If you’re new to cooking and looking for a recipe that combines simplicity with big, comforting flavors, this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is for you! It’s a dish that not only satisfies your cravings for something hearty but also allows you to throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. From savory ground beef to cheesy goodness, this casserole brings all the best elements of a cheesesteak sandwich to a one-pot meal. And because it’s made in the slow cooker, it’s practically foolproof, giving you the freedom to focus on other tasks while the casserole cooks to perfection.
PrintCrockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole
🍽️✨ Craving a warm, filling meal? Try Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole! 🥔🧀 This beginner-friendly dish is a game-changer—loaded with tender potatoes, juicy cheesesteak, and gooey cheese. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook while you relax. Dinner, done! 😍
#CrockpotCooking #CheesesteakPotatoes #EasyAndDelicious #ComfortFoodFix #SlowCookedMeals #BeginnerCooks #OneDishWonder #MeltyCheeseGoodness #DinnerMadeSimple #FamilyFavorites 🧀🥔🍖
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (on high) or 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes (on low)
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – 1 pound (substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option)
- Bell Peppers – 2 (use a mix of green, red, or yellow bell peppers depending on your taste)
- Onion – 1 medium (yellow or white onion works best, but you can also use red onion for a milder taste)
- Minced Garlic – 3 cloves (fresh garlic is best, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed)
- Steak Seasoning – 1 tablespoon (you can use your favorite store-bought steak seasoning or make your own using salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
- Worcestershire Sauce – 2 tablespoons (this adds a savory, umami flavor, but soy sauce can be used as a substitute)
- Diced Potatoes – 4 cups (about 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; you can use frozen diced potatoes to save time)
- Cheddar Cheese Soup – 1 can (10.5 ounces) (if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can make your own cheese sauce with shredded cheddar and milk)
- Provolone Cheese – 1 cup (shredded; you can substitute with mozzarella or even cheddar if preferred)
- Sour Cream – 1/2 cup (Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier, tangy flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Season the vegetables with steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce.
- Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the garlic is fragrant. You want to cook the veggies just enough to soften them, not to brown them.
Step 3: Partially Cook the Potatoes
- You can partially cook the diced potatoes in one of two ways:
- Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Microwaving: Place the diced potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes. They should be partially tender but not fully cooked.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Transfer the cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and partially cooked potatoes into your crockpot.
- Add the cheddar cheese soup, shredded provolone cheese, and sour cream to the crockpot. Stir all the ingredients until well combined, making sure everything is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Cook in the Crockpot
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are fully tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After cooking, give the casserole a quick stir to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and everything is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the casserole hot, straight from the crockpot. The casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
Notes
- How to Tell if Ground Beef is Cooked Through:
- The ground beef should no longer be pink, and it should break apart easily when you stir it. If in doubt, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 160°F (71°C).
- What to Do if the Potatoes Are Too Firm:
- If after cooking on low for 4-5 hours the potatoes are still firm, you can continue to cook the casserole for an additional 30 minutes or so on high. Just make sure to check that the potatoes are tender before serving.
- Keep an Eye on the Cheese:
- Provolone cheese can melt quickly and become stringy. Stir the casserole gently to ensure it’s mixed in well but avoid over-stirring, as it might break up the cheese too much.
- Storing Leftovers:
- This casserole makes great leftovers! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (on high) or 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes (on low)
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners
For beginner cooks, the idea of preparing a dish that requires minimal hands-on effort yet delivers amazing results can be a game-changer. This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole fits that bill perfectly. The recipe uses basic ingredients that you can find in most kitchens and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You’ll be able to throw everything together and come back to a delicious, hot meal without having to stand over the stove constantly. It’s a great choice for those who are just starting to build their culinary skills and want something that’s practical, flavorful, and incredibly rewarding.
