Philly Cheesesteak

As I was growing up in a bustling city, the aroma of a hot, cheesy Philly Cheesesteak wafted through the streets, beckoning me to try one of those legendary sandwiches. Every corner deli had its own spin on this iconic dish, and I found myself testing and tasting each unique variation. But nothing compared to the comforting, home-cooked version that my family would whip up in our trusted slow cooker. There’s something magical about letting the flavors meld together throughout the day, creating an irresistible filling for a hoagie roll. I still remember those cozy family evenings, gathered around the table, savoring the rich flavors and gooey cheese that made every bite a delightful experience.

Key Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak

When making a delicious Philly Cheesesteak, the choice of ingredients is crucial. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect sandwich experience. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender beef, complemented by the savory flavors of assorted vegetables and the gooey richness of cheese. Together, they create a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that’s hard to resist.

• Hoagie Rolls: These soft, crusty rolls are essential for holding all the delicious fillings. They provide the perfect base to soak up the savory juices.
• Provolone Cheese: A classic choice for its smooth texture and mild flavor, provolone melts beautifully, enhancing the overall richness of the sandwich.
• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful as it simmers with the other ingredients.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef, it adds a rich depth of flavor.
• Low Sodium Beef Broth: This adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor without making the dish too salty.
• Coke: Surprisingly, this ingredient acts as a tenderizer and adds a unique sweetness that balances the savory notes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of this sauce adds a complex flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Onion & Peppers: These vegetables add freshness and sweetness, which complement the rich meat perfectly.
• Mushrooms: Adding earthy flavors, they enhance the overall taste and texture of the sandwich.
• Mayonnaise: Used in the spiced version for spreading on the rolls, this adds creaminess and flavor.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can really bring the sandwich to life.

How to Prepare Philly Cheesesteak

Making a Philly Cheesesteak at home is an enjoyable experience, and it’s simpler than you might think! Follow these steps to create a deliciously hearty sandwich that your family and friends will love.

1. Sear the beef: Start by heating vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and smoking, carefully add the beef chuck roast. Sear it on all sides until it develops a deep, rich brown crust. This step is crucial as it locks in flavors. Use tongs or two forks to rotate the meat, ensuring an even sear. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Cook the beef: In the slow cooker, combine all remaining ingredients, including the low sodium beef broth, Coke, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir well to combine. Layer the sliced onion on top of the mixture. Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat. Allow it to cook for at least 5 hours for a 3-pound roast or 6 hours for a larger roast. As it cooks, the beef will absorb all the lovely flavors.
3. Slice the beef and add veggies: After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker. Let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice the beef thinly across the grain. Return the sliced meat back to the slow cooker, adding the green bell peppers and cremini mushrooms. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the meat and veggies are submerged in the braising liquid. Cover and cook on low for an additional 45 minutes.
4. Toast the rolls: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Split the hoagie rolls in half and lay them cut-side up on two large baking sheets. Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they start to get golden and crisp. This step adds a delightful crunch to your sandwich.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of spiced mayonnaise on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted roll. Layer the bottom halves with the beef and veggie mixture from the slow cooker. Place two slices of folded provolone cheese on top of the beef. If you have larger cheese slices, feel free to cut them in half to fit.
6. Melt the cheese: Return the baking sheets to the oven and keep the sandwiches open-faced. Bake at 400 degrees F for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Serve and enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and serve them immediately. For an extra treat, keep any remaining juices from the slow cooker to use as a dip for the sandwiches. Each bite is a flavor explosion!

Tips and Variations

Crafting the perfect Philly Cheesesteak is all about personalizing it to your taste! Here are some tips and variations that can elevate your dish.

• Storage: Store your cooked Philly Cheesesteak filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
• Freezing: You can freeze the filling for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Serve your Philly Cheesesteak with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Variations: Experiment with cheeses! While provolone is classic, consider using mozzarella or even Gouda for a twist.
• More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like jalapeños for some heat or even spinach for a twist.
• Use Different Meats: Try using chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the sandwich.

Serve This Philly Cheesesteak With

When it comes to serving a Philly Cheesesteak, there are numerous delightful options that can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great pairings to consider:

• Crispy French Fries: The classic pairing with sandwiches, crispy fries provide a satisfying crunch that complements the flavors of the cheesesteak.
• Potato Chips: For a quick side, serve with a variety of potato chips for a delightful crunch!
• Coleslaw: A refreshing side of coleslaw can cut through the richness of the sandwich, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Pickles: Adding pickles to your meal adds a nice tang and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Fresh Salad: A light garden salad can serve as a refreshing contrast to the hearty, savory sandwich.
• Occasions: This sandwich is perfect for game days, family gatherings, or even a cozy movie night. It always brings people together!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak is not just a sandwich; it’s an experience filled with robust flavors and comforting ingredients. Its ability to bring friends and family together around the table makes it a special dish to share. I truly encourage you to try making this recipe at home, as it’s easier than you think and incredibly rewarding. Your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort, and you might just create a new family favorite!

Philly Cheesesteak

The ultimate comfort food, this Philly Cheesesteak combines tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables in a warm hoagie roll. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings, it's a dish that everyone will love. Make it tonight for a hearty meal that satisfies!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Servings: 10 sandwiches

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8-10 hoagie rolls Hoagie Rolls
• 16-20 slices Provolone Cheese (less if larger slices, see notes)
• 3-5 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth
• 1 cup Coke (NOT diet)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 cup Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Beef Bouillon (granulated, beef base or crushed cubes)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 2 tsp Dried Basil
• 2 tsp Dried Parsley
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 Yellow Onion (sliced into 1/4" slices)
• 2 medium Green Bell Peppers (sliced into 1/4" slices)
• 8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms (sliced)
• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Prepared Horseradish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce or more to taste

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Sear the beef: Start by heating vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and smoking, carefully add the beef chuck roast. Sear it on all sides until it develops a deep, rich brown crust. This step is crucial as it locks in flavors. Use tongs or two forks to rotate the meat, ensuring an even sear. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Cook the beef: In the slow cooker, combine all remaining ingredients, including the low sodium beef broth, Coke, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir well to combine. Layer the sliced onion on top of the mixture. Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat. Allow it to cook for at least 5 hours for a 3-pound roast or 6 hours for a larger roast. As it cooks, the beef will absorb all the lovely flavors.
3. Slice the beef and add veggies: After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker. Let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice the beef thinly across the grain. Return the sliced meat back to the slow cooker, adding the green bell peppers and cremini mushrooms. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the meat and veggies are submerged in the braising liquid. Cover and cook on low for an additional 45 minutes.
4. Toast the rolls: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Split the hoagie rolls in half and lay them cut-side up on two large baking sheets. Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they start to get golden and crisp. This step adds a delightful crunch to your sandwich.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of spiced mayonnaise on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted roll. Layer the bottom halves with the beef and veggie mixture from the slow cooker. Place two slices of folded provolone cheese on top of the beef. If you have larger cheese slices, feel free to cut them in half to fit.
6. Melt the cheese: Return the baking sheets to the oven and keep the sandwiches open-faced. Bake at 400 degrees F for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Serve and enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and serve them immediately. For an extra treat, keep any remaining juices from the slow cooker to use as a dip for the sandwiches. Each bite is a flavor explosion!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store your cooked Philly Cheesesteak filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
• Tip 2: You can freeze the filling for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Tip 3: Serve your Philly Cheesesteak with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Tip 4: Experiment with cheeses! While provolone is classic, consider using mozzarella or even Gouda for a twist.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add other vegetables like jalapeños for some heat or even spinach for a twist.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!