Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Are you craving the flavors of an iconic Philly cheesesteak but want to serve it in a fun, shareable way? Look no further than the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole! This easy-to-make dish brings together all the delicious elements of the classic sandwich—juicy steak, melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions—in a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Read on to learn how to make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak Casserole and elevate your dinner game!

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What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

A Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a baked dish inspired by the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Traditionally, a Philly cheesesteak includes thinly sliced beef, melted provolone or American cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers, all served on a hoagie roll. The casserole version takes these same ingredients and layers them in a baking dish, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing. The casserole keeps all the signature flavors while eliminating the need for bread, making it a great low-carb or keto-friendly option.

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Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Before you get started, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Here's what you'll need for a classic Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

For the Meat and Veggies:

• 1.5 lbs of ribeye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (green, red, or a mix)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, for added flavor

For the Cheese and Creamy Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth, to add moisture and flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)

For Topping (optional but recommended):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand, or want to switch things up? Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can make to the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe:

• Meat Options: If ribeye or flank steak isn’t available, ground beef or even thinly sliced chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute. Ground beef will make the dish more like a traditional casserole, while chicken or turkey will offer a lighter variation.
• Vegetables: While onions and bell peppers are classic, feel free to add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Variations: Provolone is the go-to cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can swap it with cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can use cream cheese and heavy cream to add richness while skipping the carb-heavy toppings. You can also bulk up the veggie portion by adding cauliflower or zucchini.
• Bread Topping: If you're not watching carbs, top the casserole with some torn-up hoagie rolls or French bread for a crunchy texture reminiscent of the original sandwich.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and made any necessary substitutions, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.

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How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Veggies

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
• Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced steak and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Season the steak with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
• In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The goal is to make the vegetables tender but still slightly crisp.
• Set the veggies aside with the cooked steak.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, and beef broth. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Add in garlic powder and onion powder if using. This will create a rich and creamy base for your casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

• In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by spreading half of the creamy base mixture across the bottom.
• Layer the cooked steak, sautéed veggies, and a generous amount of shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese over the creamy layer.
• Pour the remaining creamy base mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for an irresistible cheesy crust. You can also add any extra provolone or mozzarella you have on hand.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and get ready to dig in!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Steak: The steak should be thinly sliced and quickly cooked to avoid becoming tough. Overcooked steak can result in a chewy texture that will detract from the casserole’s appeal.
• Not Draining Excess Liquids: If your vegetables or meat release too much liquid while cooking, be sure to drain them before layering in the casserole. Too much moisture can make the casserole soggy.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your steak, vegetables, and creamy mixture. Proper seasoning ensures that the casserole has layers of flavor in every bite.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This casserole is rich, flavorful, and filling, so serve it with lighter side dishes to balance it out. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables would pair beautifully. For those who want a more traditional cheesesteak experience, serve the casserole alongside toasted hoagie rolls so guests can create their own sandwiches.

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Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• Individual Portions: Use small ramekins to bake individual portions of the casserole for a fun, restaurant-style presentation.
• Skillet Casserole: Cook and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, hearty look that goes straight from the oven to the table.
• Fresh Garnish: Top the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor contrast against the melted cheese.

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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Pre-slice the Steak: Ask your butcher to slice the steak thinly, or freeze the meat for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice at home.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes! Ground beef is a great substitute if you're looking for a budget-friendly or quicker option. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, season it, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.

2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! To make this recipe even more keto-friendly, you can skip any bread or carb-heavy toppings and use extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini to bulk up the dish.

3. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.

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Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic sandwich. With layers of tender steak, sautéed veggies, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or mix things up with your favorite substitutions, this casserole offers all the comforting flavors of a cheesesteak in a convenient, easy-to-m

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