Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
If you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, then you’ll love this comforting and satisfying Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
This casserole takes all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak and transforms them into an easy-to-make, one-dish meal. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, combining convenience with indulgence. Whether you serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or just enjoy it on its own, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: All the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a creamy, cheesy casserole.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes to clean up and easy to assemble.
- Customizable: Perfect for adding your own twist with extra veggies, spices, or toppings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal planning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sliced steak) until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them at this stage.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Incorporate the Beef Mixture: Add the beef and vegetable mixture into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the beef and cream mixture. Stir to combine.
- Layer in the Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
- Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional Garnishes: Add banana peppers, jalapeños, or an extra sprinkle of oregano for added flavor.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the Oven: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If desired, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli makes a healthy, flavorful side dish.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but feel free to mix in cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Use Quality Beef: For the best flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin if you’re not using ground beef.
- Adjust for Spice: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Variations
- Keto-Friendly Version: Omit the pasta and increase the amount of beef and vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Chicken Philly Casserole: Replace the beef with shredded or diced chicken for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu and load up on extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Extra Creamy: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream or condensed cream of mushroom soup for a richer casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I substitute ground beef with steak?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak works wonderfully and adds a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese to achieve a creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that captures the essence of the beloved sandwich while adding a new level of convenience and versatility. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a party potluck.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
If you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, then you’ll love this comforting and satisfying Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Casserole Base:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sliced steak, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. - Make the Egg Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth. - Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Pour the egg mixture over the beef and veggies, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the shredded provolone (or provolone-mozzarella mix) evenly over the top, followed by the cheddar cheese. - Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the egg mixture is set in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.