There’s something magical about melted cheese stretching from your fork like a golden ribbon. Now imagine that wrapped around savory beef, tender peppers, and caramelized onions, all baked into one bubbling, irresistible dish. That’s exactly what this philly cheesesteak casserole delivers.
If you love classic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches but want something easier, cheesier, and perfect for feeding a crowd, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Classic Philly Flavor in a Comforting Bake
You get everything you adore about a traditional cheesesteak, juicy beef, sautéed onions, sweet bell peppers, and melty cheese, but without the sandwich roll. It’s bold, savory, and comforting. Think of it as the cozy, oven-baked cousin of the iconic street sandwich.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Got picky eaters? No problem. This dish checks all the boxes:
- Cheesy ✔
- Meaty ✔
- Hearty ✔
- Easy to serve ✔
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even game day gatherings.
If you already love bold beef dinners like Marry Me Ground Beef Pasta, this casserole delivers the same rich, satisfying flavor in baked form. And if cheesy comfort meals are your thing, Cheesy Beef Pasta One Pot proves how ground beef and melted cheese always win at the dinner table.
What Is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
The Origin of the Classic Philly Cheesesteak
The original Philly cheesesteak comes from Philadelphia and traditionally features thinly sliced ribeye steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese (often provolone or Cheez Whiz) on a hoagie roll.
Simple. Bold. Legendary.
How It Transforms Into a Casserole
Instead of stuffing everything into bread, we layer those delicious ingredients into a baking dish. The oven does the rest, melding flavors together into one cheesy, bubbling masterpiece.
No bread. No mess. Just pure comfort.
If you enjoy bold steak flavors, you’ll also love Easy Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice, which uses similar savory elements in a quicker skillet format. Meanwhile, if you prefer slow-developed beef flavor, Slow Cooker Beef Stew shows how beef transforms beautifully over time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what brings this philly cheesesteak casserole to life:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Choosing the Right Beef
Ground beef is quick and budget-friendly. Want authenticity? Use thinly shaved ribeye is the gold standard. It cooks quickly, stays tender, and delivers that rich, authentic cheesesteak flavor.
The Best Cheese for That Gooey Finish
Provolone gives you that authentic taste. Mozzarella adds stretch and golden browning. Together? Perfection.
Essential Vegetables for Authentic Flavor
Onions and peppers are non-negotiable. They add sweetness and balance to the savory beef.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- Jalapeños for heat
- Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Cream cheese for extra creaminess
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice all vegetables evenly. Mince the garlic. Shred your cheese if not pre-shredded.
Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in peppers and mushrooms. Cook until tender.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
The mixture should be thick, not soupy.
Assembling the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into your baking dish.
Top with provolone and mozzarella cheese.
Be generous. This isn’t the time to hold back.
If you enjoy creative baked dinners like Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, you already know how layering flavor before baking makes all the difference. Likewise, dishes such as Greek Chicken Orzo Casserole show how balanced seasoning transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying oven meal.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 2-3 minutes for that golden top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Avoiding a Watery Casserole
- Cook vegetables thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Drain beef properly.
- Let the cream simmer until slightly thickened.
Getting the Perfect Cheese Melt
- Use freshly shredded cheese.
- Broil briefly for browning.
- Don’t overbake, it dries out the beef.
Variations to Try
Low-Carb and Keto Version
Skip any pasta or fillers. This recipe is naturally low-carb when served alone. Add extra cheese for richness.
Creamy Pasta-Based Version
Want it heartier? Mix in cooked penne or rotini before baking. It becomes a full one-dish meal.
Spicy Kick Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. A little heat transforms the whole dish.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Side Dishes That Complement the Flavor
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Mashed potatoes
- Or served as sandwish
Drinks That Pair Perfectly
- Iced tea
- Sparkling lemonade
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave individual portions
- Or bake at 350°F until warmed through
You can even freeze it for up to 2 months.
If you enjoy prepping casseroles in advance, Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole follows the same make-ahead logic. Similarly, Sheet Pan Broccoli Tortellini Bake shows how oven dishes simplify weekly meal planning.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring Cups
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ribeye steak thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in the bell peppers and mushrooms and cook until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the thinly sliced ribeye steak. Season the steak with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the steak quickly, stirring occasionally, until just browned but still tender. Combine the steak with the vegetables in the skillet.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle provolone cheese evenly over the top. Add the mozzarella cheese as the final layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired for a golden, lightly browned top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
Can I make philly cheesesteak casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make philly cheesesteak casserole ahead of time. In fact, it works perfectly for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use ground beef instead of steak ?
Absolutely. ground beef is more budget-friendly.
What cheese works best for casserole?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella adds the best melt and stretch.
How do I make philly cheesesteak casserole creamier?
Add 4 oz cream cheese to the beef mixture while simmering.
How long does philly cheesesteak casserole last in the fridge?
Properly stored philly cheesesteak casserole lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
This philly cheesesteak casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s cheesy, savory, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It brings the bold flavors of a classic sandwich into a warm, oven-baked dish that’s easier to serve and even easier to love.
Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers every single time.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.
