Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

If you're craving the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and plenty of melted cheese—this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the perfect solution! It’s an easy, low-carb, and family-friendly dish that combines all the best parts of a cheesesteak into a hearty casserole. No hoagie roll required! Read on for the full recipe and some tips to make this cheesy, beefy, comforting meal.

this Recipe

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What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a deconstructed version of the beloved Philadelphia sandwich. Instead of a hoagie roll, the tender beef, sautéed veggies, and gooey cheese are baked together into a comforting casserole. It’s low-carb and keto-friendly but can easily be served over pasta or rice if you prefer. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful with minimal prep.

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Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1. Thinly Sliced Steak: 1 ½ pounds (ribeye is traditional, but sirloin or flank steak works well too)
2. Green Bell Peppers: 2, thinly sliced
3. Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
4. Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (optional but adds great flavor)
5. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
6. Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
7. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
8. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
9. Shredded Provolone Cheese: 2 cups
10. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
11. Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten
12. Salt and Pepper: To taste
13. Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little heat
14. Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

1. Steak: While ribeye is the traditional meat for Philly cheesesteaks, you can use any tender cut like sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef for a more budget-friendly option.
2. Cheese: Provolone is the classic cheese, but you can mix in or substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese if you prefer a creamier texture.
3. Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are traditional, but feel free to add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
4. Cream Cheese: Cream cheese helps make the casserole rich and creamy, but you can lighten it up with Greek yogurt or use ricotta cheese instead.
5. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier casserole.
6. Low-Carb: This recipe is already low-carb and keto-friendly, but you can make it even lower in carbs by omitting the mushrooms or adding more cheese instead of using any additional carbs like pasta or rice.
7. With Pasta: If you prefer a heartier version, you can add cooked pasta, like penne or rotini, to make it more like a baked pasta dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the sliced onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

1. Heat More Oil: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Steak: Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. You don’t need to cook it all the way through since it will finish in the oven.
3. Remove from Heat: Once the steak is browned, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded provolone, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the beaten eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Vegetables and Steak: Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked steak on top of the vegetables.
2. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the steak and vegetables, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut and serve.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

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

Here’s a quick recap to help you make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the onions, peppers, and mushrooms until soft and browned.
2. Sear the Steak: Quickly brown the thinly sliced steak in the same skillet with Worcestershire sauce.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Mix cream cheese, provolone, mozzarella, and eggs to create a rich, cheesy topping.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Layer vegetables, steak, and the cheese mixture in a baking dish.
5. Bake and Rest: Bake until golden and bubbly, then let the casserole rest before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Steak: Be careful not to overcook the steak when you sear it. It will finish cooking in the oven, so you just need to brown it.
2. Not Letting the Casserole Rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the cheese and cream to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
3. Skipping the Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce—it adds a deep, savory flavor that really brings out the classic cheesesteak taste.
4. Not Using Enough Cheese: The key to a great Philly cheesesteak is plenty of cheese! Be sure to use the full amount of cheese for the best, gooey results.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

• Portioning: Use a large spoon or spatula to serve the casserole. You can slice it into squares or scoop out individual servings.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

• Garnish: Top with chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra grated cheese for a bright, fresh look.
• Serving Dish: Serve the casserole in a rustic or cast-iron skillet for a homestyle, comforting presentation.

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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing Option: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes! Ground beef works just as well and makes for a quicker and more budget-friendly option. Brown the ground beef with the Worcestershire sauce before adding it to the casserole.

Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?

To reheat the casserole, cover it with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Can I add pasta or rice to this casserole?

Yes! To make it more filling, you can add cooked pasta like penne or rotini, or serve the casserole over cooked rice.

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Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a cheesy, savory, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. With tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a satisfying and comforting dish that captures all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak without the bread. Whether you’re serving it as a low-carb meal or adding pasta for a heartier version, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious, cheesy dinner tonight!

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