Imagine tender, juicy steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions—all the glory of a Philly cheesesteak without standing over a griddle for hours. The crock pot does the heavy lifting while you Netflix-and-chill. No fancy skills required.
No takeout guilt. Just dump, cook, and devour. Why hasn’t everyone tried this yet?
Why This Recipe Slaps
This isn’t just another slow cooker meal.
It’s ridiculously flavorful, thanks to the marinade soaking into the steak and the cheese melting into every nook. The onions turn sweet and buttery, and the hoagie roll? Perfectly crispy if you toast it.
Plus, cleanup is a joke—just one pot. Even your picky cousin who only eats “beige foods” will ask for seconds.
Ingredients (No PhD Required)
- 1.5 lbs ribeye steak (shaved or thinly sliced—freeze for 30 minutes to make slicing easier)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (yellow or white, because we’re not monsters)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if you’re lazy)
- 8 oz provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz if you’re a purist—we won’t judge)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (water works in a pinch, but broth = flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (the secret umami bomb)
- 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika
- Hoagie rolls, toasted (don’t skip this unless you enjoy soggy bread)
Step-by-Step Instructions (So Easy It’s Almost Embarrassing)
- Prep the steak: Slice it thin against the grain. Pro tip: If your knife skills are tragic, ask the butcher to do it.
- Sauté the veggies: Throw onions and peppers in a pan with a little oil for 5 minutes until slightly soft.
Skip this if you’re anti-effort—they’ll still cook in the crock pot.
- Layer it all: Add steak, veggies, garlic, broth, Worcestershire, and spices to the crock pot. Stir like you mean it.
- Cook low and slow: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. Don’t peek.
Patience is a virtue, or whatever.
- Cheese it up: Pile provolone slices on top, cover for 5 minutes until melty. Or dump in Cheez Whiz and stir for maximum nostalgia.
- Serve: Scoop onto toasted rolls. Try not to burn your mouth because you’re too impatient to wait.
Storage: Because Leftovers Are Life
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove—just add a splash of broth to keep it juicy. Freezing? Sure, but the texture might get a little weird.
IMO, it’s better fresh.
Why This Recipe Is a Win
It’s cheaper than takeout, feeds a crowd, and requires zero culinary talent. Plus, it’s customizable: add mushrooms, swap cheeses, or go low-carb with a lettuce wrap. The crock pot does 90% of the work while you take credit for being a “master chef.”
Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Person)
- Using thick steak: Thin slices = tender bites.
Thick chunks = chewy disappointment.
- Overcooking: Crock pots are forgiving, but rubbery meat is still a crime.
- Skipping the toast: Soggy bread ruins everything. FYI.
- Drowning it in broth: Too much liquid = soup, not a sandwich.
Alternatives for the Rebellious
- Chicken: Swap steak for chicken breasts or thighs. Add a little Italian seasoning.
- Veggie version: Portobello mushrooms and extra peppers.
Use vegetable broth.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Keto-friendly: Ditch the roll and serve over cauliflower rice.
FAQs (Because People Always Ask)
Can I use frozen steak?
Technically yes, but thaw it first. Frozen steak will release too much water and turn everything soggy.
What if I don’t have provolone?
American cheese melts beautifully, or go full Philly with Cheez Whiz. Mozzarella works in a pinch.
Can I cook this on high the whole time?
You can, but low and slow = better flavor.
High heat might toughen the meat.
How do I make it less greasy?
Trim excess fat from the steak before cooking, or blot the cooked meat with a paper towel.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Sauté them with the onions or risk a watery mess.
Final Thoughts
This Philly cheesesteak crock pot recipe is the lazy genius move you’ve been waiting for. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and zero pretentiousness.
Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to for game day, weeknight dinners, or impressing your in-laws (accidentally). Now go forth and cheesesteak.