Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Love the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want an easy, comforting dish that can feed a crowd? The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and topped with gooey cheese, this casserole takes the iconic sandwich and transforms it into a one-pan, cheesy, oven-baked meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Read on for the full recipe, along with tips and variations to customize it to your liking!

What Is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty, savory dish inspired by the flavors of the traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which typically includes thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. In this casserole version, all the classic cheesesteak ingredients are combined in a single dish, baked to perfection, and topped with layers of cheese for a gooey, delicious meal. Some versions of the casserole include pasta or bread cubes for a more filling experience, while others stick with a low-carb option by skipping the bread and keeping it all about the meat, cheese, and veggies.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

To make this hearty Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or shaved steak – Ground beef makes it easier, but if you want the authentic flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced – Adds sweetness and a caramelized flavor.
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced – For the classic cheesesteak taste.
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced – Adds sweetness and color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth to the beef.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – For extra onion flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – To boost the garlicky flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the beef and veggies.
• 4 large eggs – Acts as a binder for the casserole.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the casserole rich and creamy.
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese – Provolone is traditional in Philly cheesesteaks, but you can substitute with mozzarella or even American cheese for a more melty texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Optional, for added flavor and cheesiness.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is very customizable. Here are some ideas to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Low-Carb Version: Keep the casserole keto-friendly by skipping any bread or pasta and just layering the beef, veggies, and cheese. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for bulk without the carbs.
• Add Bread Cubes: If you want a more filling casserole, add cubed hoagie rolls or French bread to the casserole before baking. This mimics the sandwich experience and adds texture.
• Pasta Option: For a more filling dish, you can add cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) to the casserole. The pasta will soak up the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to use different types of cheese! Mozzarella, cheddar, American cheese, or a cheese blend will all work well. You can even sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, replace the ground beef or steak with ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms and extra bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these steps to make a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or shaved steak, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Mix the Eggs and Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. This mixture helps bind the casserole and gives it a rich, creamy texture.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, start by layering the browned beef evenly across the bottom. Then add the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic on top of the beef. Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese (and optional cheddar) evenly over the top.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges. You can check by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is set.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

To recap:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef or steak with seasonings, then drain excess grease.
3. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until soft and caramelized.
4. Whisk together the eggs and cream to create the casserole base.
5. Assemble the casserole by layering beef, veggies, and the egg mixture, and topping with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve with fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked beef, as too much fat can make the casserole oily.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can cause the eggs to become rubbery and the cheese to burn.
• Undercooking the Vegetables: Make sure the onions and peppers are fully sautéed and soft before adding them to the casserole. Undercooked vegetables can release water and make the casserole soggy.
• Forgetting to Let it Rest: Let the casserole rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly and make serving easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish, but you can make it even better with the right sides and presentation:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
• Add Crusty Bread: Serve the casserole with a slice of toasted French bread or garlic bread to mop up the gooey cheese and savory juices.
• Make It a Sandwich: Serve the casserole on toasted hoagie rolls for a sandwich-style meal, just like the original Philly cheesesteak!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

While this casserole can stand alone as a filling meal, here are some great sides to serve alongside it:

• French Fries or Tater Tots: A classic pairing with cheesesteak sandwiches that works great with this casserole too.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy roasted potatoes add a satisfying crunch to balance the creamy, cheesy casserole.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Make your casserole look as amazing as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or chives to add a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve in Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have a large cast-iron skillet, bake and serve the casserole directly in it for a rustic, eye-catching presentation.
• Add Colorful Sides: Serve with roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli for added color and nutrition on the plate.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to

24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftover Meat: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover steak, roast beef, or ground beef.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought meat or frozen ground beef?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought shaved steak or pre-cooked frozen ground beef works perfectly in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a party.

Q: Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking, freeze it for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight before baking.

Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that captures the flavors of the beloved sandwich in a simple, oven-baked meal. With layers of tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and lots of gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Try it today and enjoy a warm, cheesy slice of Philly in your own kitchen!

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