Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about those dishes that just wrap you up in a warm hug from the inside out. For me, that’s always been a good, old-fashioned casserole. But lately, I’ve been craving something a little… different. Something savory, something cheesy, something that reminds me of those amazing Philly cheesesteaks I used to devour on late-night road trips. So, I did what any self-respecting food lover would do: I created a Philly Cheese Steak Casserole.! It’s like a classic cheesesteak exploded into a bubbling, cheesy, absolutely irresistible masterpiece. It’s way easier than making individual cheesesteaks, and honestly, I think it’s even more flavorful! Think of it as a grown-up, comforting version of mac and cheese, but with all the beefy, oniony, peppery goodness of a Philly classic. Trust me, you NEED this in your life.
What is Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?
Okay, so imagine your favorite Philly Cheesesteak, but deconstructed and baked into a warm, gooey casserole. It’s essentially a layered dish, starting with a base of tender, thinly sliced steak that’s been cooked to perfection with onions and peppers. This gets nestled into a creamy, cheesy sauce – think of a delicious cheese sauce amped up with Worcestershire sauce and a touch of garlic. It’s then topped with either provolone or mozzarella cheese, sometimes both, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s hearty, satisfying, and honestly, incredibly easy to throw together. Think of it as the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s pure magic, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this is true.Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. What I love most about it is the incredible flavor. The combination of the savory steak, sweet caramelized onions and peppers, and that rich, cheesy sauce is just… *chef’s kiss*. The taste is pretty close to the real deal, but in casserole form.
But it’s not just about the taste. This recipe is also surprisingly simple. Seriously, anyone can make it! I always say it’s the perfect dish for beginner cooks.
Plus, let’s be real, it’s pretty budget-friendly. Using ground beef instead of pricier steak cuts keeps the cost down without sacrificing flavor. It is also very versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, spices, or even different types of cheese. And, just like with many of my favorite casserole recipes, it’s great for meal prep! Make it on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. I even sometimes double the recipe and freeze half for a super-easy dinner down the road. If you love comfort food as much as I do, and you’re looking for a way to spice up your weeknight dinners, this recipe is definitely for you. I have other casseroles and easy meals on my site, but this one has been a hit for months.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Quick Overview
Making this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is seriously a breeze. Basically, you’ll cook the steak with onions and peppers, whip up a super simple cheese sauce, layer everything in a baking dish, and then bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown. The best part? There’s no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, I think the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat!
Ingredients
For the Main Filling:
* 1.5 lbs thinly sliced steak (I like using sirloin or shaved steak)
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
What is the cheese sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too)
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 oz shredded provolone cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Topping: What is the
* 4 oz provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded (or a mix of both!)
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use baking spray with flour in it for extra insurance against sticking, but butter or oil is better. What are some tips to ensure that you have a successful career inPhilly Cheese Steak Casserole. PhilWhen baked to golden brown perfection, it slides out easily.
Step 2: Cook the Steak & Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the sliced steak, onions, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute until fragrant. What are some of the best flavors to develop in this step?
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Continue to stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Half of the cheese sauce should be poured into a baking dish. Spread the cooked steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese sauce. How do I pour the remaining cheese sauce over the steak mixture? Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (or a mix of both!)
Step 5: Bake!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Is it melted and lightly browned? Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. How do you set up a casserole?
Step 6: Cool & Serve
How do you make a casserole? Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Is it okay to be runny? Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. I’ve also been known to sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top for some kick.
What should I serve it with?
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. is pretty amazing on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides!
For a Light Lunch: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich and cheesy casserole. The crispness of the salad helps balance out the heartiness of the dish.
For a Hearty Dinner: Serve it alongside some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. The roasted veggies add some extra nutrients and a bit of sweetness.
For Game Day: This casserole is a total crowd-pleaser, so why not serve it with other game-day favorites like potato chips, onion dip, and maybe even some wings? Just be prepared for it to disappear quickly!
My family also loves this with a side of garlic bread. You can’t go wrong! I love serving this casserole during any type of gathering or holiday. It can be prepped ahead of time, and baked to golden brown perfection before serving!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Alright, so you’re ready to make this amazing Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, but I wanted to share a few extra tips that I’ve learned over the years.
Choosing Your Steak: The key to a great cheesesteak casserole is using thinly sliced steak. I prefer sirloin or shaved steak, but you can also use flank steak or even ribeye if you’re feeling fancy. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: You want the steak to be browned but not tough. Overcooked steak will be dry and chewy, which nobody wants in their casserole. Cook it just until it’s browned and slightly pink inside. It will continue to cook in the oven.
Caramelize Those Onions and Peppers: Don’t rush this step! Caramelizing the onions and peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds tons of flavor to the casserole. Cook them over medium heat until they’re soft, golden brown, and slightly sweet.
Get Creative with Cheese: While cheddar and provolone are classic cheesesteak cheeses, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding some mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce over the top of the casserole before serving.
Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, you can easily make this casserole by using gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce and serving it over gluten-free bread or cauliflower rice.
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to your casserole, such as mushrooms, jalapenos, or even some crispy fried onions.
And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this casserole your own. Once you have the basic recipe down, the possibilities are endless! I know you will love it as much as I do!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, and now you want to know how to store it and reheat it. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before you put it in the fridge. You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezer Instructions: This casserole freezes really well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
The main thing is to store the casserole properly to keep it safe to eat. With the right storage, you can enjoy it for days to come. My family loves the casserole, and it rarely lasts past the second day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, friends, I truly hope you give this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole a try. It’s seriously one of my all-time favorite comfort food dishes, and I know it will become a family favorite in your house too! It’s just one of those recipes that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for more cheesy, delicious comfort food recipes, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes. Now I’m excited to see what happens when you try the recipe! And I especially want to know how yours turned out! If you try it, feel free to leave a comment, tag me on Instagram, or send me an email. Happy cooking, everyone!
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped yellow onion recommended
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese or any cheese blend
- 2 cups egg noodles cooked and drained
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion, and bell pepper until the beef is browned.
- In a casserole dish, combine cooked beef mixture with cooked noodles and shredded cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
