Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks are crazy tender, seeping with flavor and so easy to make in the slow cooker!
These Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks are meaty, cheesy, flavor-packed comfort food at its finest โ and the slow cooker does most of the work! This recipe makes fabulous game day food, party food, company food, or just a fun dinner any night of the week. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is made with juicy beef braised low and slow, sliced, then combined with the bell peppers and mushrooms to drink up all the aromatic juices while becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. Pile it all on toasted, spiced mayo brushed rolls, blanket with ooey, gooey melty cheese and dig into heaven. Serve your Philly Cheesesteaks with Loaded Potato Salad and Apple Salad for an any time dinner win!
Philly Cheesesteaks are a beloved favorite at our house! Their flavor profile has inspired classic Philly Cheesesteaks, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, Philly Cheesesteak Dip, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Philly Cheesesteak Soup, Philly Cheesesteak Pizza (one of my first posts, terrible pics but SO GOOD) and now these Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks! Whatโs next?!
HOW TO MAKE Philly Cheesesteak Recipe VIDEo
Why you’ll love This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Itโs SO easy to make!ย Sear the beef, cook it low and slow in the crockpot while you get things done, slice the beef then add it back to the slow cooker with the mushrooms and bell peppers.ย Now just slap on some cheese for a mostly handโs off dinner home-run!
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The beef is crazy tender. With the crockpot, thereโs no risk of tough or overcooked beef, just melt-in-your mouth tender flavor fireworks. The beef isย braised low and slow in a mรฉlange of beef broth, Coke (a magical tenderizer), soy sauce, Worcestershire and seasonings.ย But the real magic happens by slicing the beef and then placing it back in the slow cooker until its succulent, meltingly tender.ย
The Philly Cheesesteak filling is make-ahead friendly. ย Cook the beef up to slicing, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm it up for an hour โ thatโs it!ย Bonus, I think it tastes even better this way!
Philly Cheesesteak FAQS
A traditional Philly cheesesteak is made of thinly sliced ribeye steak browned on a griddle or skillet, then chopped into finer pieces before being topped with American, Provolone, or Cheese Whiz. Once the cheese melts, it is scooped up with a spatula and loaded into a hoagie roll. Sometimes sautรฉed onions are included in the mix or added on top. Contrary to popular belief, bell peppers are not part of a traditional Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich!ย
Philly Cheesesteaks โ also known as Philadelphia cheese steak, Philly cheese steak, cheese steak sandwich, cheese steak, or steak and cheese โ boast a tantalizing filling of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll.ย ย ย
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Many Philly Cheesesteaksย also include sautรฉed onions and bell peppers. Some versions also contain mushrooms, sweet peppers, hot peppers, banana peppers, pimientos, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, olives and/or pepperoncini.
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So, while Iโve kept this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak recipe simple with meat, onions, bell peppers and cheese, feel free to add whatever toppings your heart โ or belly โ desires!
Ribeye is the traditional cut of beef used to make Philly cheesesteaks. However, since this is a crockpot recipe, youโll want to choose a cut of beef that cooks well low and slow. I recommend boneless chuck roast which also can be labeled as a shoulder roast, chuck eye roast, or arm chuck roast.ย I use chuck roast in ALL of my shredded beef recipes such asย Beef Barbacoa,ย Mississippi Pot,ย Traditional Pot Roastย andย Italian Beefย with nothing but tender results.
Boneless chuck roast has a melt-in-your mouth texture and a succulent, beefy flavor due to its rich marbling. The marbling creates a self-basting effect as it breaks down and drips over the meat, resulting in tender beef every time!
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A few notes about the beef in this Philly Cheesesteak recipe:
1. This recipe calls for a 3โ5-pound chuck roast but the seasonings and liquid are very forgiving โ so donโt worry if your roast is slightly larger.
2. Use boneless beef chuck roast that is thick cut and not rolled and tied with a string.
3. I purchase my chuck roast at Costco, use one roast for this shredded beef recipe and freeze the other for later. Youโll love having it on hand to pull out when you need it.
Philly Cheesesteak Ingredients
Tender chuck roast is robustly seasoned with a few of my secret weapon flavoring agents โ Coca-Cola among others! It may sound strange to you, but I promise the mix of ingredients results in the juiciest, most flavorful slow cooker cheesesteaks EVER. Hereโs what youโll need to make this recipe:
How to Make Philly Cheesesteaks in a Crockpot
Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches are incredibly easy to make. The ingredients list is very basic and I love that the slow cooker does most of the work for you! Hereโs an overview of how to make this Philly Cheesesteak recipe (full measurements found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Step 1: Sear the beef. Heat the oil over high heat in a large cast iron skillet. Using tongs or two forks, sear the meat on all sides until browned and transfer to a 6 qt. (or larger) slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add remaining roast ingredients to the slow cooker. Add all of the braising liquid and seasonings and give them a stir. Lastly, add the onions on top.
