Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
If you love the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, you’re in for a treat with this Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Potato Casserole. This hearty, comforting dish combines tender beef steak, savory onions and bell peppers, and creamy provolone cheese, all cooked together with baby potatoes in your crockpot. It’s an effortless, one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and delivers a satisfying dinner with maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Serving Size: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (e.g., flank steak or sirloin, cut into strips)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef steak strips until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
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Prepare the Veggies: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked beef, sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and halved baby potatoes. Stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
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Add to Crockpot: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into your crockpot. Add the beef broth to the crockpot, making sure the potatoes are partially covered by the liquid.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through.
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Add the Cheese: Once the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top. Cover and allow it to melt for a few minutes before serving.
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Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Variations:
- Different Cheese: Swap out provolone for other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and substitute with portobello mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the beef to add an earthy flavor to the casserole.
- Creamy Version: Add a cup of heavy cream or sour cream for a richer, creamier casserole.
- Sweet Bell Peppers: Use yellow or orange bell peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add Garlic: Include 2-3 cloves of minced garlic with the beef and vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
Serving Tips:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.
- Top it Off: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to add color and a hint of freshness.
- Make it a Sandwich: For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into a toasted hoagie roll for a Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich.
- Add Condiments: Serve with hot sauce or ketchup for an extra burst of flavor.
20 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just add the beef broth before cooking.
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Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of steak, though the texture and flavor will vary.
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Can I use frozen potatoes? It’s best to use fresh baby potatoes, but you can use frozen if needed. Just make sure they’re thawed before adding them to the crockpot.
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What if I don’t have a crockpot? You can cook this casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 1 hour until the potatoes are tender.
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Can I cook this on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but low heat results in more tender potatoes.
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How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
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Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave after thawing.
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Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar cheese based on your preference.
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How do I prevent the potatoes from being mushy? Make sure you cut the baby potatoes into halves and don’t overcook the casserole. Cooking on low heat for the recommended time ensures tender but not mushy potatoes.
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Can I add more vegetables? Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
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Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this casserole is gluten-free, as long as the beef broth you use is gluten-free.
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Can I make this casserole spicier? Yes, add sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy sausage to give it some heat.
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Do I have to use beef broth? You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water for a lighter version.
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Can I make this casserole in a pressure cooker? Yes, you can cook it in a pressure cooker for about 30 minutes, making sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
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What other seasonings can I use? Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for more flavor.
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Can I cook this without browning the beef first? While browning the beef enhances the flavor, you can skip this step and still get a tasty casserole.
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How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked.
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Can I add cream cheese for a richer texture? Yes, adding cream cheese can make the casserole extra creamy and delicious.
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Can I use large potatoes instead of baby potatoes? Yes, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller chunks to ensure they cook properly in the slow cooker.
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How can I add a crunch to the casserole? Add some crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs on top in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
20 Best Tips for Making This Casserole Perfect:
- Slice your beef thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs more flavor.
- Don’t skip the browning step for the beef; it adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and become tender.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Season generously with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
- If you’re using a different meat, adjust the cook time as ground meats cook faster than steak.
- Layer the cheese evenly at the end for a perfectly melted cheesy top.
- Use a mix of bell peppers for added color and flavor.
- Add garlic for extra savory richness—it enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Don’t overfill your crockpot—leave space at the top for the cheese to melt properly.
- Stir halfway through cooking for an even distribution of flavors.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
- Serve immediately after adding cheese for the meltiest, gooey result.
- Test the potatoes with a fork to ensure they are tender before serving.
- Try mixing in some spinach for a bit of greenery and added nutrients.
- For extra flavor, caramelize the onions before adding them to the crockpot.
- Use a mix of potatoes for different textures (red, Yukon gold, etc.).
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after cooking to set before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Swiss for a unique flavor twist.
This Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is simple yet packed with flavors, offering the perfect mix of savory beef, peppers, potatoes, and gooey cheese. Enjoy it as a satisfying weeknight dinner or share it with friends and family on special occasions.
