If you adore comfort food with bold flavors and cheese pulls that make everyone at the table swoon, you are in for a treat! This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) combines everything you love about the classic sandwich—melty provolone, juicy beef, sweet peppers, and plenty of savory goodness—into one bubbling, family-style bake. With just fifteen minutes of hands-on time and a short list of real ingredients, this meal is guaranteed to win over any hungry crowd. Let’s get cooking and bring a taste of Philly to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about keeping things simple and delicious. Each ingredient plays a role in building those classic cheesesteak flavors, guaranteeing beautiful color, rich taste, and melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the veggies; adds a rich, savory base to the casserole.
- Thinly sliced beef: Use sirloin tip, ribeye, or shaved beef for the juiciest, most flavorful results—avoid tough stew meat.
- Onion: Sliced thin for a sweet, caramelized touch that balances the rich beef and cheese.
- Bell peppers: Choose your favorite colors for sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color in every bite.
- Button or baby bella mushrooms (optional): Add earthy flavor and extra heartiness—optional, but highly recommended!
- Shredded provolone or slices: The signature melt factor for every Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!).
- Cream cheese: Blends into the filling for creamy richness and brings all the flavors together.
- Beef broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savoriness of the meat and veggies.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash gives a layer of umami punch every great casserole needs.
- Garlic salt (or salt + garlic powder): Season to perfection while infusing subtle garlic notes.
- Ground black pepper: Just enough for a touch of spice and warmth in each forkful.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!)
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your thinly sliced beef and season with garlic salt and black pepper. Sear until browned and just cooked through, stirring gently to create those irresistible caramelized bits. Remove the beef to a plate, leaving behind about 2 tablespoons of those flavorful juices for the veggies. (If your skillet looks a little dry, you can always add another swirl of oil.)
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Turn the heat to medium and toss in your sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring often, until the veggies become soft, glossy, and their tempting aroma fills your kitchen. This step brings both color and crunch to your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!).
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cream cheese to the softened veggies in the skillet. Stir with a sturdy spatula while the cream cheese melts, transforming the mix into a creamy, luscious sauce that tucks around every bite of meat and vegetable. Patience here pays off—the smoother, the better!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the browned beef (and any juices!) to the pan and stir gently to coat it in the saucy vegetable mixture. If your skillet isn’t oven-proof or quite big enough, now’s the time to transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish. Otherwise, keep everything in the skillet for fewer dishes!
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Scatter the shredded provolone cheese (or lay out the provolone slices) generously across the top. Transfer to your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until bubby and heated through. If you’re craving a golden cheese blanket, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping an eagle eye out so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Pull your glorious Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Let it cool just a minute or two, then serve hot and melty. It’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!)
Garnishes
A bright garnish makes a world of difference. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, or try thinly sliced green onions for a bit of mild bite. If you love a classic Philly kick, serve with pickled banana peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce alongside.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside simple side dishes that let its flavors stand out. Think toasted garlic bread, a pile of crisp French fries, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. For a cozy weekend spread, roasted potatoes or even tater tots are crowd-pleasing favorites the whole table will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) shines as a potluck star or a fun spin on weeknight dinner. Try spooning the cheesy filling into toasted hoagie rolls for a fork-free take, or serve over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a hearty, gluten-free twist. Mini ramekins make adorable single servings for game day or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge and tastes just as rich and crave-worthy reheated for quick lunches or leftovers night.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble through step 4, then cover tightly and freeze (before baking or adding cheese). When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with provolone, and bake as directed. You can also freeze fully baked portions, perfect for meal prep or busy weeks.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) covered in a 350F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts to prevent the cheese from drying out. Add a splash of beef broth if you want extra creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a convenient and budget-friendly substitute that still delivers all the hearty, savory flavor you crave. Just brown and season as you would the steak, and proceed with the recipe as written.
What’s the best cheese for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!)?
Provolone is traditional for that classic Philly flavor and irresistible meltiness—but you can also try mozzarella for extra stretch or even a mix with a little cheddar or Monterey Jack if you like a richer, sharper cheese flavor.
Can I make this casserole low carb or keto?
Yes! Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) is naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip the optional mushrooms or select a low-sugar Worcestershire sauce. Serving over cauliflower rice or pairing with leafy greens keeps it extra keto-friendly.
Do I have to use mushrooms?
Not at all—the mushrooms are totally optional. They add a lovely earthy flavor and heartiness, but the casserole will still be delicious and authentic either way. Feel free to get creative with veggies your family loves!
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything up to a day in advance (save adding the final layer of cheese) and refrigerate. When dinnertime rolls around, just add the cheese, bake, and you’ll have an incredibly easy, crowd-pleasing meal ready to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving comfort food that’s hearty, simple, and absolutely packed with flavor, you have to give this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) a try. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, pleasing picky eaters, or looking to shake up your usual weeknight repertoire, this casserole brings that iconic Philly flavor straight to your table. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (BEST Easy Recipe!) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers all the beloved flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, melty provolone, sweet onions, and peppers—baked together in an easy casserole format. With simple preparation, minimal mess, and a crowd-pleasing taste, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite any time you crave cheesy, meaty comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lb thinly sliced beef (sirloin tip steak, ribeye, or shaved beef recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 teaspoon salt plus 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups button or baby bella mushrooms, sliced (optional)
For the Sauce & Topping
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or slices)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when you finish preparing the beef and vegetables.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or ovenproof), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef, garlic salt (or salt and garlic powder), and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet for the next step. If needed, add a bit more oil for the vegetables.
- Sauté the Vegetables: To the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Cook over medium heat until they are softened and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth into the cooked vegetables, then add the cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Combine Beef and Veggies: Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet, tossing everything together. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined. If your skillet is not ovenproof or large enough, transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese or lay provolone slices over the top so the surface is fully covered.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. For a crispy, golden cheese topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Thinly sliced sirloin tip steak, ribeye, or pre-shaved beef work best for tenderness. Avoid using stew meat, as it’s a tougher cut.
- Ground beef can be used as a quick substitute for sliced steak; leftover pot roast also works well.
- If your skillet is too small or not ovenproof, cook the steak and vegetables in batches and transfer everything to a 9×13-inch baking dish before finishing in the oven.
- If you prefer not to use the oven, you can cover the pan on the stovetop and cook over medium-low until the cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 454 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 703mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 128mg
