Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of Philadelphia without standing over the stove. This hearty sandwich is a perfect blend of tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, all served on a soft, crusty hoagie roll. The slow cooker method infuses the ingredients with rich flavors while ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
The star of this dish is the beef, typically a cut like flank steak or sirloin that becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking. It’s essential to slice the meat thinly against the grain before adding it to the slow cooker to maximize tenderness. Alongside the beef, you’ll want to include sautéed onions and bell peppers, which provide sweetness and crunch, enhancing the flavor profile of the sandwich.
The seasonings are crucial. A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper creates a savory base, while Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor that complements the beef beautifully. For the cheesy aspect, provolone or Cheez Whiz is traditionally used, offering a creamy texture that melts perfectly on the beef and veggies.
Preparation:
To prepare, you’ll start by lightly browning the beef in a skillet, which adds an extra layer of flavor. Once seared, add the beef to the slow cooker along with the sliced onions, bell peppers, and your chosen seasonings. Pour in a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire sauce to keep everything moist while cooking. Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Serving:
Once cooked, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture onto the hoagie rolls and top generously with sliced cheese. If you’re using provolone, you can pop the assembled sandwiches in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese or, for a more nostalgic experience, use Cheez Whiz for that gooey, traditional finish. Serve with pickles or potato chips for a classic touch, and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of these hearty sandwiches.
Versatility:
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches is their versatility. You can customize them by adding mushrooms, jalapeños, or using different types of cheese. This dish is not only perfect for family dinners but also for gatherings and game days, as it can easily be scaled up to serve a crowd.
In summary, Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches are an easy, rewarding dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. With minimal preparation time and the ability to cook in the background, they make for a fantastic meal any day of the week. The result is a succulent, flavorful sandwich that captures the spirit of a Philly classic, ready to be devoured with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef round steak
- 2 green peppers, sliced thin
- 2 onions, sliced thin
- 3 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 envelope dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 to 2 large loaves French bread, sliced into sandwich lengths or 6 to 8
- hoagie buns
- Provolone cheese slices
Directions:
Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner.
Cut meat into thin strips, place in slow cooker. Add green pepper, onion, stock, garlic salt, pepper and dressing mix.
Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Spoon meat mixture onto toasted buns, top with cheese.
You can then put the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake an additional few minutes to melt the cheese and toast the sandwich.
You can also serve with sliced sauteed mushrooms on top. Yummy