If you have ever craved the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want a comforting, family-friendly twist, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine all the savory goodness of tender ground beef mingling with sautéed peppers and onions, smothered in layers of creamy cheeses, baked to bubbling perfection in a cozy casserole dish. It’s an easy weeknight winner that captures the soul of a classic sandwich while delivering a hearty meal everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but pack incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground beef to the blend of creamy and gooey cheeses, balanced by the sweet crunch of sautéed bell peppers and onions.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully without sticking.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): The star protein that forms the casserole’s hearty base.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, cubed): Provides a luscious creamy texture that melds the filling together perfectly.
- Beef broth (1/3 cup): Adds depth and moisture to keep the filling juicy and flavorful.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into a stretchy, gooey layer that complements the meat.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the peppers and onions to caramelized perfection.
- Bell peppers (2 large, seeded and sliced): Bring a vibrant sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Onion (1 large, peeled and sliced): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives subtle aromatic warmth to the vegetable medley.
- Provolone cheese (8 slices): A classic Philly cheesesteak topping with a mild but rich melt.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so that it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your casserole. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your creation won’t stick and is easy to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef along with salt and pepper, using a wooden spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks evenly. Once browned and cooked through, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and beef broth, cooking until the cream cheese melts and creates a creamy, savory sauce. Then, fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese for that extra melty goodness. Pour this rich, flavorful meat mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers, Onions, and Garlic
In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Slowly cook the sliced bell peppers and onions until they soften and develop a slight sweetness from caramelization. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to avoid burning and let its fragrant aroma elevate the dish. Once they’re perfectly tender, spread this colorful vegetable mixture evenly over the meat layer in your casserole.
Step 4: Add the Provolone Cheese Topping
Gently arrange the provolone cheese slices on top of the layered meat and vegetables. This cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth and inviting golden blanket on your casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the provolone is melted and bubbly. This step melds all the ingredients and ensures every bite bursts with the unmistakable Philly cheesesteak flavor in a comforting casserole form.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a little fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the casserole just before serving. These bright pops of green not only add color but a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe stands out on its own, but you can elevate the meal with crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad for some light, crisp contrast. A simple side of steamed green beans or broccoli works beautifully as well, rounding out your plate with a fresh vegetable boost.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this casserole for a crowd or a casual dinner party, try plating it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Alternatively, scoop it atop toasted hoagie rolls or sturdy bread slices to mimic a stuffed Philly cheesesteak sandwich experience with a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing that delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the casserole’s creamy texture and fully melted cheese layers. If you’re in a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave can work but expect slightly less gooey cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, you can substitute or mix in cheddar, pepper jack, or even a bit of Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles that still capture delicious melting qualities.
Is ground beef the only protein that works?
Not at all. If you want a variation, thinly sliced steak or even ground turkey can be alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since different proteins will cook differently.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms, textured vegetable protein, or even a plant-based ground “meat.” Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
How spicy is this casserole normally?
It’s naturally mild, focusing on savory and cheesy notes. You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or spicy sausage if you want to kick up the heat.
Can I prep the casserole a day ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. Just add the provolone cheese topping before baking to ensure it melts beautifully when cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings all the comforting flavors of a classic sandwich into a warm, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding your family or need a cozy meal on a busy night, this casserole is a fantastic pick. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how easily this savory, cheesy delight can become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic sandwich, layering seasoned ground beef, melted cheeses, and sautéed peppers and onions in a warm baked dish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors into one hearty and satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese Mixture
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large bell peppers, seeded and sliced
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Topping
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to get ready for layering the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef along with the salt and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, crumble and cook the beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and beef broth, cooking until the cream cheese melts completely. Then mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer this meat and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish to form the first layer.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, cooking them until they become soft and tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors. Remove from heat and spoon this vegetable mixture evenly over the meat layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Provolone Cheese Topping: Arrange the provolone cheese slices evenly over the vegetable layer, covering the entire casserole to prepare for baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top has fully melted and is bubbly. Once ready, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with beef bouillon or stock if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add some sliced mushrooms when sautéing the vegetables.
- If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the peppers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the casserole less greasy.
