Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

A Philly cheesesteak casserole reimagines the classic sandwich into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that captures all the robust flavors you crave.

Layers of tender beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions create a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond the traditional handheld version.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate how this dish reimagines a beloved street food favorite with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Rich, savory ingredients blend seamlessly to deliver a nostalgic taste that reminds you of bustling Philadelphia street corners.

The casserole offers a convenient alternative for those who love the iconic sandwich but want something more substantial and shareable.

Families and friends will devour this delightful twist on a culinary classic that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Ingredients for a Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty base protein with rich flavor, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami taste and enhances meat's savory profile.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy texture and tangy richness to the casserole.
  • Provolone Cheese (Shredded and Sliced): Sharp and melty cheese that creates golden-brown topping.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretchy, mild cheese layer with excellent melting properties.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet base vegetable that adds depth and caramelizes beautifully.
  • Bell Pepper: Provides crunch and slight sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies overall flavor profile.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meat's savory characteristics.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.

Baking Instructions for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook:
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers

Sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one more minute.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and season with:
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook until beef is fully browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Add cream cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Transfer beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with:
  • Shredded provolone
  • Shredded mozzarella

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Layer sliced provolone cheese over the top, slightly overlapping for complete coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden-brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.

Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Every Time

  • Maximize Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors before adding other ingredients.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Let cream cheese warm slightly at room temperature for smoother, faster melting into the beef mixture.
  • Vegetable Prep Perfection: Dice onions and bell peppers uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Drain Wisely: Remove excess grease from browned beef to prevent a greasy, heavy final dish and maintain a clean, appetizing appearance.
  • Cheese Layer Strategy: Slightly overlap provolone slices to create a complete cheese coverage that melts beautifully and looks professional.

Store and Reheat Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts completely.

What to Serve with Cheesesteak Casserole

  • Crafting the Perfect Beer Companion: A crisp lager or hoppy IPA cuts through the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesesteak casserole, balancing its creamy texture with refreshing carbonation.
  • Pair with Zesty Red Wine: A medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the beef's robust taste, enhancing the dish's savory profile with its bold fruit undertones.
  • Elevate with Fresh Side Salad: A light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp contrast to the casserole's heavy, cheesy goodness, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
  • Cool Down with Creamy Coleslaw: Traditional coleslaw offers a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm, melty casserole, introducing a textural and flavor contrast that makes each bite more exciting.

Creative Twists on Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Beef Bake: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add taco seasoning for a zesty kick. Swap provolone for pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and oregano. Use ground lamb instead of beef for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey and replace bread-based ingredients with riced cauliflower. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth.
  • Philly Chicken Remix: Use shredded chicken breast instead of ground beef. Include roasted mushrooms and swap beef broth for chicken stock to maintain moisture and richness.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole That Brings the Bold Flavor

  • Savor Philly Cheesesteak Flavors: This casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting, easy-to-serve dish that captures all the beloved tastes of the original street food favorite.
  • Quick and Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe offers a hassle-free meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Cheesy Texture Explosion: Layers of melted provolone and mozzarella create a gooey, rich topping that blankets the savory beef mixture, delivering a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.
  • One-Pan Convenience: By using a single skillet and baking dish, this recipe minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it an ideal option for home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Philly cheesesteak casserole brings classic sandwich flavors into a hearty, one-pan dinner that simplifies weeknight cooking. Melted provolone, tender beef strips, and caramelized peppers combine in a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) sliced provolone cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray, for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light cooking spray coating.
  2. In a large skillet, caramelize onions and bell peppers in olive oil until they develop a rich golden hue, releasing their natural sweetness.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the skillet for approximately one minute.
  4. Elevate the heat and incorporate ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break the meat into fine crumbles while cooking until it achieves a deep brown color and loses its raw appearance.
  5. Eliminate excess fat from the beef by draining, ensuring a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
  6. Enhance the meat’s depth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, creating a robust umami undertone.
  7. Fold in cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and integrates smoothly with the beef mixture.
  8. Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and meld the flavors together for a few moments.
  9. Transfer the savory beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
  10. Generously sprinkle a combination of shredded provolone and mozzarella across the beef, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  11. Strategically arrange sliced provolone cheese on top, slightly overlapping to create a luxurious, melty blanket.
  12. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
  13. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for several minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

  • Quickly prep this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms the classic Philly cheesesteak into a comforting casserole.
  • Choose high-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables to elevate the flavor profile and ensure maximum deliciousness.
  • Drain excess beef grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and maintain a rich, clean-tasting meal.
  • Layer cheeses strategically for maximum melty coverage and a golden-brown crispy top that everyone will love.
  • Consider serving with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to complement the hearty, protein-packed casserole.
  • Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve the cheese’s creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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