Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

The Philly cheesesteak is a well-known and beloved dish. Packed with savory beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables, it’s comfort food at its finest. But what if you could take all those flavors and make them even easier to prepare and serve? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, an innovative, mouthwatering dish that brings all the goodness of the classic sandwich into a single, bubbling casserole. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this crowd-pleaser from scratch!

this Recipe

What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

A Philly cheesesteak casserole is a hearty dish that blends all the delicious ingredients of a traditional cheesesteak into a single, easy-to-prepare meal. Instead of assembling individual sandwiches, you layer the ingredients into a casserole dish and bake them until they’re bubbly and golden. This casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, onions, gooey cheese, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for that authentic Philly flavor. It’s comfort food done right.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Before diving into the cooking instructions, here’s a detailed list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole.

• 2 pounds ground beef: The base of this casserole, providing a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture. Ground beef serves as a quick-cooking substitute for the traditional sliced steak used in Philly cheesesteaks.
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Bell peppers add a sweet crunch that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: For color and an additional layer of sweetness, the red bell pepper is a must-have ingredient in this dish.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Onions are a crucial part of any cheesesteak recipe, adding a slightly sweet and caramelized flavor after cooking.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This tangy, umami-packed sauce helps deepen the flavors of the beef, giving it a delicious, savory taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle creamy richness to the casserole.
• ¼ cup beef broth: This liquid component helps to keep the casserole moist while adding a depth of beefy flavor.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and provides the stringy, gooey texture that’s signature to any cheesesteak.
• 8 slices provolone cheese: This slightly sharp, tangy cheese adds another layer of flavor, making the casserole taste even more like a classic Philly cheesesteak.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about casseroles is how flexible they are. If you need to adjust the Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, there are plenty of options available:

• Meat substitution: While ground beef is traditional for this casserole, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sliced steak for a more authentic cheesesteak feel.
• Vegetable variations: You can get creative with the vegetables by adding mushrooms, jalapeños, or even spinach. These additions bring a different flavor profile and more texture to the dish.
• Cheese alternatives: If provolone isn’t your favorite, you can switch it out for Swiss or cheddar cheese. Alternatively, you can go for a more indulgent option like American cheese to get that classic cheesesteak gooeyness.
• Low-carb/keto variation: For a low-carb or keto version of this casserole, skip the beef broth and use heavy cream instead. Additionally, you can add extra cheese and vegetables to fill out the dish without needing bread or pasta.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create your very own Philly cheesesteak casserole:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly bubbly.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the mixture: Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables. Stir well to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.
5. Mix in cream cheese and beef broth: Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth until everything is well combined and coated in a creamy sauce.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Top with provolone: Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface. This ensures that every bite will have that iconic cheesesteak flavor.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
9. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the casserole for a pop of color and freshness. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Philly cheesesteak casserole comes out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the ground beef can make your casserole greasy. Make sure to thoroughly drain the beef after cooking.
• Overcooking the vegetables: You want your peppers and onions to be soft but not mushy. Sauté them just until they start to caramelize to preserve some texture in the final dish.
• Using too much broth: The beef broth is meant to add moisture, but too much can make the casserole watery. Stick to the ¼ cup measurement for best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your casserole is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it in a way that will wow your family or guests.

• How to serve Philly cheesesteak casserole: This casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. Cut it into squares and use a spatula to transfer the portions to plates. For a full meal, you can pair it with a fresh green salad or a simple side dish like roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
• Presentation ideas for Philly cheesesteak casserole: To make your dish look more appealing, sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color. You can also add a few extra slices of provolone cheese at the end of baking and broil for a couple of minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

To perfect your Philly cheesesteak casserole, keep these tips in mind:

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own mozzarella ensures a gooey, delicious texture.
• Experiment with seasoning: Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a little extra kick of flavor.
• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking will make it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Can I freeze Philly cheesesteak casserole?

Absolutely. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While provolone and mozzarella are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

This Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe offers all the flavors of the classic sandwich in an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish. With its savory beef, tender veggies, and melty cheese, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Try it today and watch how quickly it disappears!

Print