Philly Cheese Steak Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic with a Twist
If you love the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want the ease of a baked dish, this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the perfect recipe for you. Combining tender beef, sautéed onions, peppers, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta or potatoes, this hearty casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor, Casserole Convenience – All the flavors of the iconic Philly cheesesteak, but in a fuss-free bake.
- Customizable – Swap pasta for potatoes, or use your favorite cheese blend.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making this delicious Philly Cheese Steak Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak for an authentic touch)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow) or 3 cups par-cooked potato cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Beef and Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute more.
Step 2 – Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese to the beef mixture and stir until melted and combined.
- Pour in the milk and stir until smooth.
- Mix in 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese until melted.
Step 3 – Combine and Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with cooked pasta or potatoes.
- Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining provolone cheese and Parmesan.
Step 4 – Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
- For Authentic Flavor – Use thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Swap – Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack also work well.
- Add Spice – Stir in red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick.
- Make It Low-Carb – Replace pasta with cauliflower florets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your casserole with:
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- A fresh green salad
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for quick meals.
Why This Recipe Works
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole takes all the elements we love about the sandwich—savory beef, melty cheese, sautéed peppers and onions—and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying baked dish. It’s hearty, easy to adapt, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Whether you’re a Philly native or just a fan of bold, cheesy comfort food, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the dinner table in minutes!