ULTIMATE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE

I still remember the first time I tried a real Philly cheesesteak – it was at a bustling street corner stand during a college trip, and the explosion of savory flavors was simply unforgettable; now, we’re taking those classic tastes and transforming them into an easy, comforting Philly Cheesesteak Casserole that’s perfect for any weeknight, and trust me, you’re going to absolutely love it!

Get Ready for the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Experience!

Okay, friend, let’s talk about this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish, a celebration of everything that makes a Philly cheesesteak amazing, but without all the fuss of individual sandwiches. We’re talking juicy steak, melted cheese, perfectly caramelized onions and peppers, all baked together in a creamy, dreamy casserole that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I’m going to walk you through every single step, ensuring that even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll end up with a casserole so good, you’ll be making it again and again. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good casserole? They’re the ultimate comfort food!

Why This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Rocks

There are a million and one recipes out there, so why should you choose this one? Well, aside from the fact that I personally guarantee its deliciousness, here are a few reasons:

• It’s Easy: Seriously, we’re talking minimal prep time and simple steps. Even on your busiest weeknights, you can whip this up without breaking a sweat.
• It’s Customizable: Don’t like onions? Leave ’em out! Want to add mushrooms? Go for it! This recipe is a blank canvas for your cheesesteak dreams.
• It’s Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this casserole sing. We’re using simple, affordable ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
• It’s Perfect for Leftovers: If you somehow manage to have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely), they taste even better the next day! It’s perfect for lunch or another quick dinner.
• It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: From picky kids to discerning adults, everyone loves this casserole. It’s the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in.

The Star Players: Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have a lot of these in your pantry already!

• Steak: 1.5 lbs of thinly sliced steak (Ribeye, sirloin, or even shaved steak from the deli counter works great).
• Onions: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced.
• Bell Peppers: 1 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced. Feel free to use other colors if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Cheese: 8 oz of provolone cheese, sliced. This is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can also use mozzarella or even a cheddar blend.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz of cream cheese, softened. This adds richness and creaminess to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup of sour cream. This adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a smooth sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This adds a savory depth of flavor to the steak.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Because everything’s better with garlic!
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. To enhance the onion flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the veggies and steak.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped green onions, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning!

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have all the ingredients on hand. No problem! Here are a few swaps you can make:

• Steak: If you don’t have steak, ground beef or even shredded chicken can work in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a pepper jack cheese can be used in place of provolone.
• Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or even a thick Greek yogurt.
• Sour Cream: Plain yogurt or even mayonnaise can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
• Bell Peppers: Don’t like bell peppers? Use mushrooms, zucchini, or any other veggies you enjoy.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole in no time.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep Your Veggies: Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers. This is important so they cook evenly and don’t end up crunchy.
3. Cook the Steak: In a large skillet or cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the cooked steak, onions, and bell peppers. Layer with half of the provolone cheese slices. Repeat the layers with the remaining cream cheese mixture, steak, onions, bell peppers, and provolone cheese.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
8. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set up slightly.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions or hot sauce, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a total knockout:

• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Cook it just until it’s browned and still slightly pink inside. It will continue to cook in the casserole.
• Caramelize Those Veggies: Taking the time to properly caramelize the onions and bell peppers will add a ton of flavor to the casserole. Don’t rush this step!
• Use a Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this casserole, so use a good quality provolone or mozzarella.
• Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is what makes this casserole so creamy and delicious. Don’t try to skimp on it!
• Let it Rest: Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set up slightly. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers for an earthy flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the steak mixture for a little kick.
• Add Cheese Sauce: For an extra cheesy casserole, pour a layer of homemade or store-bought cheese sauce over the steak and veggies before adding the cheese slices.
• Make it Low Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of a bread base to make a Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
• Add a Crust: Top the casserole with a layer of puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a crispy, flaky crust.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a meal in itself, but here are a few side dishes that would pair perfectly with it:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with a cheesy casserole?
• French Fries: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with a side of crispy french fries.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

You can even freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Other Philly Cheesesteak Inspired Recipes

If you’re a Philly cheesesteak fanatic like me, you’ll love these other recipes inspired by the classic sandwich:

• Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls: A low-carb twist on the classic roll, perfect for a lighter meal.
• Keto Philly Cheesesteak Bombs: Bite-sized pockets of cheesesteak goodness that are perfect for parties or snacks.

Troubleshooting Common Casserole Problems

Even with the best recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common casserole problems and how to fix them:

• Casserole is Too Dry: If your casserole is dry, try adding a little bit of milk or broth to the cream cheese mixture before baking. You can also cover the casserole with foil during the first part of the baking time to help retain moisture.
• Casserole is Too Watery: If your casserole is watery, make sure you drain the steak and veggies well before adding them to the casserole. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the cream cheese mixture to help thicken it.
• Cheese is Browned Too Quickly: If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil during the last part of the baking time.
• Casserole is Not Heated Through: If your casserole is not heated through, bake it for a few extra minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts: Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Awaits!

So, there you have it! Everything you need to create the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Remember, cooking should be fun! Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. You’ve got this!

Lady Maria

ULTIMATE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish. It features juicy steak, melted cheese, and caramelized vegetables in a creamy sauce, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or gathering.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced steak Ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
• Optional: Hot sauce for garnish
• Optional: Everything bagel seasoning for garnish

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet or cast iron skillet
• Large bowl
• Mixing spoons
• measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Aluminum foil
• knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the cooked steak, onions, and bell peppers. Layer with half of the provolone cheese slices. Repeat the layers with the remaining cream cheese mixture, steak, onions, bell peppers, and provolone cheese.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions or hot sauce, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Don’t overcook the steak; cook it until just browned. Caramelize the onions and bell peppers for added flavor. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. For variations, add mushrooms, red pepper flakes for spice, or a layer of cheese sauce. You can also use ground beef or shredded chicken instead of steak, or substitute the provolone for mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.