- Step 3: Cook. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours for a 3-pound roast, and 6 hours for a larger roast.
- Step 4:ย Slice the roast.ย Remove the roast to a cutting board. Thinly slice the roast using a very sharp knife then add back to the slow cooker.ย
- Step 5: Add the bell pepper and mushrooms. Give the meat and veggies a stir and continue to cook for an additional 45 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the hoagie rolls.
- Step 6: Toast the hoagie rolls. Split the rolls and lay them cut side up on a large baking tray. Bake for 5 minutes to toast the rolls. After they’re toasted, spread each top and bottom half with optional spiced mayonnaise (ingredients in the recipe card below).
- Step 7: Assemble the cheesesteaks. Top the toasted rolls by using tongs to get a good mixture of sliced beef, onions, and peppers.
- To use the cheese, fold each slice in half and use two slices per hoagie.
- Step 8: Melt the cheese in the oven. Return the baking tray to the oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted. You may serve the remaining liquid as a dip for the sandwiches, if desired.
Can This Recipe Be Made Without a Crockpot?ย
Of course! If you donโt have a Crockpot follow my classic Philly Cheesesteak recipe instead.ย
meal prep
The filling can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and reheated in the Crockpot, or on the stovetop when youโre ready to toast the hoagie rolls and assemble the sandwiches.ย Alternatively, you can slice the beef and let it soak in the broth (this tastes amazing!).ย Hereโs how:
1. Slice beef and return to the slow cooker.
2. Remove ceramic insert from slow cooker and let cool to room temperature (for food safety and because it can crack if placed directly in the refrigerator).
3. Refrigerate the beef in the juices up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to heat, skim off all the hardened fat if desired.
5. Cook on LOW in the slow cooker for 30 minutes, then add the bell peppers and mushrooms and cook for an additional 45 minutes.
6. Continue per recipe instructions.
HOW TO STORE
Store your cooked Philly Cheesesteak filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I like to refrigerate mine with any liquid left in the Crockpot for extra moisture and flavor.
HOW TO REHEAT
The plain meat and vegetables can easily be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Once you assemble the sandwiches, theyโre best enjoyed right away.ย
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Stove: Heat beef and veggies over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Assemble sandwiches and bake in the oven as directed.ย
Microwave: Transfer smaller servings of beef and veggies to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue to microwave for 15-second intervals, just until warmed through. Assemble sandwiches and bake in the oven as directed.ย
Crockpot: For larger servings, return the beef and veggies to the Crockpot and heat on Low until warmed through. This will take an hour or more.ย Assemble sandwiches and bake in the oven as directed.ย
Can Philly Cheesesteaks Be Frozen?ย
Yes, you certainly can! You may freeze both the rolls and the Philly cheesesteak meat separately:
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To freeze Philly Cheesesteaks:
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1. Let meat and veggies cool completely.
2. Transfer to an air-tight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag along with some of the juices (to keep it juicy).
3. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
6. Reheat as instructed above.ย
Looking for more Crockpot Sandwich Recipes?
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket (Sandwiches)
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sliders
Crockpot Sloppy Joes
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Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
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Ingredients
SANDWICHES
- 8-10 hoagie rolls
- 16-20 slices provolone cheese (less if larger slices, see notes)
SLOW COOKER BEEF
- 3-5 lbs. beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 cup Coke (NOT diet)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon (granulated, beef base or crushed cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp EACH dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp EACH salt, pepper, dried thyme
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into 1/4" slices
ADD LATER
- 2 medium green bell peppers, sliced into 1/4" slices
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
SPICED MAYONNAISE (OPTIONAL)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce or more to taste
Instructions
- Sear beef: Heat vegetable oil over high heat in a large cast iron skillet. Once smoking, add beef and sear on all sides until deeply browned, using tongs or two forks to rotate. Transfer beef to a lightly greased 6 qt. (or larger) slow cooker.
- Cook beef: Add all remaining "Slow Cooker Beef" ingredients to the slow cooker up to the onions (broth through thyme). Give them a stir, then add the onions on top. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours for a 3-pound roast and closer to 6 hours for a larger roast.
- Slice beef and add veggies: Remove the roast to a cutting board and thinly slice across the grain. Place sliced meat back in the slow cooker. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms and give everything a stir, then press the meat/veggies down into the braising liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for 45 minutes. Meanwhileโฆ
- Toast rolls: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Split rolls and lay them cut side up on two large baking sheets. Working in batches as needed, bake for 5 minutes to toast the buns.
- Assemble: Spread each top and bottom half of toasted hoagie rolls with Spiced Mayonnaise. Layer the bottom rolls with beef/veggies and top with 2 slices of folded provolone cheese. If using larger slices (like from Costco), use one slice per hoagie, cut in half to fit the bun.
