Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Introduction

If you’re a fan of cheesy, savory comfort food, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole will quickly become a household favorite. Inspired by the iconic Philadelphia sandwich, this casserole packs in all the classic flavors—thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melty cheese—layered together into a warm, bubbling bake. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to serve at gatherings.

My recipe story

Growing up, cheesesteaks were one of my family’s guilty pleasures. Whenever we visited Philadelphia, grabbing a cheesesteak was non-negotiable. Over the years, I wanted to bring that same indulgent flavor into a more versatile, family-friendly dish. That’s how this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole was born—an easy way to enjoy the richness of a cheesesteak without needing a sandwich roll. After testing different versions, I finally perfected a recipe that balances creaminess, cheesiness, and savory goodness in every bite.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is that it takes familiar ingredients and combines them into something truly comforting. At the heart of the dish is beef—ground beef is the most convenient choice, but you can also use shaved steak for a more authentic texture. Both options provide rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the vegetables.

Onions and bell peppers are non-negotiable, as they add sweetness and a bit of crunch. I recommend using green bell peppers for that classic Philly vibe, but red, yellow, or even a mix of colors will work beautifully. Mushrooms can also be added if you enjoy an earthy flavor profile.

Cheese is the soul of the dish. Provolone and mozzarella are my top choices since they melt into gooey perfection, but feel free to mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess or cheddar for a bolder taste. A touch of seasoning—garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper—rounds out the flavor and brings everything together.

Finally, to give it that casserole structure, eggs and a splash of heavy cream or milk help bind everything while keeping it luscious and rich. Together, these ingredients transform into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-step directions

1. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or shaved steak, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary, then set the beef aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic during the last minute for added flavor.
3. Combine ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the veggies. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the flavors meld together.
4. Prepare the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream or milk until smooth. This mixture will help bind the casserole while adding richness.
5. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish, then pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle generously with provolone and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
7. Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares or scoops, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Pair with a crisp side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations & substitutions

This casserole is endlessly adaptable. If you prefer a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a low-carb twist, add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini in place of bread or pasta. Cheese lovers can experiment with pepper jack, cheddar, or Swiss for a flavor boost. You can even turn this into a sandwich-style bake by layering crescent roll dough on the bottom of the casserole dish for a fun twist.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. For make-ahead prep, assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

This casserole shines as the main star of your dinner table. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrients. Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty baguette slices make excellent sides to soak up the cheesy goodness. For a heartier spread, pair with mashed potatoes or pasta salad. A chilled glass of iced tea or a light beer also complements the savory flavors beautifully.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this casserole while still being flavorful.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
Provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, but cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack can be delicious alternatives.

Can I make this casserole low-carb?
Yes, simply skip any bread or pasta additions and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Be sure to fully cook and drain your vegetables before assembling the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use two casserole dishes and bake side by side.

Final thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that delivers all the flavors of the classic sandwich in a cozy, family-friendly format. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or simply to satisfy a craving, this casserole will never disappoint. With its gooey cheese, savory beef, and flavorful veggies, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how quickly it earns a spot in your dinner rotation.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty casserole with all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese baked to perfection. Comfort food made easy!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or shaved steak

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 bell peppers, diced (green or mixed colors)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

• 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet, then sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic during the last minute.

4. Return beef to the skillet and mix in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and remove from heat.

5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and cream until smooth.
6. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the casserole dish, pour the egg mixture over the top, and sprinkle with provolone and mozzarella.

7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
   

Notes

This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results. Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American