Can I use real steak instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Thinly slice 2 pounds of ribeye or sirloin and quickly sear it before adding to the slow cooker. Reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes since you don't want the steak to become tough.

My casserole seems too watery. What did I do wrong?

Excess moisture usually comes from the vegetables or hash browns releasing water during cooking. Next time, you can pat the hash browns dry before adding them, or cook with the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate.

Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Follow the same preparation steps, then combine everything in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes. Add cheese, then bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until melty.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

Try using ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat sour cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and whole grain potatoes if available.

Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup); 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup); 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups); 1 bag (28 ounces) Southern hash browns, frozen; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup; ½ cup (115 g) sour cream; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; parsley, chopped, for garnish; salt and pepper, to taste

This Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself! With tender ground beef, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese all mingling with crispy hash browns, this casserole delivers all the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a convenient, family-friendly format. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready and waiting after a long day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off Cooking: Once you’ve done the quick prep, your slow cooker does all the work—perfect for busy days when you can’t stand over the stove.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike devour this casserole—it’s comfort food with those familiar Philly cheesesteak flavors everyone craves.
Great for Gatherings: This recipe feeds a crowd and stays warm in the slow cooker, making it perfect for game days, family dinners, or potlucks.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef stretches further than steak, giving you all the flavor without the steeper price tag.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, vibrant color, and a touch of sweetness.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that’s essential to authentic cheesesteak flavor.
Frozen Hash Browns: Creates the perfect base and adds satisfying texture. The Southern style (cubed) holds up better in the slow cooker than shredded.
Cheddar Cheese Soup: Acts as a creamy binder that brings everything together while adding rich cheese flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a luxuriously creamy texture throughout the casserole.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides that umami depth that makes the beef flavor really pop.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy, melty cheese pull that’s essential for a proper cheesesteak experience.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and complexity to the beef.
Seasonings: Simple salt and pepper let the cheesesteak flavors shine through.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicy

Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your casserole some heat. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes works wonderfully too!

Different Cheese Options

Swap the mozzarella for provolone or try a combination of cheeses like American and provolone for that authentic Philadelphia flavor.

Mushroom Addition

Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the ground beef for an earthy flavor that many traditional cheesesteak lovers enjoy.

Potato Variations

No hash browns? Use tater tots or even cubed russet potatoes (though you may need to partially cook them first).

How to Make Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Add diced green and red peppers, diced onion, frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 2½ hours or low for 4-5 hours. The vegetables should be tender and the hash browns cooked through.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and cook for about 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and add additional salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown Your Beef Properly: Take the time to get a good brown on your ground beef—it adds tremendous flavor to the finished dish.
Layer for Success: For the best texture, don’t stir the casserole too much during cooking. Let the ingredients settle into delicious layers.
Cheese Timing: Add the cheese only in the last few minutes of cooking—too early and it can become tough or stringy.
Prep Ahead: You can brown the beef and chop all the vegetables the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, just toss everything into the slow cooker.
Avoid Opening the Lid: Each time you peek, you add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time, so resist the temptation!

How to Serve

Main Dish Serving

Serve this hearty casserole in deep bowls or on plates with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.

Sandwich Style

For a fun twist, spoon the hot casserole into toasted hoagie rolls for an even more authentic cheesesteak experience.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. A side of roasted broccoli or steamed green beans also works wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 325°F oven until hot throughout (about 20-30 minutes).

FAQs

Can I use real steak instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Thinly slice 2 pounds of ribeye or sirloin and quickly sear it before adding to the slow cooker. Reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes since you don’t want the steak to become tough.
My casserole seems too watery. What did I do wrong?

Excess moisture usually comes from the vegetables or hash browns releasing water during cooking. Next time, you can pat the hash browns dry before adding them, or cook with the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Follow the same preparation steps, then combine everything in a 9×13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes. Add cheese, then bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until melty.
Is there a way to make this healthier?

Try using ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat sour cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and whole grain potatoes if available.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings together all the flavors you love about the classic sandwich in a form that fits beautifully into your busy life. There’s something magical about coming home to a meal that’s been slowly simmering all day, filling your house with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for satisfying comfort food with minimal effort, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try the next time you’re craving those signature Philly flavors without the fuss!