Picture this: tender steak, gooey melted cheese, golden potatoes, and sweet peppers all layered in your slow cooker. Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole brings all the cozy flavors of a Philly classic straight to your dinner table no flipping, no stirring, just pure comfort.
I shot my first version of this back in 2019 for a Super Bowl spread, and the steam rising off that first scoop looked incredible through the lens. What I learned? Layering the beef and potatoes keeps everything from turning mushy, and a quick broil at the end makes the cheese bubbly and golden. After photographing hundreds of slow cooker recipes, this one still gets me every time.
Thomas Baker
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole Easy Recipe
Enjoy a hearty and satisfying Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole that’s packed with tender beef, melted provolone cheese, and layers of thinly sliced potatoes and fresh vegetables. This easy recipe brings the flavors of a classic cheesesteak into a comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Slice the beef, potatoes, onion, and bell pepper thinly to ensure everything cooks evenly and softens nicely.
Place half of the potato slices evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker, forming a solid base layer.
Add half of the onion and bell pepper slices over the potatoes, then layer half of the beef slices on top.
Sprinkle half of the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the layered ingredients to season thoroughly.
Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and beef, finishing with the remaining seasonings.
Pour the beef broth over the assembled layers and drizzle with olive oil to add moisture and richness.
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and beef is cooked through.
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese over the top and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
For best results, slice all ingredients as thin as possible to help them cook evenly in the crockpot. Serve warm and enjoy leftovers within 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is comfort food without the fuss. Everything goes into one slow cooker, and you walk away while it does the work. No babysitting, no stirring, just dinner that practically makes itself.
Hands-off cooking: Layer it in the morning, come home to a hot meal that smells like a steakhouse.
Budget-friendly: Beef steak, potatoes, and pantry staples come together without fancy ingredients or trips to specialty stores.
Crowd-pleaser: My nephew called this “Philly fries in a bowl,” and honestly, he’s not wrong.
Cozy nostalgia: All the flavors of a cheesesteak sandwich, reimagined as a warm, filling casserole your whole family will devour.
Key Ingredients & What They Do
Each ingredient plays a role in building those layers of savory, melty goodness. Here’s what you’re working with:
Thinly sliced beef steak: The heart of the dish. Thin slices cook tender in the slow cooker and soak up all the seasoning.
Potatoes: Sliced thin, they soften into creamy layers that hold everything together like a cozy blanket.
Onion and green bell pepper: Classic Philly combo. They sweeten as they cook and add pops of color and flavor.
Shredded provolone cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection. This is what makes every bite feel indulgent.
Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and adds a savory backbone without turning things soupy.
Garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and olive oil: Simple seasonings that let the beef and cheese shine.
How to Make It (Step by Step)
Layering is the secret here. It keeps the potatoes from getting mushy and makes sure every forkful has beef, cheese, and veggies. After shooting this dozens of times, I’ve learned that even layers mean even cooking.
Step
What to Do
1
Slice beef steak, potatoes, onion, and green bell pepper as thin as you can manage.
2
Layer half the potato slices in the bottom of your crockpot, creating an even base.
3
Add half the onion, bell pepper, and beef steak on top. Sprinkle with half the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4
Repeat with remaining potatoes, veggies, beef, and seasonings.
5
Pour beef broth evenly over everything, then drizzle with olive oil.
6
Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours. Top with shredded provolone cheese in the last 20 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you want that bubbly, golden cheese top I always photograph, transfer the crockpot insert under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. Watch it closelyit goes from perfect to burnt fast.
Helpful Swaps & Tweaks
Half the fun of slow cooker recipes is making them your own. Here are swaps that work beautifully without changing the heart of the dish:
Ingredient
Swap It With
Provolone cheese
Mozzarella, white cheddar, or a cheese blend
Beef steak
Shaved deli roast beef or leftover steak (add it in the last hour)
Green bell pepper
Red or yellow bell pepper, or a mix for extra color
Beef broth
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Potatoes
Yukon gold or red potatoesjust keep them thin
Note: If your potatoes are really thick, add 30–60 minutes to the cook time. Thinner slices mean faster cooking and better texture.
Serving & Storage Tips
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also great with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for scooping. I like to sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top right before servingit makes the cheese pop visually and adds a tiny kick.
Serve it hot: Dish it straight from the crockpot into bowls. The cheese stays gooey, and the steam makes for gorgeous photos.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: This freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. The potatoes may soften a bit more, but the flavor holds strong.
Pro Tip: If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Add fresh cheese on top for the last 5 minutes if you want that just-made look.
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FAQs (Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole)
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw them first – just add them straight to the slow cooker. They’ll absorb flavors well and create the same creamy texture as fresh potatoes.
What type of cheese works best?
A combination of provolone and American cheese gives the most authentic cheesesteak flavor. Cream cheese helps bind everything together. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly in slow cookers.
Should I brown the beef before adding it?
Browning the beef first adds deeper flavor and better texture to this dish. Cook it with the peppers and onions for 5-6 minutes before transferring to the crockpot. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in taste.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
This meal stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The flavors actually improve after a day.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble everything in the crockpot insert in the morning and cook as directed. Don’t pre-assemble more than 12 hours ahead.
You’ll love how this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole turns out. The beef gets melt-in-your-mouth tender, the potatoes soak up all that savory broth, and the cheese bubbles into gooey perfection. It smells like a steakhouse walked into your kitchen. Set it in the morning, come home to dinner that looks like you spent hours fussing over it. The layers hold their shape beautifully, and that golden cheese top? Pure magic under the broiler. This is the kind of meal that makes everyone lean in for seconds before you even sit down.
Want to switch things up? Try adding mushrooms between the layers for an earthy twist, or sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the beef for extra warmth. I learned from years behind the camera that a handful of fresh parsley on top makes the whole dish pop visually and adds a bright little bite. Leftovers reheat like a dream in the oven with a splash of broth to keep things moist. If you’re meal prepping, this freezes beautifully and tastes just as cozy three weeks later. Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a dinner that feels special without any stress.
I’d love to see your version of this casserole. Did you add hot peppers for a kick, or swap in a different cheese? Tag me with your photos or tell me in the comments what your family thought. If this recipe made your weeknight easier or brought everyone to the table smiling, that’s exactly why I shoot and share these meals. Save this one for your next potluck or cozy Sunday dinner. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible, and trust me, nobody’s leaving the table hungry. Happy slow cooking, friend.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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