Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole combines all the mouthwatering flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the comfort of a hearty potato casserole. This dish layers tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese, all cooked together in a slow cooker until perfectly creamy and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and the deep, rich flavor that develops as the ingredients slowly cook to perfection.

Whether you’re craving a comforting family meal or looking for a delicious dish to serve at a gathering, this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is sure to become a favorite. The ease of using a crockpot means minimal prep time, while the result is a flavorful casserole that’s packed with all the essentials of a Philly cheesesteak in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole

• Classic Cheesesteak Flavors: With tender beef, melted cheese, and savory seasonings, this casserole brings the iconic taste of a Philly cheesesteak into casserole form. It’s a flavor-packed dish that satisfies both cheesesteak lovers and comfort food fans.
• Easy to Make: Simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe is perfect for busy days or weeknights when you want a delicious, low-effort meal.
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender and the cheese to melt into the beef and potatoes, creating a creamy, indulgent texture that’s hard to resist.
• A One-Pot Meal: This casserole includes everything you need in one dish, from potatoes and beef to cheese and vegetables. It’s the ideal meal when you want something filling and easy to clean up afterward.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, this casserole works for almost any occasion. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as a satisfying dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 pound ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced (or substitute with ground beef)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)

Special Equipment

Making this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole requires minimal equipment, but a few tools will help you prepare the dish more efficiently:

1. Crockpot/Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It allows you to layer the ingredients properly and ensures even cooking. A larger slow cooker will accommodate the ingredients more comfortably without overcrowding.
2. Sharp Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes, beef, and vegetables. Thin slices help the ingredients cook evenly and create the perfect casserole texture.
3. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for slicing the potatoes, onions, and peppers.
4. Large Skillet: A skillet will be needed for browning the beef (if using sliced beef). This ensures the beef develops a rich, savory flavor before being added to the slow cooker.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Using accurate measurements for the seasoning, broth, and other ingredients ensures that your casserole has balanced flavors.
6. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A spoon or spatula will help you mix the casserole ingredients and ensure everything is evenly distributed in the slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Start by browning the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Heat the olive oil in the skillet, then add the thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin. If you’re using ground beef, cook it thoroughly until browned. For sliced beef, cook it until it’s just browned, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it before continuing.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is cooking, slice the onions and green bell peppers into thin strips. This allows the vegetables to cook down and soften while they slowly simmer in the crockpot, contributing to the overall flavor of the casserole.

3. Assemble the Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Now that your beef and vegetables are ready, you can begin layering the casserole in the slow cooker. Start by placing a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to form the first layer.

Next, add half of the cooked beef on top of the potatoes, followed by half of the onions and green peppers. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded provolone cheese over the beef and vegetables.

Repeat the layers: add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef, vegetables, and cheese. This layering technique ensures that the flavors meld together as they cook.

4. Add the Creamy Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth (or water), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker. This will create a rich, creamy base that binds everything together as it cooks.

5. Cook the Casserole

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. If you’re cooking on low, the flavors will have time to meld and the potatoes will become tender. On high, the casserole will cook more quickly but will still be just as delicious.

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to melt into a gooey, cheesy crust.

6. Serve the Casserole

Once the casserole is done cooking, carefully remove the lid and give it a gentle stir. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese melted. Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this Philly cheesesteak-inspired dish.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole

• Thinly Slice the Potatoes: Thin potato slices will cook more evenly and quickly, ensuring a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get uniform slices.
• Brown the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker brings out extra flavor. It also helps lock in moisture, making the beef juicy and tender once it’s fully cooked.
• Layer the Ingredients: Layering the potatoes, beef, vegetables, and cheese allows each bite to have a bit of everything. It also helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Use Provolone and Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone is a traditional choice for cheesesteaks, but you can mix it with mozzarella for a stretchier, creamier texture. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on the dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Make sure to spread the ingredients out evenly in the slow cooker. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and prevent the potatoes from becoming tender.
• Let it Rest: After the casserole finishes cooking, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out neat portions.

Variations of Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole

• Chicken Cheesesteak Potato Casserole: Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or ground chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
• Mushroom Lover’s Cheesesteak Potato Casserole: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable layer for an earthy flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
• Spicy Cheesesteak Potato Casserole: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the dish. You can also use spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, for an added kick.
• Vegetarian Cheesesteak Potato Casserole: Omit the beef and use mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables as the base. A vegetarian version can still be hearty and satisfying with the creamy sauce and melty cheese.

Storage and Shelf Life

Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is perfect for leftovers and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. After cooling, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen casserole can last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole

Pair this hearty casserole with lighter sides to balance out the richness:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add extra flavor to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a nutritious side that balances the dish’s richness.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing is a great side to cut through the creaminess of the casserole.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into casserole form. With its creamy, cheesy, and savory layers, this casserole is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a comforting family dinner. The best part is that it’s cooked entirely in the slow cooker, making it an effortless yet satisfying meal.