- Melt cheese: Return baking sheets to the oven (keep sandwiches open faced) and bake at 400 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. Serve immediately. You may serve the remaining liquid as a dip for the sandwiches, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Cheese: Provolone is a favorite for its mild flavor and consistency, but you may also use American cheese or even Cheese Whiz.ย You will need two slices of Provolone per sandwich to make them satisfyingly cheesy OR you can slice each piece in half and use one slice per sandwich if you’re looking to save some calories. (Note, if you are using larger, Costco-size cheese, you may need just one slice per sandwich).
- Beef bouillon: This adds a depth of concentrated beefy flavor.ย You may choose from granulated beef bouillon, beef base (like Better Than Bouillon or !Zoup) or cubes, all in equal amounts. For all of these options, don’t dissolve in liquid first. If using cubes, crush them, then add directly to the crockpot.
- Coke: Coke not only adds flavor (see post) but the acid works wonders at tenderizing the meat. Please don’t use Diet Coke.ย The artificial sweeteners in Diet Coke can break down the meat in an unappealing way.
- Storage: Store your cooked Philly Cheesesteak filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I like to refrigerate mine with any liquid left in the Crockpot for extra moisture and flavor.
MAKE AHEAD
1. Prepare recipe up to slicing the beef and adding it back the slow cooker, but don’t add the mushrooms and bell peppers yet.ย2. Remove ceramic insert from slow cooker and let cool to room temperature (for food safety and because it can crack if placed directly in the refrigerator).
3. Refrigerate the beef in the juices up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to heat, skim off all the hardened fat if desired.
5. Cook on LOW in the slow cooker for 30 minutes, then add the bell peppers and mushrooms and cook for an additional 45 minutes.
6. Continue per recipe instructions.
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Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
Paddy says
There are no words to express how AWESOME THESE ARE!!!!! I will admit we did pepper Jack cheese cause my bride loves pepper Jack but Jen!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!! Someone needs to put a cape on you! For years I have followed cooked and trusted your recipes and all of them have been home runs, you are the best!!!!
Jen says
Paddy, YOU are the best, thank you for making my day and being the very first person to review this recipe! That’s awesome that you made it already and I’m so pleased it was a hit! Thank you for trusting my recipes and always bringing a smile to my face!
S Carpenter says
This was a big hit! We loved the spicy mayonnaise and flavors in the beef. Delicious!
Jen says
Thanks so much, I’m so pleased you loved it!
Jamie Duncan says
Help! Will a roast be done on low in just 4-5 hours? I normally cook Chuck roast for 10 hours on low?
Jen says
Hi Jamie, yes, we are not cooking to the point of shreddable tender because we are slicing it.
Susan says
Good Lord Jen! Another one that’s outta the park! I followed exactly and man was it good. Our friends were guinea pigs with us and everyone REALLY enjoyed these. I used a 3 1/2 pound roast and that made 4 big, fat subs, in rolls that were about 6″ long. There was enough leftover for about 4 more until my husband and I ate a bunch right out of the pot the next day! It’s delicious cold too. Thanks again for a great recipe that will be a regular in our home – every one of your recipes that I have tried so far are excellent!
Jen says
Thank you so much Susan for the glowing review! I’m thrilled everyone loved this recipe – even cold!
Beth R says
This recipe is AMAZING! Easy, flavorful, and will be on repeat! We have made several of your recipes, and knew this wouldn’t disappoint and it did not. I made it the night before and reheated the beef in the slow cooker the next evening. I thought 4 hours wasn’t quite enough time if we were going to eat that night. But after an hour or so reheating it was perfect! I sauteed the veggies separately in my cast iron because my family likes them more crunchy. That was the only change the recipe was followed to the “T”! A perfect weeknight meal that everyone loved!
Jen says
Thank you so much Beth for the rave review, I’m thrilled you loved these sandwiches so much!
Tom Lucas says
This really looks good. We’re a low carb family. Is there anything we can sub for the Coke that doesn’t have sugar? We’ll serve it on low carb bread or tortillas. Thanks
Jen says
Hi Tom! You can definitely substitute the liquid with another cup of beef broth, but it will affect the flavors and tenderness.
Erica says
Another home run! These were SO good and easy to make. Going in my recipe binder for sure. Iโm craving another one but I made the mistake of not doubling the recipe. Canโt wait to make again!
Jen says
YAY Erica! I’m so happy this was another winner! Thank you for the high praise!
Melanie D says
These are the BEST philly steak sandwiches ever! Great recipe as always!! Have been making many of your recipes for years and never had one that I did not enjoy!!
Jen says
Thank you so so much! I appreciate you trying so many recipes, and I’m happy to hear you’ve been loving them!