Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole brings together everything people love about a classic Philly cheesesteak and turns it into a cozy, hands-off casserole. Tender beef, soft potatoes, sweet onions, and bell peppers are slowly cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce until everything melts together into one satisfying dish. I first made this recipe on a busy day when I wanted something hearty waiting for me at dinnertime, and it instantly became a household favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to deepen while keeping the beef tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked. This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep because it is filling, comforting, and reheats beautifully. If you love cheesesteak flavors but want something easy, warm, and spoonable, this casserole delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
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Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole: A Slow-Cooked Comfort Favorite
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty slow-cooker casserole combining tender beef, cheesy potatoes, sautéed onions and peppers, inspired by classic Philly cheesesteak flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear sliced beef for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray.
- Add hash brown potatoes to the crockpot.
- Top with beef, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Sprinkle cheeses over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cover again and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Provolone gives the most authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Beef steak or sirloin is the heart of the casserole, providing rich, savory flavor and tender texture when slow cooked.
Potatoes create the comforting base of the dish. They absorb the cheesy sauce and become soft and satisfying.
Onion adds sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
Bell peppers bring color, mild sweetness, and classic cheesesteak flavor to the casserole.
Cream cheese forms the creamy foundation of the sauce, making the casserole rich and smooth.
Provolone cheese delivers that signature cheesesteak melt and mild, savory flavor.
Beef broth adds moisture and enhances the beefy depth throughout the dish.
Garlic boosts the savory notes and complements both the beef and vegetables.
Olive oil or butter helps sauté the beef and vegetables before slow cooking.
Salt and black pepper balance and sharpen all the flavors.
Optional seasoning such as paprika or Italian seasoning adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by lightly greasing the crockpot insert. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef and cook briefly until just browned. This step adds flavor but does not need to cook the beef fully.
Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers until slightly softened, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Top with half of the beef mixture and vegetables. Add small portions of cream cheese over the layer and sprinkle with provolone cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Pour the beef broth evenly over the top. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and any optional spices. Cover and cook on low until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is creamy and well combined.
Before serving, gently stir to distribute the melted cheese evenly.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Variations and Customizations
This casserole is very flexible. You can substitute ground beef for sliced steak if preferred, though sliced beef delivers a more authentic cheesesteak feel. I tested it with ground beef and found it equally comforting and flavorful.
Cheese options can be adjusted. Mozzarella creates a milder, creamier casserole, while a mix of provolone and cheddar adds extra richness. For a slightly lighter version, reduce the amount of cream cheese and increase the broth slightly.
Vegetables can also be expanded. Mushrooms are a natural addition and enhance the savory depth. For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
If you prefer a crisp top, transfer the finished casserole to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly before serving.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a hearty, protein-rich meal. Beef provides iron and protein, while potatoes contribute carbohydrates and potassium. Portion control helps keep this dish balanced as part of a complete meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even Potato Slices
Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Light Browning
Browning the beef first enhances flavor without extra effort.
Gentle Stirring
Stir carefully before serving to keep the potatoes intact.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, but browning adds extra flavor.
What potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, reduce cooking time accordingly.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze after cooking and cooling completely.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes, they work very well in this dish.
What cheese is most authentic?
Provolone is the most traditional cheesesteak cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Can I use leftover steak?
Yes, slice it thinly and add during layering.
How do I keep it from being watery?
Avoid adding extra liquid and use full-fat cream cheese.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting meal that delivers classic cheesesteak flavor in an easy, slow-cooked format. Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it is a dependable recipe perfect for busy days and cozy dinners alike.
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