Craving a delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak? This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It takes all the flavors you love from the iconic sandwich and transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole that everyone will love. Whether you're a Philly cheesesteak enthusiast or simply looking for a satisfying meal to serve the family, this casserole hits the spot. Keep reading for the full recipe, cooking instructions, and tips to make this dish even better!
What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
The Philly cheesesteak casserole is a modern take on the famous sandwich that hails from Philadelphia. While the original sandwich uses thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, this casserole brings those flavors together in a hearty, comforting dish that can be baked in the oven. It swaps out the sandwich roll for a casserole dish, making it a low-carb, crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or gatherings. With ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, onions, provolone cheese, and cream cheese, it delivers the same bold taste in an easy-to-serve format.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create your own Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- 2 pounds ground beef: Ground beef is the base of the casserole and provides rich, savory flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color and the iconic pepper flavor that Philly cheesesteaks are known for.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Another variety of pepper that adds sweetness and more vibrant color.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Onions add a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a slightly tangy, savory touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and complements the other ingredients.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, rich texture for the casserole.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Adds moisture and helps combine all the flavors.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Provides a gooey, cheesy texture that ties everything together.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: A must for the classic Philly cheesesteak taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a casserole recipe is its flexibility. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Swap the ground beef for a leaner protein if you’re looking to cut down on fat content.
- Cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella: If you prefer a sharper cheese, cheddar can be used in place of mozzarella for a different flavor.
- No cream cheese: If you want to make this dairy-free, you can omit the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-free Worcestershire sauce: Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if you're serving this dish to someone with gluten sensitivities.
- Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Keto-friendly: Keep the recipe low-carb by ensuring you stick to the ground beef and cheese-heavy ingredient list without adding any bread or flour-based ingredients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion. Cook them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
- Season the mixture: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Add the cream cheese and beef broth: Lower the heat and mix in the softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the ground beef and vegetable mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with provolone cheese slices: Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the mozzarella to create a cheesy, melty top layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the beef: Make sure to only brown the ground beef and not overcook it. Overcooked beef can become dry and tough in the casserole.
- Undercooked veggies: The bell peppers and onions need to be sautéed until soft before adding them to the casserole. Undercooked vegetables can lead to a crunchy texture that might feel out of place in a casserole.
- Forgetting to drain the beef: Skipping this step could lead to a greasy casserole, which will affect both the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Using cold cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it into the beef mixture. Cold cream cheese won’t melt properly and can result in lumps.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation might not always be the first thing you think of when serving a casserole, but a few small touches can elevate your dish from homey to restaurant-worthy. Here are some serving and presentation ideas for your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but if you want to add side dishes, consider lighter options like a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice if you're looking to keep it low-carb. Another option is to serve it with garlic bread or even on top of a toasted hoagie roll to mimic the original sandwich experience.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Garnish with fresh parsley: The green pop of color from freshly chopped parsley adds brightness to the dish, making it more visually appealing.
- Serve in individual ramekins: If you’re hosting guests, consider portioning the casserole into small, individual-sized ramekins for a polished look.
- Top with extra cheese: Sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella or provolone on top after baking for an extra cheesy presentation.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Simply assemble the dish and cover it with plastic wrap or foil until it’s time to bake.
- Double the recipe: This dish is a great option for meal prep. You can double the recipe and freeze one portion for a later date.
- Use pre-sliced veggies: To save time, you can use pre-sliced onions and bell peppers from the grocery store.
- Reheat leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even thinly sliced steak to more closely replicate the traditional Philly cheesesteak.
Can I make this casserole keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This casserole is already very keto-friendly as it’s low in carbs. Just make sure to use keto-approved cheeses and ingredients.
How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until warmed through.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
Light side dishes like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice pair well with the casserole to balance out the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the best flavors of the classic sandwich into one hearty, cheesy meal. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or serving guests, it's sure to be a hit. With its customizable ingredients and simple steps, you'll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. So go ahead, try it out, and enjoy a new twist on the beloved Philly cheesesteak!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe is packed with flavors from ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a rich, cheesy topping. It's a quick and easy dinner option that's sure to satisfy. The use of mozzarella and provolone adds a delightful creaminess, while Worcestershire sauce enhances the meaty flavors. A family-friendly, low-carb casserole perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add bell peppers and onions to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and beef broth. Cook until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then layer the provolone slices.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
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