If you have ever dreamed of capturing the rich, cheesy, and savory magic of a classic sandwich in a cozy, oven-baked dish, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It’s a delightful casserole that layers the perfect combination of browned ground beef, tender bell peppers and onions, and melty cheeses all tied together with creamy eggs and cream cheese. Each bite is like a warm hug, packing all the flavors you love from the traditional Philly cheesesteak into a satisfying, easy-to-make casserole form that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is essential because each one plays a crucial part in building its irresistible layers of flavor and texture. These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that is both hearty and comforting, while the creamy cheeses and seasonings elevate the whole experience.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing your beef and veggies, adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that brings authentic cheesesteak flavor and a juicy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Provides a sweet, vibrant crunch that balances the richness.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Sweats down to add a touch of sweetness and savory backbone.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Injects a burst of aromatic flavor to enliven the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster that makes the beef pop with flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates a creamy, velvety texture that binds ingredients together flawlessly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and moistens the dish just right.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, smoky flavor signature to cheesesteak.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives that gooey stretch and mild creaminess everyone loves.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a natural binder for the casserole’s custard-like filling.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and a luscious, smooth consistency.
- Optional chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the beef and veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper. Cook until beautifully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Next, toss in the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and garlic. Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes, until the veggies have softened and melded with the beef’s flavors.
Step 2: Add the creamy elements
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce to give your mixture that signature Philly umami punch. Then lower the heat to low and blend in both the cream cheese and sour cream. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats every bite of beef and veggies. Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 3: Mix the egg custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until fully combined. This mixture is going to create the luscious custard base that holds your casserole together while baking, giving it a rich but tender texture.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly across the bottom. Pour the egg and cream custard evenly on top, letting it soak into the savory layers beneath. Finally, sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Slide your dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is set, bubbly, and golden on the edges.
Step 5: Cool and garnish
When the baking time is up, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set even more and makes slicing easier. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top to brighten the flavors and add a lovely color contrast.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped parsley not only gives a fresh pop of color but also adds a subtle herbal note that lightens the richness. If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully as well. This small extra step will make your dish look as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a side of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb-friendly meal. For something a bit more indulgent, buttery toasted bread or oven-baked fries are perfect companions that soak up all the cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for a personal touch that’s sure to impress at dinner parties. You can also layer it over toasted baguette slices to make Philly Cheesesteak “open-face” bites, turning this classic favorite into an elegant appetizer or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for fantastic next-day meals that taste even more comforting.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe ahead of time, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. Covering the casserole loosely with aluminum foil prevents the cheese from drying out while reheating. Either way, you’ll get that comforting melty cheesesteak goodness any time you crave it.
FAQs
Can I use sliced steak instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced steak works beautifully if you want a more traditional Philly cheesesteak texture in this casserole. Just cook it quickly in the skillet until browned before adding the vegetables and creamy ingredients.
Is this casserole low carb?
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is indeed low carb, making it a fantastic option for those following keto or low-carb diets. It swaps out bread for creamy eggs and cheese, so you get all the flavor without the carbs.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to customize your casserole! Mushrooms are a popular addition and add wonderful earthiness, and extra bell peppers or even jalapeños can turn up the flavor profile to fit your tastes perfectly.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone and mozzarella are ideal because they melt smoothly and bring classic cheesesteak flavor and texture. If you like a bit of spice, pepper jack cheese is a fun alternative that adds a nice kick.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Luckily, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any bread or flour. Just be sure that your Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about transforming the beloved Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a creamy, cheesy casserole that everyone can enjoy, and this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe does just that with joyful flair. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with a wholesome, cozy meal that’s packed with all the flavors you crave!
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty and flavorful low-carb dish inspired by the classic sandwich. Made with ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, creamy cheeses, and baked to golden perfection, it offers an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned completely, then drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté vegetables: Into the same skillet, add diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add flavorings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then reduce the heat to low. Mix in the softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until everything is smoothly combined. Remove the skillet from heat at this point.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream thoroughly to create a custard-like mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the dish. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the beef layer, ensuring an even coverage. Finally, sprinkle shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. The casserole should be set and have a light golden color on top.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shaved steak or ground turkey based on preference.
- Adding mushrooms is a great way to enhance the flavor.
- Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier variation of the casserole.
