Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty, comforting twist on the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Tender slices of beef, caramelized onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and gooey provolone cheese are baked together with pasta or potatoes for a rich, cheesy casserole. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the ease of a baked casserole.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
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1 lb ground beef or shaved steak (ribeye preferred)
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but authentic)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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6 slices provolone cheese (or more to cover)
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8 oz cooked pasta (penne/rigatoni) or 2 cups cooked diced potatoes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook beef/steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef or steak until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
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Add veggies: Toss in onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until tender.
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Season with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Mix in cream cheese until melted and creamy.
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Combine with pasta or potatoes and transfer mixture into a greased baking dish.
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Top with cheeses: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly, then layer provolone slices on top.
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Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
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Cool slightly and serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
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Traditional Philly cheesesteaks use ribeye, but ground beef is quicker and budget-friendly.
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Cream cheese adds creaminess; you can skip it for a lighter version.
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Use provolone for authenticity, but mozzarella or American cheese works too.
Tips
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For extra flavor, toast breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top before baking.
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Make it low-carb by skipping pasta and using roasted cauliflower or zucchini.
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Prep ahead: assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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Add hot peppers or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Servings
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Makes 6 servings (family-style casserole dish).
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 710mg
(Values vary depending on beef cut, cheese, and pasta type used.)
Benefits
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High-protein meal: Great for muscle repair and energy.
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Balanced comfort food: Contains protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
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Customizable: Can be made low-carb, gluten-free, or keto-friendly.
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Family-friendly: Cheesy and filling, loved by both kids and adults.
Q&A
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: What meat works best?
Ribeye steak is the classic choice, but ground beef, shaved beef, or even roast beef leftovers work well.
Q3: Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Yes. Freeze after baking (cool completely first), wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven.
Q4: Can I make it healthier?
Yes, use lean beef, whole wheat pasta or cauliflower, and light cream cheese.
Q5: What can I serve with it?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies complement this casserole perfectly.