Looking to transform the classic sandwich into a cozy, comforting, cheesily delightful dish? Meet the **Philly Cheesesteak Casserole**—your new go-to for comfort food nights! This delightful recipe combines all the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a convenient, bake-and-share style that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Delight: Rich, cheesy layers bring warmth and satisfaction.
- Easy to Make: Quick preparation and simple steps make this a weeknight winner.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapted with different veggies or cheese types to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family meals where everyone leaves happy and full.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this **Philly Cheesesteak Casserole** plays a crucial role in building complex flavors and creamy textures. Let’s explore why these simple ingredients are essential for the dish’s success.
- Olive Oil: The perfect starter for browning your beef and sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
- Thinly Sliced Beef: Look for quality cuts that cook quickly and maintain tenderness, capturing that authentic Philly cheesesteak feel.
- Sliced Bell Peppers and Onions: These bring color and a slight sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Button or Baby Bella Mushrooms: Optional but recommended for a touch of earthy goodness.
- Shredded Provolone Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, imparting a creamy finish that’s crucial for a true Philly experience.
- Cream Cheese: It adds a silky texture that blends all the elements together.
- Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: These enhance the savory notes and keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Garlic Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasoning for enhancing the natural flavors of each component.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your **Philly Cheesesteak Casserole** by tweaking it to match your dietary needs or taste preferences. Adapting this recipe is as easy as pie!
- Meat Swap: Try using chicken or turkey slices for a lighter version.
- Cheese Choices: Swap provolone with mozzarella or cheddar for different melty goodness.
- Veggie Packed: Add spinach or kale for a green touch, increasing nutritional value.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This creates the necessary base for the dish, giving the beef and veggies a robust start.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Add seasoned thinly sliced beef into the skillet. Ensure it’s well browned, locking in the savory flavors. Set the beautiful slices aside once they reach a mouthwatering caramelization.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
To the skillet, add your peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sauté them in the leftover beef juices or add a splash more oil if needed. They should be softened and aromatic, mingling beautifully with your beef.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Bring it all together in the skillet or a baking dish by mixing cooked veggies, beef, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cream cheese until combined. Top with provolone—watching it cascade like a blanket over the filling—and bake for 15 minutes. Finish by broiling if you like a crispy, golden top.
Pro Tips for Making Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Perfect Sear: Ensure your beef is dry before cooking to achieve a better sear and enhance flavor.
- Slice Smart: Slice veggies evenly for uniform cooking and consistent flavors throughout.
- Cheese Choice: Use combinations of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Broil Wisely: Keep an eye while broiling to avoid burning the cheese and ruining that delightful texture.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but a fresh bite that lifts the whole dish. Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crispy green salad or seasoned roasted vegetables to complement its rich and creamy textures. A crusty garlic bread would also be a delicious choice to soak up all those glorious, cheesy juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For an intriguing presentation, try serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins. Not only do they look spectacular, but they also give an intimate personal touch to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and develop, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap it well in a freezer-safe container or double layer of foil to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For smaller portions, you can use the microwave, covering to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese in Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix to suit your flavor preferences.
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How can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Prepare all the ingredients and assemble the casserole, but hold off baking it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
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What cut of beef is best for this casserole?
Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin work wonderfully due to their tenderness and flavor, mimicking the classic steak-and-peppers combo.
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the beef with sliced portobello mushrooms or a beefy plant-based protein, and adjust the seasonings to enhance these flavors.
Final Thoughts
This **Philly Cheesesteak Casserole** embodies warmth and heartiness, bringing beloved sandwich flavors into your home kitchen. Perfect for sharing with loved ones on a cozy night in. Give it a try, and let the flavors speak for themselves!
Print
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole that combines tender sliced beef, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and melted provolone cheese, baked to perfection for a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lb thinly sliced beef
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 2 cups button or baby bella mushrooms sliced (optional)
Cheese and Flavorings
- 2 cups shredded provolone or slices
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt or salt + garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large ovenproof skillet or transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef, garlic salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet.
- Cook the vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine flavors: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cream cheese. Heat through until the cream cheese melts and forms a sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Assemble and bake: If your skillet isn’t ovenproof or too small, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded provolone cheese or slices.
- Bake and broil: Bake for 15 minutes until hot, then broil for 2-3 minutes to get crispy cheese on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a quicker version, you can use pre-sliced beef, available at many grocery stores.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference for a cheesier casserole.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed garlic or seasonings of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
