If you're a fan of the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, you're going to love this casserole version! It has all the flavors you love, but in a warm, comforting dish that's perfect for sharing.
Have you ever had a Philly Cheesesteak?
It's a delicious sandwich that was first made in the city of Philadelphia. It has sliced beef and melted cheese on a long roll. Sounds tasty, right?
We're going to shake things up a bit! Instead of a sandwich, we're going to make a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
It's a fun and delicious twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak!
Cheesesteak Casserole
We love this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole for so many reasons.
First off, it's super easy to make. You don't have to be a master chef to whip up this hearty dish. It's as simple as browning some beef, sautéing some veggies, and baking everything in the oven with a blanket of cheese on top.
It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Another reason why we adore this recipe is because of its versatility. It's a crowd-pleaser that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes.
If you have picky eaters, you can swap out the veggies, or if you're looking to make it a bit healthier, you can opt for leaner meats.
Plus, you can serve this casserole as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for pasta, or even as a dip for chips at a party.
But the best part about this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole? It's just downright delicious.
It's comfort food at its finest, bringing the familiar flavors of a beloved sandwich into a warm, satisfying casserole.
We're sure that once you try this recipe, you'll fall in love with it just like we have!
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Lean Ground Beef: If you prefer, you could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Onion: Feel free to use any type of onion you like, but we find that yellow or white onions work great.
Green Bell Pepper and Orange or Red Bell Pepper: You can choose any colors you like, but a mix of green and red or orange makes the dish visually appealing.
Salt & Pepper: Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.
Cream Cheese: We recommend using cream cheese at room temperature to make sure it mixes in smoothly. Pull the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is traditionally used in Philly Cheesesteak because it melts well and has a slightly smoky flavor. However, you could substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
How to Make Cheesesteak Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. While it's heating up, grab your favorite 9x13 casserole dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Next, place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add your lean ground beef to the hot skillet. As it cooks, use a spatula to crumble it into small pieces.
When the beef is almost fully cooked, add your diced onion and bell peppers. Saute everything in the pan for another 5 to 7 minutes until the onion becomes tender.
Season your beef and veggie mixture with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to taste. After seasoning, make sure to drain the meat and veggies to get rid of any excess fat.
Now, it's time for the cream cheese. Stir it into the beef and veggie mixture until everything is well combined.
Once everything is mixed, carefully transfer your beef and veggie mix to your prepared casserole dish. Smooth it into an even layer with your spatula.
Finally, arrange your slices of provolone cheese on top of the mixture in the casserole dish. .
Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden.
And there you have it! Your very own Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is ready to be enjoyed.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesesteak Casserole
Everyone in my family loves this recipe and I hope yours does too. Here are some tips for making this the best casserole:
Aoli Sauce: This is something we absolutely love in general when we make some other recipes and for dipping sweet potato fries. Whip up a homemade garlic aoli sauce, add this to some toasted buns and then add the Philly cheesesteak casserole to the buns. It makes the most delicious sandwich.
Drain Ground Beef: To avoid a greasy casserole, choose lean ground beef, ideally 85% lean or leaner. Make sure to drain any of the excess grease after browning the meat.
Prep Veggies Ahead of Time: To save time, you can dice the onions and bell peppers in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and they'll be ready to go when you start cooking.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cream cheese at room temperature blends more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a smoother and creamier texture in your casserole.
Customize Your Cheese: For an extra cheesy casserole, consider adding shredded cheese into the meat and veggie mixture, not just on top. Cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella would all be delicious choices.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance up to the baking step. Just assemble everything, cover the dish, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, bake it as directed.
Serve it Your Way: This versatile casserole can be enjoyed in several ways. Try it sandwiched between hamburger buns, served over pasta, or as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Other Casserole Recipes You'll Love
Walking Taco Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an air tight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is incredibly versatile. You could use it as a filling for a savory breakfast omelet, mix it with cooked pasta for a quick dinner, or even use it as a topping for a baked potato.
Another fun idea is to use the leftovers as a pizza topping. Simply spread it over pizza dough, add some extra cheese if desired, and bake until crispy and golden
What to Serve With
Many side dishes pair beautifully with this cheesecake casserole. Here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, or carrots would complement the flavors in the casserole and add some additional color and nutrition to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread would be perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and adds a comforting, hearty element to the meal.
- Cauliflower Rice: If you're looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great choice. It's light, fluffy, and can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 orange or red bell pepper seeded and diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook, crumbling as it browns. When the beef is almost cooked through, add the onion and bell peppers. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes or until the onion is tender. Season the beef and vegetables with salt and black pepper. Drain the meat and vegetables well and then return it to the skillet.
- Stir the cream cheese into the meat and vegetables until evenly combined. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and smooth into an even layer.
- Place the sliced cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Sandy Pinnell
Loved this dish. I added mushrooms just because we love them. My husband loved it too and he’s a very picker eater.
David
I added a bit of Worcestershire and beef broth. Very tasty dish