Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

If you love the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak but want a dish that’s easier to make and share, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the perfect solution! It has all the delicious components of a classic Philly sandwich—thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey cheese—but in a rich and comforting casserole form. This one-pan meal is a hit for weeknight dinners or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare! Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to make this hearty and satisfying dish.

---

What Is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

A Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes the iconic elements of the beloved Philly cheesesteak sandwich and transforms them into a savory, baked casserole. Traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks are made with thin slices of beefsteak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese, all served on a hoagie roll. This casserole eliminates the need for bread and instead layers the flavors in a creamy, cheesy base with some added ingredients like eggs or cream to hold everything together, making it a low-carb or keto-friendly option, too!

---

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious casserole. You can either go all out with homemade components or use a few shortcuts for a quicker meal.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef or Thinly Sliced Steak: Either ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye steak works great for the meat base.
• Bell Peppers: Green, red, or yellow bell peppers add sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• Onions: Sautéed onions give the casserole a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Mushrooms: Optional, but add an earthy flavor that complements the beef.
• Provolone Cheese: This is the traditional cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks, but feel free to mix in other cheeses if you like.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and binds the casserole together.
• Eggs: Helps the casserole hold its structure when baked.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami element to the beef.
• Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: To enhance the flavors of the meat and veggies.

---

Ingredients List (Serves 6-8)

Here’s the full list of ingredients with measurements for a casserole that serves 6-8 people:

• 1 pound of ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye steak
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 8 oz of mushrooms (optional), sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 4 oz of cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups of shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

This ingredient list makes a satisfying meal for a family of 6-8, but you can easily adjust quantities depending on the number of people you’re serving.

---

Substitutions and Variations

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe is flexible and can be customized based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

Meat:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a meatless ground beef substitute for a vegetarian version.

Cheese:

• Cheddar or American Cheese: Swap out the provolone for cheddar or American cheese if you prefer a different flavor.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese alternative to make the casserole dairy-free.

Low-Carb Version:

• Cauliflower Rice: For an even more low-carb or keto-friendly dish, you can add cooked cauliflower rice to bulk up the casserole without adding carbs.

Add-ons:

• Hot Sauce: For those who like a little kick, drizzle your casserole with hot sauce or mix it into the egg mixture for a spicy twist.
• Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon adds a smoky, crispy element to the casserole.

These substitutions allow you to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Beef or Steak

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or thinly sliced steak) and cook, breaking up the beef as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Once fully cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, eggs, and the remaining Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded provolone cheese.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the cooked beef (or steak) and sautéed vegetables evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the cream cheese and egg mixture over the top, ensuring the meat and veggies are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining provolone cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

---

How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a summary of the key steps to make this easy casserole:

1. Cook the Meat: Whether using ground beef or steak slices, brown the meat thoroughly with Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Sauté onions, peppers, and mushrooms (if using) until tender and aromatic.
3. Prepare the Egg and Cheese Mixture: This creamy mixture will help bind the casserole and give it that rich, cheesy texture.
4. Assemble and Bake: Layer the meat, veggies, and creamy cheese mixture, and bake until bubbly and golden.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Meat: Avoid overcooking the beef or steak, as it can become tough. Since the meat will continue cooking in the oven, brown it just until done.
• Too Much Liquid: If your vegetables release a lot of water during cooking, drain off excess liquid before adding them to the casserole to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Not Whisking the Eggs Properly: Make sure the eggs and cream cheese are well-mixed so that the casserole sets evenly and has a smooth texture.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This casserole is rich and flavorful, so it pairs well with simple sides like a green salad or roasted vegetables. For a classic Philly experience, you can even serve it with a side of toasted garlic bread or hoagie rolls.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a pop of color to the golden casserole.
• Cheese Drizzle: For a cheesier touch, drizzle melted provolone or Cheez Whiz on top just before serving.

---

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for quicker servings.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole low-carb or keto-friendly?
A: Yes! The recipe is naturally low in carbs, but you can add cauliflower rice or more vegetables to bulk it up without adding carbs.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While provolone is traditional, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work well in this recipe.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

---

Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that takes the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and turns it into an easy-to-make, one-pan meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for family gatherings, this casserole delivers rich flavors, gooey cheese, and satisfying textures with minimal effort. Try it tonight and enjoy a taste of Philly at home!

Print