There are few sandwiches as iconic and beloved in the United States as the Philly cheesesteak. The combination of thinly sliced, savory steak, melted cheese, and tender onions and peppers stuffed into a crusty roll is pure comfort food. But what if you could capture all that incredible flavor in a warm, bubbly, and easy-to-share dish? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, a modern twist on a classic that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or your next game day gathering.
This recipe transforms the legendary sandwich into a hearty, low-carb casserole that satisfies all the same cravings without the bread. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with that authentic cheesesteak taste. Moreover, it’s incredibly simple to put together, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this American classic.
Why This Easy Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite Dinner
Beyond its amazing taste, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has several advantages that make it a standout recipe. It’s versatile, caters to different dietary needs, and is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
It’s Incredibly Easy to Make
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet before the ingredients are transferred to a baking dish. There are no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You simply sauté the vegetables, cook the steak, mix in a creamy cheese sauce, and bake until golden and bubbly. Therefore, it’s the perfect meal for those nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Delicious Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Option
For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, finding satisfying comfort food can be a challenge. This casserole is the perfect solution. By eliminating the hoagie roll, you get all the delicious, high-flavor components of a cheesesteak—the meat, cheese, and veggies—in a dish that fits your lifestyle. It’s a hearty and filling meal that won’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out.
Packed with Authentic Flavor
This isn’t just a generic beef and cheese casserole. We’ve taken care to ensure it captures the essence of a true Philly cheesesteak. From the thinly sliced steak to the classic combination of green peppers and onions, every bite is a reminder of the iconic sandwich. The creamy sauce, made with cream cheese and provolone, brings it all together for a truly authentic and decadent experience.
Perfect for a Crowd
Casseroles are born for sharing, and this one is no exception. It’s a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or to serve when you have guests over. You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger group. It’s also a game-day champion, providing a warm and hearty option that fans can scoop up and enjoy while cheering on their favorite team.
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The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole captures all the savory, cheesy, and satisfying flavor of the iconic sandwich—without the bread. Loaded with thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s an easy, low-carb dinner perfect for any night of the week.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 green bell peppers, sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced beef. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, breaking up as needed. Drain excess grease.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the beef. Stir until cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Return sautéed vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine with the meat and sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Top with provolone cheese slices, overlapping to fully cover the casserole.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use pre-shaved steak or freeze your beef slightly before slicing for easier prep.
Substitute ground beef for a budget-friendly version.
Try mozzarella or American cheese instead of provolone for different flavors.
Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
Great served with a green salad, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables for a keto-friendly meal.
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Essential Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
The key to a great casserole is using quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory masterpiece. While there’s room for variation, these core components will give you the most authentic flavor.
- 2 lbs thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved steak)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
The Best Beef to Use
The star of any Philly cheesesteak is, of course, the steak. Traditionally, thinly sliced ribeye is used for its marbling and flavor. However, top sirloin is another excellent, slightly leaner choice. For convenience, many grocery stores sell pre-sliced “shaved steak” or “beef for stir-fry,” which works perfectly here and saves you a lot of prep time. If you’re slicing your own, a great tip is to place the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat, making it much easier to get those paper-thin slices. Proper handling of raw meat is crucial for safety, and the USDA offers comprehensive guidance on beef preparation.
The Classic Veggie Trio
A classic cheesesteak isn’t complete without sautéed onions and peppers. We use a large yellow onion for its sweet flavor and two green bell peppers for that signature taste. While mushrooms aren’t always traditional, they are a popular addition that adds a wonderful earthy depth to the casserole. Feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan, but they do complement the other flavors beautifully.
The All-Important Cheese
Cheese is what holds this dish together, both literally and figuratively. Provolone is the go-to choice for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and excellent melting capabilities. We use it to create the cheesy topping. For the creamy base of the casserole, softened cream cheese provides a rich and tangy foundation that makes the dish incredibly luscious. In addition, some people swear by American cheese or even Cheez Whiz for a super-melty, authentic “wit wiz” experience. You can certainly substitute or mix and match cheeses to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Bake
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. The process is straightforward, moving from the stovetop to the oven.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using). Cook until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Combine and Assemble: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture from the skillet into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese: Arrange the slices of provolone cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, overlapping them slightly to ensure full coverage.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
| Step | Action | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven and grease dish. | Ensures the casserole cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. |
| 2 | Sauté onions, peppers, and mushrooms. | Cook until soft and sweet to bring out their flavor. |
| 3 | Brown the seasoned beef. | Drain excess fat for a less greasy final dish. |
| 4 | Make the cream cheese sauce in the same pan. | Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the browned bits (fond). |
| 5 | Combine beef, sauce, and veggies. | Stir well so every bite is packed with all the components. |
| 6 | Transfer to the baking dish. | Spread evenly for consistent cooking. |
| 7 | Top with provolone cheese. | Overlap the slices so there are no bare spots. |
| 8 | Bake until bubbly and golden. | Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set before serving. |
Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different flavors and techniques. Here are a few tips and variations to take your casserole to the next level.
Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers
This casserole is great for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or in the oven.
Tasty Recipe Variations
Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to your taste! Here are a few ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or some sliced jalapeños with the bell peppers for a spicy kick.
- Use Ground Beef: For a more budget-friendly version, you can substitute the sliced steak with lean ground beef. Just crumble and brown it before adding the other ingredients.
- Switch Up the Cheeses: Try a combination of provolone and mozzarella for extra cheesiness, or use Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor.
- Add a Topping: For a bit of crunch, you could sprinkle some crushed pork rinds or fried onions on top during the last few minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Best with This Dish?
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Your choice of side can depend on whether you want to keep the meal low-carb or not.
Low-Carb and Keto Pairings
To keep the meal fully keto-friendly, serve the casserole alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. It’s also delicious served over a bed of cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The idea is to pair it with something fresh and light to balance the richness of the casserole.
Traditional and Hearty Pairings
If you’re not concerned about carbs, the possibilities are endless. Serve the casserole with toasted hoagie rolls or garlic bread on the side for scooping up every last bit. It’s also fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice or egg noodles. For a true comfort food experience, a side of crispy french fries or onion rings is always a winner.
Conclusion About Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Ultimately, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe is a celebration of flavor and convenience. It takes a beloved American classic and transforms it into an accessible, versatile dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a keto-friendly comfort food, or a new star for your potluck lineup, this casserole delivers on all fronts. It’s hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—everything a great casserole should be. Give it a try, and you’ll see why the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
What kind of beef is best for a Philly cheesesteak casserole?
The best beef to use is thinly sliced ribeye, as it’s tender and flavorful. However, top sirloin is a great, leaner alternative. For convenience, pre-sliced shaved steak, often found in the meat section of grocery stores, works perfectly and saves a lot of time on prep.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare and assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. By omitting the traditional bread roll, this casserole is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. All the primary ingredients—beef, cheese, peppers, onions, and cream—are keto-approved.
What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
If you don’t have provolone, you have several great options. Sliced mozzarella is a good substitute for a mild, melty topping. American cheese will provide an extra-creamy texture, similar to what you’d find in many authentic cheesesteak shops. You could also use a shredded Italian cheese blend.
