Introduction
The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole takes the beloved flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak and turns it into a comforting, casserole-style dish.
It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and provolone cheese.
this dish delivers all the delicious flavors you crave in one hearty meal. Plus, it’s bound together with a creamy egg mixture that creates a rich, satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Main Ingredients
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef – The base of the casserole, providing a hearty, protein-packed foundation.
2 bell peppers (any color) – Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
½ yellow onion – Enhances flavor with a mild, savory depth.
1 clove garlic (minced) – Boosts flavor with aromatic richness.
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lawry’s or Morton’s) – Enhances the overall seasoning.
4 slices provolone cheese – Creates the classic cheesy Philly cheesesteak taste.
Creamy Egg Mixture
4 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together.
¼ cup heavy cream – Adds richness and a creamy texture.
1 teaspoon hot sauce – Provides a mild kick (optional).
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami flavor.
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for the casserole. Then, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once the beef is cooked through, remove any excess grease and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Next, in the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Once cooked, add the sautéed vegetables to the mixing bowl with the beef and mix everything together thoroughly.
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
Pour this egg mixture into the bowl with the beef and vegetables. Stir everything until it’s evenly coated, ensuring that the egg mixture binds the ingredients together.
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Lay the slices of provolone cheese on top of the mixture, covering it completely.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is set.
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut into portions.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, on top before serving. This adds a touch of color and a refreshing note to balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Make
To make the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to crumble it well as it cooks.
This ensures the beef blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef into a large bowl.
While the beef is cooking, take the time to sauté the bell peppers, onions, and garlic in the same skillet.
This not only saves time but also lets the vegetables absorb some of the savory flavor from the beef.
Once softened, add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the beef and stir them together.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, if desired.
This mixture will bring a creamy texture to the casserole and help bind all the ingredients together.
Pour the egg mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Top the casserole with the slices of provolone cheese, making sure the cheese completely covers the top.
The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating that signature cheesy Philly cheesesteak effect.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the casserole is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
For an extra touch, you can garnish the casserole with fresh herbs or a drizzle of additional Worcestershire sauce.
Variations
One way to change up this casserole is by swapping the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a leaner version, turkey is an excellent substitute, offering a milder taste that still works well with the other ingredients.
For a more classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, try using ribeye steak instead of ground beef. Thinly slice the steak and sauté it with the bell peppers.
onions, and garlic to create a more traditional texture. You can also add mushrooms for a more authentic Philly touch.
For a spicier version, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
This will provide a zesty kick and elevate the heat level of the casserole. You could even mix in a bit of spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, instead of provolone.
If you’re looking to make this casserole more veggie-packed, add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts.
These can be sautéed with the bell peppers and onions or mixed into the egg mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
For those who love a cheesy casserole, feel free to add a layer of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses on top before baking. This will make the casserole extra indulgent and gooey.
To cater to dietary restrictions, try using dairy-free cheese and heavy cream alternatives for a lactose-free version of this casserole.
There are plenty of great options available that will still provide a creamy, cheesy result.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken in place of the ground beef.
This will cut down on prep time and give the casserole a slightly different flavor while still staying true to the Philly cheesesteak theme.
Tips
To prevent your casserole from being too greasy, be sure to drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly.
Excess fat can make the dish overly oily, which can detract from the flavor and texture of the casserole.
If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, just assemble the casserole the next day and bake as directed.
For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will give the cheese a nice golden-brown color and add some texture to the top of the dish.
If you find that the casserole is too runny after baking, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the egg mixture set properly and gives the casserole a chance to firm up.
You can easily make this casserole in a smaller baking dish if you’re cooking for fewer people. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, keeping in mind that the cooking time may be shorter.
For a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, serve the casserole with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad. This adds variety to the meal and balances out the richness of the casserole.
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or hot sauce to individual portions before serving. This can add a burst of tangy sweetness or spice to each bite.
Conclusion
The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a deliciously hearty and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak into a convenient casserole form.
It’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a comforting meal with a twist.
With its versatility and easy preparation, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or try out different variations, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.