Introduction
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is the ultimate slow cooker comfort meal—rich, hearty, and packed with bold, savory flavors inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak. Tender sliced beef, soft potatoes, sautéed peppers and onions, and plenty of melted cheese come together effortlessly in the crockpot, creating a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal hands-on time.
What Is Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole?
This dish is a slow cooker casserole that combines the core elements of a Philly cheesesteak—beef, onions, peppers, and cheese—with thinly sliced potatoes. Instead of a sandwich, the flavors are layered and slow-cooked until tender, creamy, and deeply savory.
The crockpot method allows the potatoes to absorb the seasoned beef juices and cheese sauce, resulting in a rich, cohesive dish that requires very little effort.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
- Hands-off slow cooker preparation
- Hearty, filling comfort food
- Feeds a crowd easily
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
It’s a dependable recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal stress.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
Beef
Thinly sliced steak, shaved beef, or sirloin provides authentic cheesesteak flavor.
Potatoes
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes become tender and creamy during slow cooking.
Bell Peppers and Onions
Essential cheesesteak vegetables that add sweetness and aroma.
Cheese
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, white American, or a blend works beautifully.
Creamy Base
Cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup helps bind the casserole and keeps it moist.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Beef Options
- Shaved steak for authentic texture
- Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak
- Ground beef as a budget-friendly alternative
Potatoes
- Russet potatoes for softness
- Yukon Gold for buttery texture
- Slice evenly for consistent cooking
Cheese Selection
- Provolone for traditional flavor
- Mozzarella for meltability
- White American for ultra-creamy texture
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (5–6 quart)
- Skillet (optional, for browning beef)
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1½ lb thinly sliced beef or shaved steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2½ lb potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear beef just until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice potatoes, onions, and bell peppers evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease the crockpot. Layer potatoes, beef, peppers, onions, soup mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasoning
Whisk cream of mushroom soup with beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over layers.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top during the last 15–20 minutes. Cover until melted. Garnish and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Slice potatoes thin and evenly
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking
- Add cheese near the end to prevent overcooking
- Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thick potato slices that stay undercooked
- Too much liquid causing soupiness
- Skipping seasoning layers
- Overcooking on high heat
Variations and Customizations
Extra Cheesy Version
Add a layer of cream cheese or extra provolone.
Spicy Cheesesteak Casserole
Include sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Healthier Version
Use lean beef, reduced-fat cheese, and extra vegetables.
Ground Beef Version
Brown ground beef and follow the same layering method.
Serving Suggestions
- With a crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Make-Ahead
Assemble ingredients the night before and refrigerate.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 30 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, thawed hash browns or sliced frozen potatoes work well.
Do I have to brown the beef?
No, but browning improves flavor and texture.
Why are my potatoes still firm?
They may be sliced too thick or need additional cooking time.
Why Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole Is a Family Favorite
This dish combines the bold flavors of a cheesesteak with the comfort of a potato casserole—all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a reliable, comforting recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this slow cooker classic is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Print
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole (Slow Cooker Comfort Food)
Ingredients
• 1½ lbs (680g) chuck roast or sirloin, cut into thin strips
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups peeled & cubed Yukon Gold potatoes (½” pieces)
• 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded provolone or white American cheese
• Optional: 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thicker gravy)
Instructions
- Sear beef (optional but recommended): Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Brown beef in batches; transfer to slow cooker.
- In same skillet, sauté onions and peppers 5–6 min until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 sec. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until beef and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Optional thickening: Stir in cornstarch slurry; cook on HIGH 15–20 min uncovered until gravy thickens.
- Add cheese: Turn off heat. Sprinkle cheese over top; cover 5–10 min until melted.
- Serve hot—ideal with crusty bread or a simple arugula salad.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION (per serving, serves 6):
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 7 hr (low) | Total Time: 7 hr 20 min | Servings: 6 | Calories: 480 | Net Carbs: 32g | Fats: 22g | Protein: 38g