Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich—juicy beef, melted cheese, sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms—into a cheesy, baked casserole. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual potluck. If you love the savory, gooey goodness of a cheesesteak sandwich, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

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What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a baked dish inspired by the famous Philadelphia sandwich. It’s made with tender slices of beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and gooey cheese, typically served over pasta or with bread cubes. This casserole captures the flavors of the original sandwich in a convenient, family-friendly format that’s perfect for dinner.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

To make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients, serving about 6-8 people:

• 1.5 lbs ribeye steak (thinly sliced) or ground beef (as a budget-friendly option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 slices provolone cheese (or more, to cover the casserole)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• 4 large eggs (for binding if using a crustless, keto version)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for the egg mixture if using eggs)
• 1 cup beef broth (optional, to deglaze the pan and add extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for Additional Variations

Here are some optional ingredients and variations to customize your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

• Low-carb or keto version: Skip the pasta or bread and make it crustless, with an egg base.
• Cheese options: Use American cheese, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and provolone for more gooey goodness.
• Add bread cubes: For a more sandwich-like feel, toss in bread cubes before baking or serve the casserole with toasted hoagie rolls on the side.
• Extra flavor: Add sautéed spinach, hot peppers, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Substitutions and Variations

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to tweak it based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand:

1. Beef Substitutes: Ribeye is the traditional choice for cheesesteaks, but you can also use ground beef for a quicker, more affordable version. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using thinly sliced flank steak, sirloin, or even ground turkey.
2. Cheese Options: Provolone is classic for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese. For extra cheesiness, feel free to mix two or more cheeses. If you want a creamier texture, try using Velveeta.
3. Low-Carb/Keto Option: To make this dish keto-friendly, omit the bread or pasta and replace it with an egg and cream mixture to bind everything together, turning it into a crustless casserole.
4. Bread or Pasta: For a traditional take, serve the casserole with hoagie rolls on the side. Alternatively, you can layer cooked pasta (like penne or elbow macaroni) in the bottom of the casserole dish to turn it into a heartier pasta bake.
5. Vegetables: Green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are classic cheesesteak ingredients, but you can add in extras like spinach, jalapeños, or roasted red peppers for more flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Sauté the Steak or Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak or ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef if using ground meat, until browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. If using ribeye slices, cook until the beef is just browned but still tender. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. If needed, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If the pan looks dry, pour in the beef broth to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for a minute until slightly reduced, then remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. First Layer: Spread the cooked beef evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
2. Second Layer: Spread the sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms evenly over the beef.
3. Third Layer: Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the vegetable and beef mixture, completely covering the surface. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the provolone slices.

Step 5: (Optional) Add the Egg Mixture for a Keto Version

If you're making a keto-friendly version of this casserole, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream in a bowl. Pour this mixture evenly over the cheese and meat layers. The eggs will help bind everything together as the casserole bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispy, golden top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve with a side of crusty bread, hoagie rolls, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, serve it as is.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

1. Overcooking the steak: Ribeye steak is tender and cooks quickly. If you overcook it, the steak can become tough and chewy. Cook it just until browned and still slightly pink inside for the best texture.
2. Not seasoning the vegetables: The onions, peppers, and mushrooms absorb a lot of flavor, so don’t forget to season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for maximum flavor.
3. Not allowing the casserole to rest: Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a simple, family-friendly meal, you can elevate it with a few easy presentation tips.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

1. Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style dinner. Let everyone scoop out their portions and top with their favorite condiments.
2. Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, slice the casserole into individual servings and plate each one with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to brighten up the dish.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with toasted hoagie rolls or garlic bread for a classic Philly cheesesteak vibe. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes.
• Top with Extra Cheese: For the cheese lovers, add a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for an even cheesier dish.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
2. Freeze for Later: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a large crowd, double the ingredients and bake in two separate dishes. This is perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or meal prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced ribeye?

Yes! Ground beef is a budget-friendly and quick option for this casserole. Just cook it until browned and drain any excess fat before layering it in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta or serve it with a gluten-free bread alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I make this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes! To make it keto-friendly, skip the bread or pasta and add an egg and cream mixture as a binder. This will create a crustless casserole that’s low in carbs.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of the classic sandwich into a cheesy, baked casserole. With tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some of the suggested variations, this casserole is perfect for dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Enjoy!

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