Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

If you love the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something a little easier to make, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is for you! It’s packed with tender beef, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions—all baked together in one comforting dish.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty and filling meal without standing over the stove for too long. Instead of assembling individual sandwiches, you get all those delicious flavors in one bubbly, cheesy casserole.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game night, or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super easy to customize! Want a low-carb version? Skip the bread and serve it as a cheesy beef skillet. Love extra cheese? Go for it!

Why You’ll Love It

• One-pan wonder: Everything bakes together, so there’s minimal cleanup!
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or guests.
• Easy to customize: Swap the meat, add extra veggies, or make it low-carb.
• Full of flavor: Juicy beef, gooey cheese, and caramelized onions make every bite irresistible.
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick meal.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye for an authentic taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping

• 4-6 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish, optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large skillet – For cooking the beef and vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir and break up the meat.
• Mixing bowl – For making the cheese sauce.
• Whisk – To mix the cheese sauce smoothly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – To assemble and bake the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Knife and cutting board – To chop the onions, peppers, and garlic.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef (or thinly sliced steak) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded provolone, shredded mozzarella, and garlic powder.
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the cheese sauce over the beef, spreading it evenly.
3. Top with provolone slices and extra shredded mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. If you want a golden-brown top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
• Sprinkle with dried parsley for extra color and flavor.
• Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, hearty dish!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• For an authentic Philly taste, use thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef. Cook it quickly over high heat for the best texture.
• Want a low-carb version? Skip the bread altogether and serve this as a cheesesteak skillet!
• Use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly it melts.
• Make it ahead! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when ready to serve.
• Customize it! Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even a layer of toasted hoagie rolls on top for a true Philly cheesesteak feel.
• Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a game-changer—easy, delicious, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and comforting! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is easy to customize! Here are some ingredient swaps and variations to fit your taste or dietary needs:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Meat: Instead of ground beef, use thinly sliced ribeye steak or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
• Cheese: Swap provolone for Swiss, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
• Heavy cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, use whole milk or half-and-half.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
• Low-carb version: Skip the bread and make this a cheesesteak bowl instead.

Variations:

• Keto-Friendly Version: Omit the bread and use extra cheese for a creamy, low-carb meal.
• Spicy Cheesesteak Casserole: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Spoon the casserole mixture onto toasted slider buns for a fun party dish.
• BBQ Cheesesteak Casserole: Mix in a bit of barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is already a full meal, but you can pair it with other sides to make it even better!

Best Side Dishes:

• Garlic bread – The perfect way to soak up the cheesy goodness.
• Side salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Roasted vegetables – Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
• French fries or potato wedges – A classic cheesesteak pairing!
• Pickles or coleslaw – Adds a tangy crunch to balance the flavors.

Toppings & Extras:

• Drizzle with cheese sauce – If you love extra cheese, add a little nacho cheese on top!
• Serve in a hoagie roll – For a more traditional Philly cheesesteak feel.
• Sprinkle crispy fried onions – Adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and bubbly.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

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FAQ

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What kind of meat is best for this recipe?

Ground beef is easiest, but for an authentic Philly cheesesteak taste, use thinly sliced ribeye.

3. Can I make this without dairy?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

4. How do I make this casserole less greasy?

If using ground beef, drain excess grease before adding the cheese sauce.

5. Can I add bread to this casserole?

Yes! Layer sliced hoagie rolls on the bottom before adding the meat mixture for a sandwich-style casserole.

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This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is easy, cheesy, and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!