PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
Introduction
Few comfort foods bring the same kind of satisfaction as a rich, cheesy, and meaty casserole—and when you combine that concept with the flavor-packed inspiration of a Philly cheesesteak, you get something truly irresistible: PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE. This recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty baked dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melted provolone cheese, and a fluffy egg mixture that ties everything together.
If you love the taste of a Philly cheesesteak but want something easier to prepare for family dinner or meal prep, this casserole version is your answer. It’s creamy, savory, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it skips the bread—making it a great low-carb, keto-friendly meal option without losing that iconic cheesesteak flavor.
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal, potluck favorite, or make-ahead freezer dish, PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE delivers comfort and convenience in every bite. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a guaranteed family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE has become such a hit with busy home cooks. It takes everything people adore about the original Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, melted cheese, and caramelized peppers and onions—and turns it into a simple one-pan bake.
Here’s why it works so beautifully:
All the flavor, none of the hassle: Instead of juggling rolls, steak strips, and multiple pans, you brown the beef, sauté your veggies, and bake it all together. Easy cleanup and even easier prep.
Balanced texture: The combination of creamy eggs and heavy cream creates a custard-like base that binds everything together, so every forkful has a bit of meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Cheesy perfection: The provolone cheese melts into every layer, creating that signature gooey pull that makes PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE so comforting.
Customizable and forgiving: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Prefer steak instead of ground beef? Use shaved ribeye. Want extra spice? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Meal-prep friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing texture or flavor.
This dish captures everything that’s satisfying about a Philly cheesesteak but turns it into a wholesome, family-style meal.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE, you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients that work together to create deep, rich flavor. Here’s what goes into the dish:
Main Ingredients:
1 ½ lb. Ground beef: The base of the casserole. Choose 85% lean for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
2 bell peppers (chopped): Use a mix of green and red for sweetness and color contrast.
½ onion (chopped): Yellow onions bring a mild, savory depth.
2 tsp. minced garlic: Adds an aromatic layer that brings all the flavors together.
1 tsp. seasoned salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
8 slices provolone cheese: The signature cheesesteak flavor! Melted and creamy, it ties the dish together.
4 large eggs: They create a custard-like base that holds everything in place once baked.
¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce: Gives the beef a subtle tang and umami boost.
Optional Add-Ins:
Sliced mushrooms: For a more traditional cheesesteak experience.
Hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes: To add a spicy kick.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar: For an extra cheesy topping.
With these simple pantry and fridge staples, you can make PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE any night of the week without a special grocery trip.
How to Make PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
Making PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE is a straightforward process that takes minimal time and effort. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s partially browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the beef is about halfway cooked, toss in the chopped bell peppers and onions. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables have softened slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Add the minced garlic, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let everything cook together for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to bloom. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Lay the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top of the beef.
Step 6: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layer. This helps the casserole set beautifully during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow your PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together for clean servings.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
To ensure your PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE comes out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. They’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Use freshly grated cheese if possible: It melts more smoothly than pre-sliced or pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust seasoning before baking: Taste your beef mixture before layering—it’s your best chance to perfect the flavor balance.
Add layers of cheese: For an extra decadent version, layer some cheese in the middle and on top.
Use a deeper baking dish if you want thicker portions; just extend the baking time slightly.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick.
Low-carb meal prep: This dish is perfect for keto diets—just portion it into containers and refrigerate.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
To reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
These small adjustments can take your PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve
PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways. Here are a few serving ideas to fit different moods and meals:
Classic dinner style: Serve it hot right out of the oven with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Casserole bar: Scoop it into small bowls or ramekins for a build-your-own dinner bar with toppings like hot sauce, pickled onions, or extra melted cheese.
Bread lover’s twist: Spoon portions of the casserole onto toasted hoagie rolls or garlic bread for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich experience.
Breakfast-for-dinner idea: Add a fried egg on top of a slice—it’s a game-changer!
No matter how you plate it, PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE always feels comforting and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of your PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE, pair it with sides and drinks that balance its richness and flavor:
Side Dishes:
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed broccoli
Garlic butter green beans
Cauliflower mash (for a low-carb option)
Drinks:
Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing balance
A cold beer for the classic Philly vibe
Sparkling water with lemon for a light pairing
Toppings:
Drizzle with spicy mayo or chipotle sauce
Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions
Add a touch of hot sauce or BBQ drizzle for extra depth
Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE is guaranteed to impress.
Time Details
Here’s a breakdown of how much time you’ll need to make this delicious PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE from start to finish:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
In under an hour, you can have a homemade comfort meal that’s cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something easy, hearty, and loaded with flavor, PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE is your answer. It’s a weeknight-friendly dinner that feels indulgent enough for weekends. From the tender beef to the melted provolone and creamy base, every bite is a reminder of why this dish has become a modern classic.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves the taste of Philly cheesesteaks but wants the simplicity of a one-pan bake. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
