A hearty and comforting slow-cooked casserole layered with seasoned beef, tender potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese. This Philly-inspired dish is perfect for a fuss-free family dinner packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef steak)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Lightly grease the bottom of a crockpot with nonstick spray. Layer half of the diced potatoes, followed by half the beef mixture and half of the sautéed peppers and onions.
Step 4: Sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, vegetables, and cheeses.
Step 6: Pour beef broth evenly over the top.
Step 7: Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks. Just layer the ingredients and let it cook!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, sweet bell peppers and onions, and a generous helping of cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking. Use different types of cheese, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It’s great for lunches or quick dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, savory casserole. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Bread: Crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the delicious cheesy sauce.
Tips:
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to brown the ground beef and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the crockpot. This helps to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Potato Prep: Dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces ensures that they cook evenly.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious in this casserole.
- Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the ingredients accordingly.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5–6 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is a winner for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Thinly sliced steak, like sirloin or ribeye, is a great alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the steak.
Q2: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Of course! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, diced carrots, or even some frozen peas would be delicious additions. Add them along with the bell peppers and onions.
Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to add the beef broth right before cooking to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the potatoes might change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: Yes, you can bake this casserole in the oven. Assemble the casserole in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
