Looking for a new twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich? This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe delivers all the flavors of the beloved sandwich but with the convenience of a one-pan meal. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, melted cheese, and a creamy base that ties it all together. If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy casseroles, you’ll want to keep reading. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for a gathering, this recipe will satisfy those cravings. Dive in to discover everything you need to create the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole!

What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
A Philly cheesesteak casserole is an easy, baked variation of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. Instead of the sandwich form, this dish layers the same flavors into a casserole that's easier to make in larger quantities, making it a great option for busy weeknights or potlucks. It’s comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Philly cheesesteak casserole:
- 2 pounds of ground beef: This serves as the main protein. You can also use sliced ribeye steak for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color, texture, and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Balances the green pepper with a mild sweetness.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: A crucial ingredient that adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides a savory, umami-rich flavor that enhances the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning to taste.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Makes the casserole creamy and adds richness.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Adds moisture and deepens the beefy flavor.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully and adds gooey cheesiness.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: A signature cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, which melts into a creamy layer.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Ground Beef Substitutes: If you want to switch it up, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. For a more authentic Philly flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak.
- Dairy-Free Options: If you're lactose intolerant or dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture.
- Keto-Friendly Option: This recipe is already fairly low in carbs, but you can omit the Worcestershire sauce and use keto-friendly cheeses if you’re following a strict keto diet.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it's ready to go when you finish assembling the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little oil if necessary and toss in the thinly sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season and Add Worcestershire Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Mix in the Cream Cheese and Broth: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Pour in the beef broth, stirring until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
- Top with Mozzarella and Provolone: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Lay the slices of provolone cheese across the mozzarella in an even layer to cover the entire casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this casserole is straightforward, but following the steps closely ensures the best results. First, ensure your ground beef is fully cooked and drained. This step prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy. Next, take the time to properly sauté the vegetables until soft. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Don’t rush through mixing in the cream cheese and beef broth – allow the mixture to become smooth and creamy before transferring it to the baking dish. Finally, make sure to bake until the cheeses are fully melted and slightly golden on top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Ground Beef: Failing to drain the grease from the cooked ground beef can make your casserole greasy.
- Undercooking the Vegetables: Make sure to sauté the vegetables until they're tender. Under-cooked vegetables will still be crunchy, which doesn't mesh well with the creamy texture of the casserole.
- Skipping the Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds an essential layer of creaminess to the casserole, so don’t leave it out unless substituting with a dairy-free option.
- Over-baking: Baking the casserole for too long can dry out the beef and make the cheese hard. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly, not overdone.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A casserole may be a one-pan dish, but presentation still matters! To make your Philly cheesesteak casserole more appealing, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish. The bright green contrasts nicely with the melted, golden cheese, giving your dish a pop of color. You can also serve the casserole with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a balanced meal.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Serve your Philly cheesesteak casserole warm from the oven, cut into individual portions. It pairs well with side dishes like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. If you're hosting a larger gathering, you could also set up a "casserole bar" with toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or extra cheese for guests to customize their servings.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
To elevate the presentation of your casserole, consider serving it in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This allows for personal servings and adds a gourmet touch to the meal. You can also plate the casserole alongside some colorful vegetables, like roasted carrots or green beans, to add more visual appeal to the dish.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare for busy weeknights.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Philly cheesesteak casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! While provolone and mozzarella are traditional for a Philly cheesesteak, you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or any cheese that melts well.
2. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free. Most other ingredients should already be naturally gluten-free.
4. Is there a way to make this lower in calories?
For a lower-calorie version, you can use lean ground beef, reduce the amount of cheese, or substitute the cream cheese with a light version.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
This Philly cheesesteak casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and full of flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. With its tender beef, sautéed veggies, and ooey-gooey cheese, every bite is sure to be a hit. Whether you're a casserole enthusiast or just looking for a fun twist on a classic sandwich, this recipe is a must-try. Don't wait – gather your ingredients and start cooking this delicious, comforting dish today!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and creamy cheeses for a hearty, flavorful meal. With ground beef, provolone, and Worcestershire sauce, this casserole brings classic Philly flavors to the table. Easy to prepare, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add bell peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add softened cream cheese and beef broth, stirring until the mixture is creamy and combined.
- Transfer beef mixture into a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and slices of provolone.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
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