If you’re craving classic cheesesteak flavors wrapped up in a cozy, family-style casserole, you’re about to fall in love. This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and brimming with savory steak, velvety potatoes, and colorful veggies—all slow-cooked to perfection for ultimate comfort and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-In-One Meal: Each bite of Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole delivers protein, veggies, and carbs, so dinner is as easy as scoop and serve.
- Set It and Forget It: Just a bit of prep, then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of gooey cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef or steak is loved by both kids and adults.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap proteins, add veggies, or tweak the seasonings so this casserole fits your family’s taste perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients—but each one plays a key role in making Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips to get the best out of each component.
- Ground beef or shaved steak: The heart of the casserole, these bring that classic cheesesteak flavor. Ground beef is convenient and juicy, while shaved steak offers a more authentic Philly vibe—pick your favorite!
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and savory depth as it cooks down with the meat.
- Bell pepper, diced: For color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness—green, red, or yellow works beautifully.
- Diced potatoes: These form the comforting, starchy base and soak up all the cheesy, savory goodness. Peel them for a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for rustic flair.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The oozy, melty cheese layer ties everything together—feel free to use sharp or mild cheddar depending on your preference.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder and provides rich flavor without extra fuss.
- Milk: Helps loosen the soup and ensures a velvety sauce throughout the casserole.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These bring extra depth and savory notes to echo the classic cheesesteak theme.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for perfect flavor balance.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of fresh color and a little herbal brightness to finish things off.
Variations
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is the very definition of adaptable. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Just a few tweaks can make it lighter, heartier, or loaded with even more veggies—customize away to fit your cravings or dietary needs.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey and low-fat cheddar cheese for a lighter but still delicious casserole.
- Veggie Packed: Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to amp up nutrition and sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat.
- Alternative Cheeses: Try provolone or mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe that’s still totally melt-worthy.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or shaved steak and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step builds foundational flavor and gets rid of excess fat, so don’t forget to drain any extra grease before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add your diced onion and bell pepper right into the hot pan with the meat. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies have softened just a bit. They’ll finish getting tender in the slow cooker, but this quick step helps coax out extra sweetness and savoriness.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture will help everything meld into a dreamy, savory casserole as it cooks.
Step 4: Layer in the Crockpot
Now for the fun part! Layer half of your diced potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. Top with half the beef and veggie mix, then layer on half the shredded cheddar. Drizzle with half the soup mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients—every scoop will be full of flavor and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is hot and bubbling, with gooey cheese in every bite. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
- Potato Size Matters: Dice potatoes evenly and not too large—about ½-inch cubes cook uniformly and absorb all that cheesy, savory flavor without getting mushy.
- Cheese Layering: Layer the cheese in the middle and on top for maximum melt and to prevent sticking to the crockpot sides.
- No Peeking! Try not to lift the crockpot lid during cooking—trapped steam is crucial for getting those potatoes tender, so let the magic happen undisturbed.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare everything the night before and refrigerate the insert; just set it in the slow cooker in the morning for a stress-free dinner.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the entire dish. You could also top with extra shredded cheese or even a few sliced green onions for a crisp, zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Since Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is so hearty, keep sides simple—a crisp green salad or some roasted green beans make lovely, fresh companions. For the carb-lovers, serve with a warm, crusty roll for scooping up all the saucy bits.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins, or scoop the casserole right inside hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a colorful presentation. If you’re entertaining, try nestling a generous scoop inside a toasted sub roll for an epic, open-faced cheesesteak “boat!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer the Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully for easy lunches or second helpings.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven until piping hot, stirring halfway for even warmth. Add a splash of milk or a sprinkle of extra cheese if needed to revive any leftovers.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen potatoes for Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes (like hash browns) are a convenient substitute—just add them straight from the freezer. Expect the casserole to cook a bit faster, so check for tenderness around the 4-hour mark.
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Do I have to cook the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning the beef or steak in advance ensures it’s fully cooked and removes excess fat, keeping the Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole flavorful and not greasy. Plus, it gives you delicious caramelized notes you just can’t get from raw meat alone.
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef or steak for plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetarian condensed soup, and you’ll have a meat-free comfort food that’s every bit as satisfying.
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What’s the best way to keep Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole warm for a party?
After it’s done cooking, simply switch your crockpot to the “warm” setting. Give everything a gentle stir every hour or so, and add a little extra cheese or a splash of milk if it starts to thicken up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy dinner that brings everyone running to the table, Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is your new weeknight hero. It’s packed with flavor, endlessly adaptable, and so simple to make—once you try it, you’ll reach for this recipe again and again. Enjoy every delicious, cheesy, potato-packed bite!
Print
Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory goodness of this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole that combines tender beef, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef or shaved steak
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (peeled if desired)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or steak until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet; sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix Soup: In a bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer in Crockpot: In the crockpot, layer half of the potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese. Pour half of the soup mixture over this layer. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat dairy.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Customize seasoning to personal taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
