Slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches

Slow cooker philly cheese steak sandwiches

Alright, picture this: the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling beef and caramelized onions filling your kitchen, all day long, without you having to hover over a hot stove. That’s the magic of slow cooker Philly cheesesteak sandwiches! I stumbled onto this easy, hands-off method after craving those classic sandwiches but dreading the prep hustle. Using my trusty slow cooker, the beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, and when you pile it high with gooey melted cheese and soft, toasted rolls—it’s pure comfort food heaven. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for game day, these sandwiches deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready for some serious sandwich envy!

Quick Facts

  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

  • 2 pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin for a leaner option)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 6 hoagie rolls or sub buns
  • 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First things first, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and green peppers, sautéing until they’re soft and just starting to brown—about 5 minutes. This step really caramelizes the veggies and builds deep flavor before the slow cooker work begins.

Step 2:

Next up, toss the sliced ribeye into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and peppers on top, then sprinkle in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, giving everything a gentle stir to combine flavors.

Step 3:

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for 4 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender and soak up all those savory juices.

Step 4:

When the beef mixture is done, give it a good stir to shred the meat with two forks right in the cooker. This helps create that classic Philly steak texture.

Step 5:

Preheat your broiler or oven to 400°F. Split your hoagie rolls and pile on the beef and veggie mixture generously. Lay slices of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich.

Step 6:

Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!

Variations & Tips

  • Swap provolone for American cheese or mozzarella for different melty textures.
  • If you’re short on time, cut cooking to 3 hours on HIGH instead of 4 on LOW.
  • Try adding mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for extra earthiness.
  • Use sub rolls or brioche buns for a softer or richer bread option.
  • If your sliced beef is thick, freeze it for 30 minutes before slicing. This makes it much easier to cut thin strips.
  • Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a little kick!

How I Like to Serve It

I love serving these sandwiches with crispy sweet potato fries for a cozy weeknight dinner. They’re also a total touchdown at game day parties paired with crunchy dill pickles and cold beer. During chillier months, a bowl of tomato soup on the side turns this meal into the ultimate comfort feast.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
  • If you want to prep in advance, you can brown the steak before slow cooking for extra flavor, but it’s not necessary.

Closing: This slow cooker Philly cheese steak is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple, making it one of my go-to recipes whenever I want a comforting, delicious sandwich without the fuss.