Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Are you a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak? If so, you're in for a real treat! Imagine all the mouthwatering flavors of a traditional cheesesteak, but in the form of a casserole that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe brings together tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, savory sauce—all baked to perfection in one easy dish. Read on for step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and everything you need to make this irresistible casserole at home. Trust us, you won't want to miss this one!

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What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

A Philly cheesesteak casserole takes the classic flavors of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and turns them into a hearty, satisfying baked dish. Originating from Philadelphia, the traditional cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and melted cheese, often served in a hoagie roll. In casserole form, all these ingredients are combined with a creamy base and topped with melted cheese, eliminating the need for bread and making it a perfect low-carb alternative. It's rich, cheesy, and utterly delicious, capturing everything we love about cheesesteaks in a more family-friendly format.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 1 pound ribeye steak or ground beef: Ribeye is traditionally used for cheesesteaks, but ground beef works well for a budget-friendly version.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Essential for the Philly cheesesteak flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For extra flavor.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy base for the casserole.
• ½ cup beef broth: Adds moisture and beefy richness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For depth and umami.
• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella works well too.
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk: For a creamier texture.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning essentials.
• Optional: Mushrooms, thinly sliced: For added texture and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

While the ingredients listed above are ideal for making a traditional Philly cheesesteak casserole, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Protein Options

• Chicken: Swap the beef for shredded or sliced chicken for a lighter version.
• Ground Turkey: A leaner, healthier alternative to beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based ground beef substitute.

Cheese Variations

• Cheddar Cheese: For a sharper flavor, use cheddar instead of provolone.
• American Cheese: If you want a more authentic Philly cheesesteak taste, American cheese melts beautifully and gives that signature gooey texture.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a nuttier, more complex flavor.

Low-Carb Modifications

• Cauliflower: Use cauliflower florets as a base to make the dish even lower in carbs.
• Zucchini Noodles: Another great low-carb option that adds a fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this savory Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Follow these instructions closely, and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting, cheesy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ribeye slices or ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat if using ground beef. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. If you're using mushrooms, add them at this stage as well.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into portions.

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

Cooking this casserole is straightforward, but following these steps ensures perfect results every time:

1. Choose Quality Meat: Whether you’re using ribeye steak or ground beef, selecting high-quality meat is key. Ribeye offers the most authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but ground beef is an excellent option if you’re looking to save money.
2. Sauté, Don’t Rush: When cooking the onions and bell peppers, take your time. Sautéing them until they’re soft and caramelized will bring out their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Creamy Sauce Mastery: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it into the sauce. This will ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a rich, velvety sauce for the casserole.
4. Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and lightly golden, but not burnt. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Not Draining Excess Grease: If you’re using ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat. Too much grease can make the casserole overly oily.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Don’t overcook the onions and peppers during the sautéing stage. They should be soft but still retain a bit of bite for texture.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can clump and make the sauce lumpy. Always use softened, room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother consistency.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Philly cheesesteak casserole is a hearty, filling dish that doesn’t require much to be a complete meal. However, there are a few ways to elevate your presentation and serve it like a pro.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• With Bread: Although this casserole is great on its own, you can serve it with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness.
• Over Rice or Pasta: For a more substantial meal, serve the casserole over cooked rice, pasta, or even egg noodles.
• Low-Carb Side: If you’re keeping things low-carb, pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of the casserole adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This is great for dinner parties or gatherings.
• Cheese Crust Finish: For an extra cheesy crust, add a little grated Parmesan on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
• Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe easily doubles. Just use a larger casserole dish or divide the mixture between two smaller ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use leftover steak?

Absolutely. If you have leftover steak, you can slice it thinly and use it in place of the cooked meat in this recipe.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe that combines all the best flavors of the classic sandwich in a simple, comforting baked dish. With tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, you’re ready to make this delicious meal a staple in your recipe collection. Be sure to bookmark this recipe and share it with friends!

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