Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

 

A hearty, comforting one-dish meal that delivers the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor — tender beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, creamy cheese — all baked together into a warm, cheesy casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You get all the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak without the mess of a sandwich.
• It’s easy and fast — great for weeknight dinners.
• It’s flexible: you can use ground beef or sliced steak, skip pasta for a low-carb version, or serve it over pasta, rice, or bread.
• The melted cheese and beefy-vegetable mix makes each bite rich, comforting, and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or thin-sliced steak, about same weight)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper (green or mix of green/red), diced
• 8 ounces (about 225 g) cream cheese, cubed
• 8 slices of provolone cheese (or more, if you prefer extra cheesiness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of butter or oil (for sautéing)
• (Optional) 2 cloves garlic, minced — for added flavor
• (Optional) Mushrooms or extra veggies, sliced — for variation

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or warm the oil). Add the diced onion and bell pepper (and garlic if using). Sauté until the onions are translucent and peppers are tender.
3. Add the ground beef (or sliced steak) to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
4. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts and blends into the beef–vegetable mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish (or leave in an oven-proof skillet). Spread it evenly.
6. Arrange the provolone slices over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (the casserole should be hot throughout).
8. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: ~4–6 people (depending on portion size)
Prep time: ~10–15 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30–35 minutes

Variations

• Use thin-sliced steak (like ribeye or sirloin) instead of ground beef for a more “classic sandwich” feel.
• Add mushrooms, sliced red peppers, or extra veggies (e.g., spinach, zucchini) for more flavor or nutrition.
• For a lower-carb version, skip any pasta or bread side and serve as is.
• Want it heartier? Serve the casserole over cooked pasta, rice, or even in toasted rolls for a “deconstructed sandwich.”
• Use different cheeses — mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend — for varied flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• To reheat: warm in the oven at ~350 °F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes (depending on portion size).
• If you make extra, you can optionally freeze (in freezer-safe containers) for up to 2–3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole without cream cheese?

You can skip the cream cheese — instead, use a mix of shredded cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, cheddar) and a splash of milk or cream to help bind the meat and veggies together when baking.

Can I use sliced steak instead of ground beef?

Yes — thinly sliced steak (like ribeye or sirloin) works very well. Just cook quickly so it stays tender, then combine with sautéed veggies and bake as directed.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes — substitute the beef with plant-based “ground” meat alternative or use mushrooms / beans for protein, and proceed with the veggies and cheese.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers and onions are classic, but you can add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even broccoli — just sauté them along with the onion and peppers before mixing with the meat (or substitute meat if vegetarian).

What side dishes go well with this casserole?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, steamed veggies, or rice work well. For a low-carb meal — serve as is or with a fresh salad.

Can this be baked ahead and reheated later?

Yes — you can assemble and bake ahead, then refrigerate and reheat. Alternatively, you can partially assemble (cook beef and veggies) and refrigerate; add cheese and bake later.

How do I make it extra cheesy and creamy?

Use additional cheese (mix of provolone, mozzarella, cheddar), add a splash of cream or milk, and consider stirring in a bit of sour cream before baking.

Is there a keto/low-carb version?

Yes — skip pasta or bread sides, double down on beef, veggies, and cheese. You can also add more low-carb veggies (e.g. mushrooms, spinach).

Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes — doubling ingredients works fine. Use a larger baking dish (or two) to bake evenly and adjust baking time if needed.

How can I make it more like a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich?

Use thin-sliced steak, increase onions and bell peppers, melt provolone (or American cheese) on top, and serve in toasted rolls or hoagie bread.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, flexible, and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a traditional cheesesteak into a comforting bake. Whether you prefer ground beef or thin-sliced steak, keep it simple or load it with extra veggies and cheeses — it’s easy to adapt. Great for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or meal prep. Enjoy!

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