Get ready to experience all the classic, savory flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak, but in a warm, bubbly, and incredibly easy-to-make casserole form. This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food game-changer. It ditches the bun for a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for guests. We’re talking tender sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a gloriously creamy provolone cheese sauce that brings it all together. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that you’ll make again and again.
Why This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a Winner
You are going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why it will become a staple in your dinner rotation:
- Incredibly Flavorful: It perfectly captures the mouthwatering taste of an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under an hour.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: All the flavor without the carbs! It’s a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Cheesy, meaty, and savory – what’s not to love? It’s a hit with both kids and adults.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Casserole
The magic of this dish lies in using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
The Best Steak
For the most tender and flavorful result, use thinly sliced ribeye steak. It’s the traditional choice for a reason, with beautiful marbling that keeps the meat juicy. If ribeye isn’t available, top sirloin is another excellent option. The key is to slice it as thinly as possible against the grain.
The Classic Veggies
You can’t have a Philly cheesesteak without the signature sizzle of onions and peppers. We use a combination of yellow onion and green bell peppers for that authentic flavor. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms for an extra layer of earthy depth.
The Ultimate Creamy Cheese Sauce
This is where our recipe truly shines. Instead of just laying slices of cheese on top, we create a luxuriously creamy and flavorful sauce. A blend of sharp Provolone cheese, rich cream cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of garlic powder creates a sauce that coats every single piece of steak and veggies.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible casserole is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing your steak, onions, and bell peppers. This is the most important prep step for achieving the right texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced steak and season with salt and pepper. Cook just until browned, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the steak and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Base: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the softened cream cheese and beef broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated, creating a creamy base for the casserole. Season with Worcestershire sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil. Once warm, whisk in the shredded Provolone cheese until you have a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the steak and vegetable mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success
Want to ensure your casserole is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:
- Freeze Your Steak: Place the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat, making it much easier to get those super-thin, against-the-grain slices.
- Don’t Overcook: Sear the steak quickly. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want it to be perfectly tender, not tough.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, buy a block of Provolone and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Use Ground Beef: For a budget-friendly option, substitute the steak with one pound of ground beef. Brown it and drain the fat before proceeding with the recipe.
- Switch Up the Cheese: While Provolone is classic, a mix of mozzarella and white American cheese also works wonderfully. For a kick, add some pepper jack.
- Add Some Heat: If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the bell peppers.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a low-carb meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some delicious Crispy Roasted Cauliflower. If you’re not concerned with carbs, it’s fantastic with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that amazing cheese sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute 1-2 pounds of ground beef for a more budget-friendly version. Simply brown the ground beef, drain off any excess grease, and then proceed with the recipe as written.
Certainly. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly. It contains steak, cheese, and low-carb vegetables, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet.
For the most tender and flavorful results, thinly sliced ribeye steak is the best choice. However, top sirloin also works very well as a slightly leaner alternative.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this easy casserole, you’ll love these other comfort food classics!
- For another hearty and classic meal, try this Hearty Beef Stew.
- If you love casseroles, you can’t go wrong with this Classic Tater Tot Casserole.
- For a flavorful set-it-and-forget-it meal, check out this Flavorful Mississippi Pot Roast (coming soon).
The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (The Easiest, Cheesiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Return the steak to the skillet. Stir in the softened cream cheese and beef broth until the cream cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
- In a separate small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Whisk in 1.5 cups of the shredded provolone cheese until smooth.
- Pour the steak mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of provolone.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Shred your own provolone from a block for the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce.
Share Your Creation!
We are sure this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole will be a new favorite in your home. If you make it, we’d love to see it! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks!
