Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

If you're a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, you’re going to love this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole! This recipe takes everything you adore about the iconic sandwich—tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, gooey cheese, and savory flavors—and turns it into a hearty casserole. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd at your next get-together. Best of all, it's quick to put together and bakes up beautifully in the oven. Get ready to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite sandwich in comforting, casserole form.

this Recipe

What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a baked dish that mimics the flavors of the beloved Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich but swaps the bread for a more casserole-friendly format. Instead of layering steak, onions, peppers, and cheese on a hoagie roll, these ingredients are baked together with a rich cheese sauce for a delicious, bubbly finish. This dish is perfect for serving a crowd and is a great alternative when you want all the cheesesteak goodness without the mess of making individual sandwiches.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin) – You can also use shaved beef from the grocery store.
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced – Adds color and a slight sweetness.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced – Another pop of color and sweetness.
• 1 medium onion, sliced – A key component in every Philly cheesesteak.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For added flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – For a creamy base.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – Adds richness to the casserole.
• ½ cup beef broth – Helps create a flavorful base and keep the casserole moist.
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese – A classic Philly cheesesteak cheese.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds extra gooeyness.
• 2 cups cooked pasta (optional) – For a heartier casserole, or omit if you want a low-carb version.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – To season the beef and veggies.
• 2 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and beef.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the beefy flavor.

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped fresh parsley – For garnish.
• Crushed potato chips or French fried onions – For a crispy topping.

Ingredients List for a Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

If you're looking to make this casserole low-carb or keto-friendly, here are some substitutions:

• Skip the pasta – Keep it simple and just use the meat and vegetables.
• Heavy cream – Use ¼ cup heavy cream instead of the mayonnaise for a low-carb option.
• Use more beef or veggies – Add extra meat or veggies to bulk up the casserole without the carbs.

Substitutions and Variations

Philly cheesesteak casserole is easy to customize to fit your preferences. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Meat Options: If you can't find ribeye or shaved beef, ground beef or ground turkey are great alternatives for a different but equally tasty version.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the provolone and mozzarella with white American cheese, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Veggie Add-ins: Mushrooms make a great addition to this casserole. Sauté them along with the onions and peppers for extra flavor.
• Pasta Substitution: If you’re not worried about keeping things low-carb, you can bulk up the casserole with cooked egg noodles, rotini, or penne.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make a perfect Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coat of olive oil.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Beef

In the same skillet, cook the thinly sliced steak until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. If using ground beef, cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat if needed.

4. Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and beef broth. Mix until smooth and well-combined. This mixture will help create the creamy base for the casserole.

5. Combine the Ingredients

In the same bowl, fold in the sautéed veggies and beef, mixing until everything is well-coated with the creamy mixture. If you’re adding pasta, stir in the cooked pasta at this point.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese, ensuring the entire casserole is covered in cheesy goodness.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

8. Let it Rest

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

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

Cooking Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is all about layering flavors. First, you sauté the veggies and beef to bring out their natural flavors, then mix them with a creamy base before baking everything together with lots of cheese. The result is a delicious, cheesy casserole that captures all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in every bite. Whether you’re making it with or without pasta, the process is straightforward and the results are irresistible!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Overcooking the Beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly. Be sure to only cook it for a few minutes per side to prevent it from becoming tough and chewy.
2. Not Draining Excess Fat: If you're using a fattier cut of beef or ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat after browning. This will prevent your casserole from being greasy.
3. Forgetting to Pre-Cook the Vegetables: Don’t skip sautéing the onions and peppers. Pre-cooking them ensures they become soft and caramelized, bringing out the best flavors.
4. Not Letting the Casserole Rest: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out the meal:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with a Green Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
3. Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or rolls to soak up all the cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This dish is a perfect option for a family-style dinner. Serve it straight from the baking dish at the table for a cozy, comforting meal. You can also divide it into individual portions for easy serving at a gathering or potluck. For a low-carb meal, simply skip the pasta and serve the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole right before serving. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant, single-serve option at a dinner party.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or busy nights.
• Freeze It: Philly cheesesteak casserole freezes well. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground beef instead of shaved steak?

Yes! Ground beef is a great alternative to shaved steak. Simply brown the ground beef in the skillet, drain any excess fat, and continue with the recipe as instructed.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes, if you skip the pasta, this casserole is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Just make sure to use keto-friendly cheeses and ingredients.

4. How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is everything you love about a classic cheesesteak sandwich, packed into an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish. With its tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're serving it with pasta for a heartier dish or skipping the carbs for a low-carb option, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in casserole form!

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