Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food makeover: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. This dish takes all the bold, savory flavors of the classic sandwich—tender beef, sweet peppers, caramelized onions, creamy cheese—and bakes them into a bubbly, irresistible casserole. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday supper, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one brings its own magic to the final dish, adding depth, color, and the signature flavors you crave in every bite.
- Ground Beef (1 ½ pounds): The heart of our casserole, juicy ground beef gives every bite satisfying richness and classic cheesesteak flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch helps sauté the veggies and infuses them with extra flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Adds a pop of color and a slightly grassy sweetness that’s essential to the Philly cheesesteak profile.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): Brings sweetness and a beautiful brightness to balance the savory elements.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): The onions caramelize just enough to add mellow sweetness and that classic aroma.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a subtle, aromatic kick that deepens the whole dish.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the secret to making the casserole ultra-creamy and rich, while keeping it low-carb.
- Beef Broth (½ cup): Enhances the savory, meaty flavor and helps meld everything together.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of tang and umami, boosting the beefy goodness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the flavors of every other ingredient.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herby note that makes the casserole feel complete.
- Shredded Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that nobody can resist.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside. This step locks in all the savory flavor and gives your casserole a hearty base.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, pour in the olive oil, then toss in the diced green and red bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, just until the veggies have softened and released their sweet aroma. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. These sautéed veggies create the signature Philly cheesesteak vibe!
Step 3: Combine and Creamify
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the softened veggies. Stir in the cream cheese, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has melted completely and everything is well combined. The mixture should be creamy, saucy, and packed with flavor—this is what makes Philly Cheesesteak Casserole so special!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the beef and veggie mixture. Spread it out evenly so every scoop will have a perfect balance of meat, veggies, and creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese over the top, making sure to cover every inch for a gorgeous, melty finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. Let the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—it will set up just enough for those perfect, cheesy scoops!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Garnishes
Give your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole a final flourish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, extra black pepper, or even a handful of crispy fried onions. These little touches add color, crunch, and a hint of freshness that make each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a batch of garlic green beans. If you’re craving that classic Philly cheesesteak experience, try serving it with toasted hoagie rolls or crusty bread for scooping up all the cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the hot casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve it over baked potatoes for a show-stopping meal. You can even use it as a warm dip at parties, surrounded by crostini or tortilla chips—trust me, it disappears fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap the baking dish tightly in foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works just fine—just heat in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems a little dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella are classic, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the savory flavors.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire Philly Cheesesteak Casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as directed—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I add other vegetables or toppings?
Certainly! Sliced mushrooms, jalapeños, or even spinach are great additions. For extra crunch, try sprinkling crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
How do I keep the casserole low-carb?
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is naturally low in carbs since it skips the bread. Stick to the recipe as written, and serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a delicious low-carb meal.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat covered in the oven with a splash of beef broth to keep things moist, or microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel over the top. The cheese will melt perfectly and the casserole will taste just as good as day one!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with a Philly twist, you have to try this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Gather your ingredients and dive into this cheesy, savory goodness—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s baked to perfection with melted provolone or mozzarella on top. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole combines rich flavors with a low-carb, gluten-free profile.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess grease and set the meat aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil, then add the diced green and red bell peppers along with the diced onion. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to bring out the aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the softened cream cheese, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything well until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as is, with a side salad, or over toasted bread for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables or top the casserole with crispy fried onions before serving.
- Serve the casserole with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak vibe, serve the casserole over toasted bread slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
