Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

by

Absolutely! Here’s a full, detailed Philly Cheese Steak Casserole recipe, packed with history, methods, tips, and a little fun flair for “lovers of the dish.” 🍽️🧀🥩

🥩🧀 Philly Cheese Steak Casserole — Comfort in Every Bite

Introduction

If you love the classic Philly cheesesteak but want a cozy, easy-to-make dinner, this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is for you. Instead of messy sandwiches, this dish layers tender, flavorful steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese over a creamy base and sometimes even pasta or potatoes. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.

Imagine the flavors of Philadelphia’s streets baked into a warm, cheesy, golden casserole — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

History of the Dish

The Philly cheesesteak originated in the 1930s in Philadelphia, credited to Pat Olivieri, who famously served thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll with onions. Over decades, it became a cultural icon, celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavor.

The casserole version is a modern twist — perfect for home cooks who want the flavor without the hassle of sandwich assembly. It combines the classic elements of steak, onions, peppers, and cheese in a more manageable, oven-baked form.

Ingredients

Serves 6–8

For the Steak & Veggies:

  • 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak (can use frozen thin-cut steak, thawed)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Casserole Base:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or egg noodles) or cooked diced potatoes
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

  • 2 cups shredded provolone or American cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra gooeyness)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for a golden finish)

Instructions & Methods

1. Prepare the Steak & Veggies

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onions and peppers, sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Push veggies to the side, add the steak slices, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Cook until steak is browned but still tender, about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Combine steak and veggies, set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Base

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Fold in 1 cup of shredded provolone or American cheese.

3. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer the cooked pasta or potatoes.
  3. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the base.
  4. Add the steak and pepper-onion mixture on top.
  5. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top. Add mozzarella or Parmesan if using.

4. Bake

  1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  2. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to get a crisp, golden cheese crust.
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Formation of the Dish

The casserole “formation” is all about layering flavors and textures:

  • Bottom layer: tender pasta or potatoes for body
  • Middle layer: creamy, cheesy base to bind everything
  • Top layer: savory steak and veggies for that classic Philly flavor
  • Final layer: melty, golden cheese to seal the dish

The goal is a perfect balance: creamy, meaty, and cheesy, with just the right amount of vegetables to brighten the dish.

Tips for Philly Cheese Steak Lovers

  • Use thinly sliced steak — thicker cuts won’t absorb flavor as well.
  • Cheese options: Provolone is traditional, but cheddar or pepper jack works for a spicy twist.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the cream base.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole takes all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak and turns it into a comforting, family-friendly bake. Creamy, cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a modern classic that everyone will ask you to make again and again.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or a cozy comfort meal, this dish delivers the heart of Philly in every bite.

Methods with Lovers (Fun Tips)

  • Meal prep lovers: Make the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, then bake the next day. Flavor actually deepens overnight!
  • Cheese lovers: Add extra layers of provolone or shredded mozzarella between layers for a cheesier experience.
  • Spice lovers: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the cream base.
  • Veggie lovers: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition without losing cheesesteak flavor.

If you want, I can also make a step-by-step visual diagram of this casserole showing the layers from bottom to top—it’s perfect for cooking or sharing with friends.

Leave a Comment