Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Imagine everything you crave in a classic Philly cheesesteak—savory beef, sweet peppers, melty cheese—all transformed into a comforting hot bake. That’s exactly what you get with this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. It’s the fast-track answer to those busy weeknights when you’re hungry for something deeply satisfying, but don’t want to fuss over the stovetop or deal with a pile of sandwich rolls. Whether you’re feeding family, a hungry group of friends, or just yourself with an eye on tomorrow’s leftovers, this casserole hits all the right notes of nostalgia and flavor while being as easy as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic behind Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is its short, unfussy ingredient list. Every element works hard: the beef delivers flavor, the veggies add color and crunch, and the cheeses melt into decadent comfort. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Ground beef: Provides that hearty, classic cheesesteak taste and soaks up all the seasoning flavor beautifully.
- Bell pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness and a signature pop of color—green is traditional, but any color works.
- Small onion, chopped: Brings mellow sweetness and enhances every bite. Go for yellow or white onion here.
- Salt, garlic powder, onion powder (1 teaspoon each): The essential seasoning trio that keeps things perfectly savory and balanced.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle kick that rounds out the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory, umami depth reminiscent of the most flavorful cheesesteaks.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces): This secret weapon melts into the meat and veggies for a creamy, luscious texture.
- Provolone cheese slices (6 slices): The classic cheesesteak melt, creating those dreamy, gooey cheese pulls on top.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 casserole dish—this ensures nothing sticks and makes later clean-up a breeze. This step gives you a head start, so assembly is quick when the filling is ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies
Add your ground beef, chopped bell pepper, and onion to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally and breaking up the beef with a large spoon. The goal is to brown the meat evenly while softening the veggies for that perfect cheesesteak flavor base.
Step 3: Drain and Return
Once the beef is completely browned and the vegetables are tender, carefully drain off any excess fat. Then, return the mixture to your skillet on medium heat. This step keeps the casserole from becoming greasy while making sure the flavors stay concentrated.
Step 4: Season and Creamify
Now, sprinkle the beef mixture with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Add in the Worcestershire sauce and dollops of cream cheese. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and evenly coats every bit of meat and veggie. This is where the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole starts getting extra luscious.
Step 5: Layer in the Casserole Dish
Transfer your cheesy, savory beef mixture into the prepared 8×8 casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so every scoop has a bit of everything. This step sets the stage for a perfectly baked, cohesive casserole.
Step 6: Add the Provolone Cheese Topping
Lay the provolone cheese slices over the top, letting them overlap if needed. This creates a bubbling, melty cheese layer that’s so satisfying to break through with your spoon. It’s that classic cheesesteak element, right on top!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starting to bubble. The aroma at this point is outrageously good—resist sampling straight from the dish (if you can)!
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Garnishes
For irresistible flavor and a little freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or sliced green onions over your hot Philly Cheesesteak Casserole right before serving. If you like a little heat, try a few pickled jalapeños on top or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zip.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling on its own, but it’s hard to resist pairing it with something on the side. Crisp potato wedges or even kettle chips mimic the sandwich shop vibe. Roasted veggies or a simple salad will add some fresh crunch and balance out the richness of the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole sliders by scooping filling onto mini buns and topping with extra cheese. For a fun twist, stuff the cheesy beef mixture into hollowed bell peppers before baking. Serving it family-style in the baking dish with big serving spoons always makes it feel cozy and communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, simply let it cool, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to four days—perfect for lunchboxes or fast dinners.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling, wrap the whole dish or individual portions well in plastic and foil. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole will keep its flavor in the freezer for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Philly Cheesesteak Casserole in a 350 degree oven until warmed through, 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works fine—just be sure to cover your portion with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Add a fresh slice of cheese on top if you want to revive that just-baked gooeyness!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for this casserole?
Absolutely! While provolone gives you that classic Philly cheesesteak vibe, feel free to swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese you love. Pepper Jack is excellent if you like a little spice.
Is it possible to make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole right up to the point of adding the cheese, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a couple extra minutes if needed.
Can I use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute leaner beef or ground turkey for a lighter version. Just remember that leaner meats may release less fat, so you might want to add a splash of oil when browning to prevent sticking and keep everything juicy.
What’s the best way to keep leftovers from getting watery?
Let the casserole cool a bit before refrigerating so condensation doesn’t gather under the lid, which helps minimize excess moisture. Draining the meat well after browning is also key for the best texture.
Could I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Of course! Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is super adaptable. Sautéed mushrooms, extra peppers, or a little spinach are great add-ins—just cook them down before mixing with the meat to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers all the comfort and flavor of the beloved sandwich, but with a fun, no-fuss twist that makes it weeknight- and crowd-friendly. Give it a try the next time you want something cheesy, hearty, and guaranteed to please—your taste buds (and anyone at your table) will thank you!
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a comforting casserole dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8×8 casserole dish.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, bell pepper, and onion until browned.
- Season and Add Ingredients: Drain excess fat, then season the meat mixture with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cream cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Top with provolone cheese slices.
- Bake: Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, Cheesesteak Recipe, Casserole Dish, Comfort Food