesy sandwich, combine provolone and mozzarella.
Easy Variations
Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak
Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Garlic Butter Cheesesteak
Sauté the finished beef briefly with a tablespoon of garlic butter before assembling the sandwiches.
Cheesy Beef Sliders
Instead of hoagie rolls, use small slider buns and serve them as party sandwiches.
What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteaks
Turn this into a complete meal with:
- French fries
- Potato wedges
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Make-Ahead Instructions
The beef mixture can be cooked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, reheat the beef gently in its cooking juices. Toast the rolls and add the cheese just before serving.
This also makes the recipe convenient for parties or busy family dinners.
Storage
Store leftover beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the bread separate so it doesn’t become soggy.
Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave until hot, then assemble fresh sandwiches.
The cooked beef mixture can also be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef?
For food safety and more predictable cooking, thaw the beef in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes. The crockpot will still produce tender, flavorful beef. Searing simply adds additional browned flavor.
Can I use sliced steak instead of a roast?
Yes. Thinly sliced sirloin or another suitable steak can be used, but it generally requires less cooking time than a whole chuck roast. Avoid cooking thin slices for many hours, as they can become dry.
Can I make this without bell peppers?
Absolutely. Simply leave them out and increase the amount of onion, or add mushrooms instead.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak takes the beloved flavors of a classic cheesesteak and turns them into an easy slow-cooker dinner. Tender beef, savory onions, colorful peppers, and melted cheese come together inside a toasted hoagie roll for a hearty meal with very little hands-on work.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect when you want a comforting dinner waiting for you at the end of a busy day.