Are you craving a Philly cheesesteak but want something easier? Try this Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe. It’s a mix of the sandwich’s best parts – shaved steak, caramelized peppers, onions, and cheese – all in one dish. It’s a hit with families, with a 4.66 rating from 158 votes and over 60 positive reviews on Pinterest.
This casserole is quick to make, and ready in just 45 minutes. Prep takes only 15 minutes, and cooking is 30 minutes. Each serving has 34 grams of protein and only 5 net carbs. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or your family, offering a hearty and tasty meal.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Classic Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
The famous Philadelphia sandwich inspires the Philly cheesesteak casserole. It combines cheesy beef casserole, tender peppers, onions, and lots of melted cheese. This dish is a low-carb, easy-to-serve option that’s great for groups or meal prep.
Origins of the Recipe
The Philadelphia casserole comes from the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It was made in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia. Olivieri’s creation of steak, melted cheese, and onions on a roll quickly became a city favorite.
Key Components of Traditional Philly Cheesesteak
- Thinly sliced beef, typically ribeye, skirt, or flank steak
- Sautéed onions and bell peppers
- Melted cheese, such as provolone or American
- Served on a long, soft hoagie or Italian roll
Benefits of Making It as a Casserole
Making the Philly cheesesteak into a casserole removes the bread’s carbs. This makes it a low-carb, keto-friendly dish with only 11 net carbs per serving. It’s also easy to prepare and serve, ideal for large groups or meal prep.
Essential Ingredients for Your Casserole
To make a tasty Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you need a few key ingredients. Start with 2 pounds of sirloin steak or top round, seasoned with salt and black pepper. For that real Philly taste, use freshly grated provolone cheese. It melts perfectly in the casserole.
Also, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic add depth and aroma. They make the dish even better.
For a creamy texture, use full-fat cream cheese and half-and-half. Add shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese for extra flavor. Season the ground beef or steak with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. With these ingredients, you’re set to make a ground beef casserole or provolone cheese casserole that will satisfy your cravings.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sirloin Steak or Top Round | 2 pounds |
| Provolone Cheese, grated | 16 ounces |
| Bell Pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Onion, sliced | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Half-and-Half | 2 1/2 cups |
| Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 8 ounces |
| Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded | 8 ounces |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
By choosing and mixing these essential ingredients, you’re on your way to making a ground beef casserole or provolone cheese casserole that tastes like a real Philly cheese steak. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, comforting, and delicious homemade Philly Cheesesteak Casserole!
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When making the perfect cheesesteak flavors in your easy casserole dinner, picking the right beef is key. Sirloin is lean, which means it doesn’t add too much grease. This makes it a great choice for this recipe. On the other hand, ribeye gives you that real Philly taste with its rich flavor and marbling.
Best Steak Options
- Sirloin: A lean cut that cooks up tender and doesn’t leave much grease behind.
- Ribeye: Known for its exceptional flavor and texture, delivering an authentic Philly cheesesteak taste.
Proper Slicing Techniques
Choosing the right cut is important, but so is how you slice it. Freezing the steak for 15-30 minutes before cutting it against the grain makes it tender and easy to chew. Or, you can ask your butcher to shave the steak for you, saving prep time.
Ground Beef Alternative
If you’re short on time or want to save money, ground beef is a good choice. Look for lean, 80/20 ground chuck for the best taste in this cheesesteak flavors recipe.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| White Mushrooms | 8 ounces |
| Green Bell Peppers | 2 |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Fresh Ingredients | 8 |
| Servings | 6 |
Selecting the Perfect Cheese Blend
Choosing the right cheese blend is key for a great provolone cheese casserole or cheesy beef casserole. For a Philly-style casserole, mix cheddar and pepper jack cheese. This combo offers a rich, gooey base that goes well with beef and veggies.
For a classic Philly cheesesteak taste, go with provolone and American cheese. Provolone’s mild, nutty taste pairs well with American cheese’s creaminess. This makes the casserole both comforting and indulgent.
Always use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Stay away from pre-shredded cheese with potato starch. It can mess up the melting and add carbs to your dish.
| Cheese Blend | Flavor Profile | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar and Pepper Jack | Flavorful, Gooey | General Cheesy Beef Casserole |
| Provolone and American | Classic Philly Cheesesteak Taste | Philly Cheesesteak Casserole |
Whether you pick cheddar and pepper jack or provolone and American, aim for the perfect flavor and texture mix. This will make your provolone cheese casserole or cheesy beef casserole irresistible.
Preparing Your Vegetables and Aromatics
To make the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole, start with the right veggies and aromatics. Choose a mix of red and green bell peppers for a stunning look and tasty mix. Slice them and onions thinly so they cook evenly.
