Slow Cooker Philly Steak Sandwich Recipe

Beef sirloin: Thinly sliced to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.

Beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the meat moist during slow cooking.

Onion: Sliced to provide a sweet and savory balance to the beef.

Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that complements the richness of the meat.

Hoagie rolls: Soft and sturdy rolls that hold the filling without falling apart.

Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot beef mixture, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor.

To achieve the most tender beef sirloin for your Philly steak sandwiches, make sure to slice the meat as thinly as possible. This allows the beef to absorb the beef broth and flavors from the onion and green bell pepper more effectively during the slow cooking process. Additionally, when placing the hoagie rolls in the oven, you can lightly toast them first before adding the beef mixture and provolone cheese to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.

• beef sirloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be thinly sliced and will absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables well.

• beef sirloin - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, portobello mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to maintain the savory flavor while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.

• beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth offers a lighter flavor that can still enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a different depth to the dish.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a more delicate and subtle flavor than onions, making them a good alternative.

• green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and can add a different color and flavor profile to the sandwich.

• green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a rich flavor that can add a bit of spice to the dish.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide more fiber and nutrients, making the sandwich a bit healthier.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with gluten-free rolls: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free rolls are a suitable alternative.

• provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• provolone cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese offers a slightly nutty flavor and melts nicely, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the beef mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the hoagie rolls soggy.

• Transfer the cooled beef mixture into an airtight container. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.

• Store the beef mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures the flavors remain fresh and the meat stays safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• Freeze the beef mixture for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

• To reheat, place the thawed beef mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• If you have leftover assembled Philly steak sandwiches, wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil. This helps to maintain the sandwich's structure and prevents the cheese from sticking to the wrapping.

• Store the wrapped sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.

• Avoid freezing assembled Philly steak sandwiches as the hoagie rolls can become soggy and the texture of the cheese may change.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each hoagie roll sandwich in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and the beef sirloin is warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the Philly steak sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the hoagie roll sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the provolone cheese is melted and the beef sirloin is hot.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the Philly steak sandwich in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and the beef sirloin is thoroughly warmed.

• Slow cooker: used to cook the beef, broth, onion, and bell pepper slowly over 8 hours to develop deep flavors.

• Knife: essential for thinly slicing the beef sirloin, onion, and green bell pepper.

• Cutting board: provides a stable surface for slicing the beef, onion, and bell pepper.

• Measuring cup: used to measure 1 cup of beef broth accurately.

• Baking sheet: used to hold the hoagie rolls while they are being filled and baked.

• Oven: preheated to 350°F (175°C) to melt the provolone cheese on the sandwiches.

• Tongs: useful for handling the hot beef mixture and placing it into the hoagie rolls.

• Spatula: can be used to spread the beef mixture evenly in the hoagie rolls.

• Serving platter: used to present the finished Philly steak sandwiches.

Pre-slice ingredients: Ask your butcher to thinly slice the beef sirloin and pre-slice the onion and green bell pepper to save prep time.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought beef broth to eliminate the need for making it from scratch.

Assemble ahead: Prepare the hoagie rolls and have them ready on the baking sheet before the beef mixture is done cooking.

Quick melt: Use a broiler instead of baking to melt the provolone cheese faster, cutting down the oven time to just a couple of minutes.