Health Benefits
While casseroles are often associated with heavy, indulgent meals, this recipe is quite balanced. With ground beef as the main protein, it provides a good source of iron and essential amino acids. The bell peppers and onions add a boost of vitamins and fiber, and the potatoes give you a satisfying, hearty base. By using sour cream and cheese in moderation, you still get that creamy, cheesy flavor without overwhelming the dish with too much fat. This casserole strikes a perfect balance between flavor and nutrition, making it suitable for a variety of diets, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family or guests.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather all of your ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole, along with some helpful suggestions for substitutions if you prefer to customize the recipe:
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – 1 pound (substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option)
- Bell Peppers – 2 (use a mix of green, red, or yellow bell peppers depending on your taste)
- Onion – 1 medium (yellow or white onion works best, but you can also use red onion for a milder taste)
- Minced Garlic – 3 cloves (fresh garlic is best, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed)
- Steak Seasoning – 1 tablespoon (you can use your favorite store-bought steak seasoning or make your own using salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
- Worcestershire Sauce – 2 tablespoons (this adds a savory, umami flavor, but soy sauce can be used as a substitute)
- Diced Potatoes – 4 cups (about 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; you can use frozen diced potatoes to save time)
- Cheddar Cheese Soup – 1 can (10.5 ounces) (if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can make your own cheese sauce with shredded cheddar and milk)
- Provolone Cheese – 1 cup (shredded; you can substitute with mozzarella or even cheddar if preferred)
- Sour Cream – 1/2 cup (Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier, tangy flavor)
Substitutions & Flexibility:
- Ground Beef: If you prefer a leaner option, ground chicken, turkey, or even beef stew meat can be used. Just be mindful that the cooking time might vary depending on the protein.
- Cheddar Cheese Soup: While the cheddar cheese soup is a key ingredient in this casserole, you can use a homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese, butter, milk, and flour for a fresher option.
- Provolone Cheese: While provolone cheese gives this casserole a unique, melty texture, feel free to use any cheese that melts well. Mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar can work as great substitutes.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, adding a creamy texture while also boosting the dish with protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s simple and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Season the vegetables with steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce.
- Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the garlic is fragrant. You want to cook the veggies just enough to soften them, not to brown them.
Step 3: Partially Cook the Potatoes
- You can partially cook the diced potatoes in one of two ways:
- Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Microwaving: Place the diced potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes. They should be partially tender but not fully cooked.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Transfer the cooked ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and partially cooked potatoes into your crockpot.
- Add the cheddar cheese soup, shredded provolone cheese, and sour cream to the crockpot. Stir all the ingredients until well combined, making sure everything is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Cook in the Crockpot
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are fully tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After cooking, give the casserole a quick stir to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and everything is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the casserole hot, straight from the crockpot. The casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
Beginner Tips and Notes
When you’re a beginner cook, certain kitchen techniques and tips can make a world of difference in achieving the best results. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind while making this Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole:
- How to Tell if Ground Beef is Cooked Through:
- The ground beef should no longer be pink, and it should break apart easily when you stir it. If in doubt, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 160°F (71°C).
- What to Do if the Potatoes Are Too Firm:
- If after cooking on low for 4-5 hours the potatoes are still firm, you can continue to cook the casserole for an additional 30 minutes or so on high. Just make sure to check that the potatoes are tender before serving.
- Keep an Eye on the Cheese:
- Provolone cheese can melt quickly and become stringy. Stir the casserole gently to ensure it’s mixed in well but avoid over-stirring, as it might break up the cheese too much.
- Storing Leftovers:
- This casserole makes great leftovers! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with a side can make the meal even more satisfying. Here are a few suggestions for complementary sides:
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Veggies: Try steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy, colorful side.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving some carbs, garlic bread or a simple baguette would be perfect for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
Conclusion: Try It for Yourself!
This Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole is the perfect dish for beginner cooks—easy, delicious, and full of flavor! With simple ingredients and a minimal hands-on approach, it’s a recipe you can master in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give it a try and share your experience in the comments! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to get creative with your own ingredient twists and toppings. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!