Who doesn’t love a classic Philly cheesesteak? Now, imagine all the delicious, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak wrapped up in a warm, cheesy casserole. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese, all layered together in one dish. It’s got everything you crave about a cheesesteak, but it’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and even better as leftovers!
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Comforting and Hearty
This casserole is pure comfort food! It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you want to curl up with a plate and dig in. The combination of savory beef, bell peppers, onions, and gooey cheese is like a warm hug on a plate.
Simple to Prepare
While Philly cheesesteaks can be a bit of a production, this casserole simplifies everything into easy steps. No need for a hot grill or special skills – just sauté the ingredients, layer them in a baking dish, and bake! Easy peasy.
Family-Friendly
This is a crowd-pleasing dish. Kids, adults, and even picky eaters will devour this casserole. The flavors are familiar, and the texture is creamy and cheesy, making it a hit with everyone.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time for busy weeks or meal prep. It also freezes beautifully, so you’ll have a quick and easy dinner whenever you need it!
Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the star of this casserole, and it gives you that familiar Philly cheesesteak flavor in every bite. It’s also easy to cook and adds richness to the dish.
Bell Peppers
Sautéed bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) add crunch and sweetness that balance out the savory beef. They’re a must for that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor!
Onion
Sautéed onions are key to adding sweetness and depth of flavor. They caramelize as they cook, making them irresistible in every bite.
Cream Cheese
For a creamy, rich base, cream cheese is used to bind everything together. It adds a velvety texture and a little tang, making the casserole even more indulgent.
Shredded Mozzarella
The melted mozzarella cheese on top is what takes this casserole to the next level. It gets golden and bubbly, just like a classic cheesesteak sandwich.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a staple in Philly cheesesteaks, so it’s the perfect addition to this casserole. It’s slightly smoky and melts beautifully!
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
For extra flavor, garlic powder and onion powder are mixed in with the beef and veggies to enhance the savory goodness.
Salt and Pepper
To taste, salt and pepper round out the flavors, making sure everything is perfectly seasoned.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the bell peppers and onions until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the cream cheese to the skillet with the veggies and beef, stirring until the cream cheese melts and everything is well combined. If the mixture feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up a bit.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top it with a layer of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
With a Side Salad
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the richness of the casserole.
With Fries
If you want to go all out, serve your casserole with a side of crispy fries. It’s the ultimate Philly cheesesteak experience, but in casserole form!
On Its Own
This casserole is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just slice and serve straight from the dish for an easy, no-fuss dinner.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms to the casserole. They pair wonderfully with the beef and peppers.
- Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half of the casserole for a future meal. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use different cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use any cheese you like, but mozzarella and provolone are the most classic choices for this casserole. You could also add cheddar for a sharper flavor.
Q2: Can I use a different kind of meat?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even steak if you want to switch things up.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook it, just pop it in the oven!
Q4: Can I use a different vegetable?
A4: Feel free to get creative! You could add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cream cheese and ensure that the cheese you’re using is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is everything you love about the classic Philly cheesesteak, but in casserole form. It’s cheesy, savory, and perfectly seasoned with peppers, onions, and all the right spices. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines all the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich in a cheesy, comforting casserole. Perfect for dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns (or 4 cups cooked, diced potatoes)
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced beef to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the frozen hashbrowns (or cooked potatoes) evenly on the bottom.
- Next, layer the cooked onions and bell peppers over the hashbrowns, followed by the cooked beef mixture.
- Pour the beef broth over the casserole to add moisture while baking.
- Sprinkle the shredded provolone and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Meat Options: You can use any beef cut that’s suitable for thin slicing. Ribeye or sirloin works best for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini for added flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg