Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, transformed into a hearty, oven-baked dish. Packed with tender slices of beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole captures all the bold flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a comforting, family-friendly format.
It’s layered with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese and often combined with eggs or cream to hold everything together.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish offers an easy, low-carb alternative to the traditional sandwich without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. It’s cheesy, savory, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, famous for its tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese, gets a comforting twist in this hearty Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. It’s everything you love about the iconic sandwich, baked into one creamy, cheesy, family-style dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Description
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a comforting, baked twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
This hearty dish layers seasoned ground beef or thin-sliced steak with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked together—sometimes with a biscuit, pasta, or egg base for extra heartiness.
It’s cheesy, savory, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, it captures all the flavors of the iconic sandwich in a fork-ready casserole format. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Base:
For Topping:
Instructions
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or spray it with cooking spray.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef (or olive oil + shaved steak). Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) to the same skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute. Combine everything well.
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In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded provolone and cheddar cheeses. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooked meat and veggie mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir well until the entire mixture is evenly coated and combined.
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Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese. If you like a crunchy finish, sprinkle on crushed croutons or small toasted bread chunks.
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Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
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Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of cheese sauce if desired. Serve hot with toasted rolls, over pasta, or on its own for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a comforting twist on the iconic sandwich, reimagined as a hearty, oven-baked dish.
With tender beef, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and gooey melted cheese layered over a creamy or low-carb base, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
Whether you're looking to elevate the flavor or streamline the prep, these tips and tricks will help you serve up the best version every time.
Key Cooking Tips for Success
1. Use the Right Beef Cut:
For the best texture and authentic flavor, go for thinly sliced ribeye steak. If you're on a budget, thin-sliced sirloin, flank steak, or even shaved beef from the butcher or freezer section can work beautifully. Make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness.
2. Season in Layers:
Start with salt, pepper, and garlic powder when cooking the meat. Then add Worcestershire sauce or steak seasoning for depth. Don’t forget to taste and adjust as you build the casserole.
3. Don’t Skip the Veggies:
Traditional Philly cheese steaks include sautéed onions and bell peppers. Use both green and red peppers for color contrast and sweetness. Sauté them until soft and slightly caramelized before adding to the casserole for maximum flavor.
4. Drain the Beef Mixture Well:
After sautéing the beef and veggies, drain off excess fat or moisture before layering it in your casserole dish. This prevents a watery final product and helps ingredients bind better.
5. Choose the Right Cheese:
Provolone is the classic Philly cheese, but feel free to use a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar for extra melt and richness. Place cheese on top and in the middle layer for extra gooey goodness.
6. Add a Creamy Binder (Optional):
For a more casserole-like feel (especially if going low-carb), mix cream cheese or sour cream into the meat mixture. This creates a creamy texture that holds everything together. About 4 oz of cream cheese or ½ cup of sour cream is ideal.
7. Bake Just Until Bubbly:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Avoid overbaking as it can dry out the meat.
Serving Tips
1. Portion Size:
This casserole typically serves 4–6 people generously, depending on sides. For larger gatherings, double the recipe in a 9x13" pan.
2. Add a Carb Base (Optional):
Though it’s often made low-carb, you can layer the casserole over cooked pasta, roasted potatoes, or even French fries for a “loaded” Philly-style meal.
3. Garnish Smartly:
Top with chopped parsley, crushed red pepper, or caramelized onions for visual appeal and added flavor. A drizzle of sriracha mayo or garlic aioli can take it to the next level.
4. Serve With the Right Sides:
Complement your casserole with sides like:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Pickles or banana peppers for tang
5. Use as Filling:
Leftovers can be spooned into hoagie rolls for next-day cheese steak sandwiches, stuffed into wraps, or used as a topping for baked potatoes.
Why You'll Love It:
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of a sandwich but in an easier-to-share, oven-baked form. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep approved, and customizable for low-carb or indulgent diets. Whether you're feeding hungry teens or prepping leftovers for lunch, this is a satisfying, cheesy dish that hits the spot every time.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Garlic bread or toasted hoagie rolls
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted potatoes or fries
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips:
Make Ahead:
Prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if coming from the fridge.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
1. Store Properly:
Cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers.
2. Reheat the Right Way:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes for best texture. If using a microwave, add a splash of water or broth and cover loosely to prevent drying out.
Freezing:
Philly cheese steak casserole freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Recipe Variations:
- Low Carb / Keto: Omit crouton topping and serve without bread.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Bread Layered: For a true sandwich experience, layer chunks of toasted hoagie rolls at the bottom or serve the casserole spooned over open rolls.
- Pasta Twist: Mix in cooked penne or rotini pasta before baking for a cheesy pasta casserole version.
- Cheese Variations: Use American, cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of provolone and Monterey Jack depending on your taste.
Tips for Success:
- Meat Choice: Shaved ribeye gives the most authentic flavor, but ground beef makes it quicker and more affordable.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily; microwave it for 10–15 seconds if needed.
- Balance Flavors: Taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning—Worcestershire, salt, or more garlic can boost depth.
- Crowd Size: Double the recipe and bake in two dishes if serving a crowd.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a baked dish inspired by the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich.
It typically includes seasoned ground beef or shaved steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a creamy or cheesy base layered or mixed with pasta, rice, or bread cubes.
It’s topped with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese, offering all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak in a hearty casserole form.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes! While shaved ribeye is traditional for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, ground beef is a popular and affordable option for the casserole version.
You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even thinly sliced deli roast beef if you’re in a pinch. The key is to season it well with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning for maximum flavor.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Philly Cheese Steak Casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or place in an airtight container.
It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
Can I make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes. For a low-carb version, skip the pasta or bread and use sautéed cauliflower rice or just keep it meat and veggies. You can also use cream cheese or heavy cream as the binder instead of flour or starch. Be sure to check that your seasonings and sauces are low in sugar.