Adding sautéed mushrooms brings more umami flavor. For extra nutrition, toss in some fresh spinach. And, use fresh garlic for the best taste, but garlic powder works too when you’re in a hurry.
Pepper and Onion Preparation
- Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a nice look and taste.
- Slice the bell peppers and onions to about 1/4 inch for even cooking.
- Heat them in a skillet with some oil until they’re soft and smell great.
Additional Vegetable Options
- Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the bell pepper casserole.
- Fresh spinach leaves add a nutritious twist to the cheesesteak flavors.
- Minced garlic, or garlic powder, makes the dish smell and taste amazing.
By carefully prepping your veggies and aromatics, you’ll set the stage for a delicious Philly cheesesteak casserole. The tender peppers, onions, and fragrant garlic will make this dish a true treat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a tasty easy casserole dinner everyone will enjoy.
- Start by cooking the steak in a skillet with butter until it’s no longer pink. Set it aside.
- Then, sauté the diced bell peppers and onions in the same skillet. Cook until they’re soft and tender.
- Next, make the creamy cheese sauce. Melt cream cheese and half-and-half in a saucepan. Stir until it’s smooth.
- Put the cooked steak, sautéed veggies, and cheese sauce in a big bowl. Mix well.
- Move the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with more shredded cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the Philly cheesesteak casserole for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble.
- To get a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes more.
After baking, let the Philly cheesesteak casserole cool for a bit. This delicious dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Making the perfect cheese sauce is key to a great cheesy beef or provolone casserole. Start with cream cheese and half-and-half for a silky base. Slowly add shredded provolone or other cheeses, stirring well to avoid lumps.
Mixing the Perfect Consistency
Use medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cheese sauce. Adding beef broth and Worcestershire sauce can make it creamier. Make sure to mix everything well until it’s just right before you put it in the casserole.
Temperature Control Tips
- Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the cheese sauce from scorching or separating.
- Stir the sauce continuously to ensure even melting and a smooth, velvety texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of half-and-half or broth to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Mastering the creamy cheese sauce is the first step to a delicious casserole. Your cheesy beef or provolone casserole will impress everyone.
Assembly and Baking Guidelines
Making a hoagie roll casserole or Philadelphia casserole at home is fun. You’ll need the right ingredients and cooking skills. Follow these steps to make your hoagie roll casserole or Philadelphia casserole perfect every time.
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your casserole bake evenly and get a golden-brown top.
Then, put the cooked meat and veggies in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. This will make it gooey and melted.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors mix and the casserole set for easy serving.
With these easy steps, you’ll make a hoagie roll casserole or Philadelphia casserole that will wow everyone. Serve it hot, with fresh parsley or green onions. Enjoy the taste of this classic Philadelphia dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
The Easy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is perfect for busy days. You can make it up to 24 hours before baking. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to enjoy the cheesy aroma.
Proper Storage Methods
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Casserole stays fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Cool it down first, then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating Instructions
There are ways to reheat your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. Or, reheat it in a skillet or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
Reheating from frozen might take longer. Make sure it’s hot all the way through.
FAQ
What is a Philly cheesesteak casserole?
A Philly cheesesteak casserole is a tasty dish that turns a classic Philly cheesesteak into a casserole. It has thinly sliced steak, caramelized peppers and onions, and melted cheese. It’s easy to make and great for family dinners.
What are the key ingredients in a Philly cheesesteak casserole?
The main ingredients are thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and cheese. You’ll need cream cheese, half and half, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese.
What are the benefits of making a Philly cheesesteak as a casserole?
Making a Philly cheesesteak casserole is easier and serves more people. It’s also a low-carb option since it doesn’t need a bun.
What are the best cuts of beef for a Philly cheesesteak casserole?
The best beef for this casserole is sirloin, ribeye, or top round. Sirloin is lean, ribeye tastes like Philly, and ground beef is budget-friendly.
How should the beef be prepared for the casserole?
Freeze the steak for 15-30 minutes before cutting it. This makes it easy to slice. You can also use pre-sliced steak or ask the butcher to shave it.
What cheese blend works best for a Philly cheesesteak casserole?
Cheddar and pepper jack cheese make a great blend. For a Philly taste, use provolone and American cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better.
How should the vegetables be prepared for the casserole?
Slice the bell peppers and onions thinly for even cooking. Sauté them until they’re translucent. Adding mushrooms or spinach can add flavor and nutrition.
Can the Philly cheesesteak casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. It’s perfect for busy nights or parties.
How should the Philly cheesesteak casserole be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven or a skillet. Microwave in 30-second intervals for quick reheating.