Name: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef; 2 bell peppers (any color), diced; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s or Morton’s); 4 slices Provolone cheese; 4 large eggs; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a kick); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Get ready to meet the dish of your dreams. Imagine taking all the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak and transforming them into a cheesy, comforting casserole. Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the ultimate fusion of indulgence and convenience. Picture a hearty, cheesy, meaty casserole packed with tender beef, sautéed peppers, and onions, all baked together with layers of melted cheese. Every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish you crave after a long day or want to wow guests with at a dinner party. Trust me, this is comfort food at its best—and it’s way easier to make than you might think!

Why You’ll Love Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

This isn’t just a casserole—it’s a celebration of one of the most beloved sandwiches of all time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to enjoy a satisfying meal for yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a dish to bring to a gathering. You can make it in advance, and it’s great for leftovers.
Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive cuts of meat. This casserole uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, so you get a big payoff for a small investment.
Quick and Easy: There’s no need to be intimidated by casseroles. The prep is simple, and the cooking time is manageable, even on a busy day.
Customizable: Love your Philly cheesesteaks extra cheesy? Add more provolone! Want a bit of heat? Toss in some jalapeños. This recipe can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a cheesy, meaty casserole? It’s the perfect dish to serve at a party, and you’ll be getting compliments left and right.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what makes this casserole so amazing. Each ingredient brings something delicious to the table:

Beef (Steak or Ground): This is the heart and soul of your casserole. Whether you go for thinly sliced steak or ground beef, it’s all about that rich, savory flavor. The beef gets beautifully tender as it bakes, soaking up all those wonderful seasonings.
Onions: Sautéed until sweet and golden, onions add a savory depth to the dish that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers bring a slight sweetness and crunch to the casserole, adding texture and a fresh flavor to complement the beef.
Provolone Cheese: The classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak! This cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, gooey texture that ties everything together.
Cream Cheese: For that creamy texture we all love in casseroles, cream cheese blends perfectly with the provolone to create a luscious, smooth sauce.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: A little seasoning goes a long way! These pantry staples amplify the flavor of the beef and vegetables.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that bubbly, golden top, mozzarella is the finishing touch. It’s gooey, cheesy, and irresistible.
Bread or Buns (Optional): If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can layer some bread or torn-up buns in the casserole for that true Philly cheesesteak experience. It adds an extra touch of heartiness to the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and turn these ingredients into a cheesy masterpiece!

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure everything cooks evenly and that cheese gets perfectly melty.

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat. If you’re using ground beef, crumble it as it cooks until browned. For steak, slice it thinly and sauté it until tender. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set the beef aside once cooked.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft and slightly caramelized. This adds a sweet and savory flavor to the casserole.

Combine the Beef and Veggies: Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the beef. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, packed with all the savory goodness.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with some of the provolone cheese and a little bit of milk or broth to create a creamy sauce. Stir it until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and veggie mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and remaining provolone on top for that gooey, golden finish.

Bake: Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re using bread or buns, add them in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, flavorful crunch.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish it out and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

This casserole is rich and filling on its own, but there are a few sides that really take it to the next level:

Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: If you want to go full Philly, serve this dish with a side of garlic bread to help scoop up all the cheesy goodness.
Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans are the perfect balance of freshness and crunch to complement the casserole.
Potato Wedges: If you’re in the mood for more carbs (who isn’t?), crispy potato wedges or fries are a fun and hearty pairing.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole:

Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no fuss!
Spice It Up: Add a little heat with some diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a spicy kick in your Philly cheesesteak.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or skip the bread entirely to make this casserole gluten-free. It’s just as delicious without it!
Add Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some and add them in with the peppers and onions for extra umami flavor.
Freezing Leftovers: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! While provolone is traditional, you can swap it with Swiss, Gouda, or even American cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for the best results.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
A5: Of course! Mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini would work beautifully in this dish. Add any veggies you like!

Q6: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A6: You can add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the beef or the creamy sauce to add some heat.

Q7: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A7: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work just fine in place of beef for a lighter version of the casserole.

Q8: Can I make this dish without bread?
A8: Definitely! If you want to skip the bread, the casserole will still be delicious without it.

Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?
A9: Yes! Simply replace the beef with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or a veggie mix, and you’re good to go.

Q10: How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
A10: The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden. You can also check the center to make sure it’s heated through.

Conclusion

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines everything we love about a Philly cheesesteak into an easy, cheesy casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty for dinner, this dish will leave you full, satisfied, and totally happy. So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking—because this casserole is about to become your new favorite go-to meal!