Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Reinvented
There’s something undeniably comforting about transforming a beloved sandwich into a bubbling, oven-baked masterpiece. This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes everything you love—savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy richness, and melty cheese—and wraps it into a warm, satisfying dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or weekend gatherings, this recipe captures the authentic Philly flavor in a hearty, fork-friendly form.
Imagine all the goodness of a classic cheesesteak: tender beef, gooey cheese, and that unmistakable balance of savory and sweet peppers. Now, layer it into a comforting casserole that’s easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to be devoured fast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers both flavor and convenience in one delicious pan.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
Why Each Ingredient Matters
- Ground Beef: The base of the dish, providing hearty flavor and richness. You can also use shaved steak for a more authentic cheesesteak texture.
- Onion and Peppers: Classic Philly cheesesteak elements that add sweetness, crunch, and color.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall depth of flavor with subtle savory notes.
- Mushrooms: Optional but delicious — they add an earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the casserole a creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that signature cheesesteak gooeyness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, bold contrast to the creamy base.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami boost that elevates the beef’s flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A touch of herbs brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- Eggs & Heavy Cream: Create a custard-like mixture that helps the casserole hold its shape while staying moist.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
There’s something undeniably comforting about transforming a beloved sandwich into a bubbling, oven-baked masterpiece. This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes everything you love about the classic sandwich—savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy richness, and melty cheese—and combines it into a hearty, family-style meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
This casserole is not only delicious but also practical. It brings together familiar flavors in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing format. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining guests, or looking for an effortless meal prep idea, this recipe will hit the mark every time.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or shaved steak, if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the creamy base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
- Add vegetables: Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise (or sour cream), milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and layer: Add the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the top, then sprinkle with both cheeses.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the hassle of the sandwich assembly.
- Comforting and hearty: Perfect for feeding a family or enjoying leftovers the next day.
- Flexible: Can be made with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a lighter twist.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, toast hoagie rolls and serve a scoop of casserole inside for a baked sandwich experience.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or hot banana peppers for a more authentic Philly-style taste.
- To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of fries. It’s also fantastic with a slice of garlic bread for soaking up that creamy, cheesy goodness.
This casserole is a true celebration of comfort food — rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a weeknight favorite in so many homes.
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