Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours
Servings: 6–8
Intensity Level: Easy to Moderate
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Calories per Serving: ~540 kcal

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Introduction

When you crave the rich, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but also want the cozy comfort of a potato casserole, this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole brings both worlds together in one irresistible dish.

Imagine layers of thinly sliced beef, tender potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a velvety cheese sauce that melts right into the mix — all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish delivers everything you love about a classic cheesesteak sandwich, transformed into a hearty, family-friendly crockpot meal that practically cooks itself.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day feasts, this casserole is pure comfort food bliss.

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Ingredients

🥩 For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ lbs thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye steak (you can also use shaved beef)

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ cup beef broth

🧀 For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups whole milk

• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

🧂 Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Crumbled crispy bacon

• Extra cheese for topping

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Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)

• Skillet (for browning beef)

• Saucepan (for cheese sauce)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Sharp knife and cutting board

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients (15–20 minutes)

1. Slice everything thin. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to thinly slice the potatoes, onions, and peppers. Thin slices ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.

2. Trim the beef if needed, removing excess fat.

3. Mince the garlic and set it aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Beef (10 minutes)

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the sliced beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.

3. Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Stir well.

4. Remove from heat — the beef will finish cooking in the crockpot.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce (10–15 minutes)

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw taste.

3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

4. Reduce heat to low and stir in provolone, mozzarella, cream cheese, and garlic powder.

5. Cook until smooth and creamy.

6. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.

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Step 4: Layer the Casserole in the Crockpot (10 minutes)

Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or butter.

Now, build the layers:

1. Bottom layer: A thin layer of sliced potatoes.

2. Next: A layer of cooked beef, onions, and peppers.

3. Then: Pour a bit of cheese sauce over the top.

4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce.

5. Pour ½ cup beef broth over the top for moisture.

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Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection (5 hours on Low or 2½–3 hours on High)

• Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours (recommended for best texture).

• Or cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours if you’re short on time.

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.

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Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve (10 minutes)

Once finished cooking, turn off the crockpot and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Garnish with fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of extra melted cheese.

Serve warm with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Cooking Intensity and Time Breakdown

Intensity Explanation:
This recipe is moderate in intensity mainly because it involves a few steps — browning meat, preparing sauce, and layering — but the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Once everything’s in, you can relax and let it simmer to cheesy perfection.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

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Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Add Mushrooms: For extra umami, toss in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions.

• Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeños.

• Shortcut Cheese Sauce: If you’re in a hurry, you can use 1 can of condensed cheddar soup mixed with ½ cup milk instead of making the homemade sauce.

• Vegetable Swap: Swap bell peppers for spinach, zucchini, or roasted broccoli for a twist.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 12 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it into the slow cooker when ready to cook.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until bubbly.

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The Story Behind the Recipe

The Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole was inspired by the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, a symbol of American comfort food. Instead of serving it on a hoagie roll, this version turns the classic combination of beef, peppers, onions, and cheese into a hearty layered casserole with creamy potatoes replacing the bread.

Slow cooking the ingredients allows the flavors to deepen — the potatoes absorb the beef’s juices, and the cheese sauce melds everything into one delicious, stick-to-your-ribs dish. It’s a recipe that celebrates both convenience and indulgence, perfect for when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without standing over the stove.

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Serving Suggestions

To make this meal shine, pair it with:

• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up that cheesy sauce.

• Crisp Side Salad: A light counterbalance to the richness. Try mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette.

• Roasted Vegetables: Like asparagus, green beans, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

• Pickled Peppers or Jalapeños: Add a zesty bite that cuts through the richness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the slow cooker, your kitchen smells amazing for hours while you go about your day.
✅ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, meaty flavor.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✅ Meal Prep Heaven: Great for leftovers — even better the next day!

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Final Thoughts

The Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, savory, and loaded with all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, wrapped up in an easy, slow-cooked casserole.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping ahead for busy evenings, or just craving something indulgent and satisfying, this recipe delivers every single time.

From the tender beef and melty cheese to the soft, flavorful potatoes, every bite feels like home. Once you make it, it’ll become one of those “can’t-miss” recipes you return to again and again.

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy — that’s Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole done right.