Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This hearty comfort food combines all the iconic flavors of Philadelphia’s famous sandwich into a convenient casserole form. Thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese come together in this crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
Easy Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
There’s something truly magical about transforming a beloved street food into a comforting casserole that feeds the whole family. This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole captures the essence of Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich—tender beef, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and gooey cheese—but in a form that’s easier to serve and perfect for feeding a crowd.
While traditional cheesesteaks are a year-round favorite, this casserole version really shines during fall and winter months when we crave heartier, oven-baked meals. It’s also become a staple for football season gatherings, providing that perfect blend of comfort food that can be prepared ahead and feeds many hungry fans.
THIS RECIPE:
- Transforms classic Philly Cheese Steak flavors into an easy-to-serve casserole
- Uses simple ingredients with big flavor impact
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated without losing quality
- Satisfies even the heartiest appetites with minimal effort
| Recipe Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 8 portions |
| Yield | One 9×13 inch casserole |
What makes this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole truly special is how it takes all the flavors you love from the classic sandwich but eliminates the fuss of individual sandwiches. The layered approach ensures every bite contains the perfect balance of tender beef, sweet peppers and onions, and that signature cheesy goodness. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe’s straightforward approach delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
The heart of any great recipe lies in quality ingredients, and this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is no exception. For authentic flavor, focus on selecting thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak—the marbling in these cuts delivers that signature richness that makes cheesesteaks so crave-worthy.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Additions:
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 6-8 slices American cheese (for authentic Philly flavor)
- 6 hoagie rolls, cubed and toasted (for a bread base layer)
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quality | Selection Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Steak | Prime or Choice grade | Ask your butcher to slice it paper-thin; partially freezing the meat first makes home slicing easier |
| Cheese | Premium provolone and whole milk mozzarella | Avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting |
| Bell Peppers | Firm with glossy skin | Choose peppers that feel heavy for their size with no soft spots |
| Onions | Medium to large yellow onions | Look for firm onions with dry outer skins and no sprouting |
| Mushrooms | Fresh white or baby bella | Select mushrooms with closed caps and no slimy texture |
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Creating this casserole involves a few simple steps that build layers of flavor. The key to success lies in properly cooking and seasoning each component before assembling the final dish. Take your time sautéing the vegetables to develop their sweetness, and be careful not to overcook the beef so it stays tender in the finished casserole.
Prepare the oven and baking dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
Cook the vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften
- Add bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking for another 7-8 minutes until vegetables are tender
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme
- Transfer vegetables to a plate and set aside
Cook the steak
- In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook thinly sliced steak for 2-3 minutes until just browned
- Add Worcestershire sauce and toss to coat
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Remove from heat before fully cooked (it will finish in the oven)
Prepare the cream cheese mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and beef broth until smooth
Assemble the casserole
- Spread half of the cooked vegetables in the bottom of the prepared baking dish
- Layer half of the steak over the vegetables
- Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the steak
- Lay half of the provolone cheese slices on top
- Repeat layers with remaining vegetables, steak, and cream cheese
- Top with remaining provolone slices and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella
Bake to perfection
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set
Pro tip: For an extra-golden cheese top, switch to the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Tips for Making Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Expert Ingredient Selection:
- The right cut of beef makes all the difference in this recipe. Ribeye offers the best flavor, but sirloin is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers great results.
- For authentic Philadelphia flavor, consider using a combination of provolone and American cheese.
- Pre-cooking the vegetables properly removes excess moisture that could make your casserole soggy.
Quick Reference Tips:
- Partially freeze your steak for 20-30 minutes for easier thin slicing
- Don’t overcook the steak during initial cooking—it will continue to cook in the oven
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and make serving cleaner
- Use the same pan for cooking vegetables and meat to build flavor
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Slicing vegetables | Cut onions and peppers into strips of similar thickness | Ensures even cooking and authentic cheesesteak texture |
| Cooking the meat | Brief high-heat cooking in batches | Prevents steaming and maintains tender texture |
| Cheese selection | Layer sliced cheese inside with shredded on top | Creates pockets of melty cheese throughout with a beautiful golden top |
| Resting the casserole | Allow 5-10 minutes before serving | Helps the layers set for cleaner portions |
When sautéing your vegetables, take your time and allow them to develop some caramelization—this is where much of the flavor comes from. The onions should become translucent and slightly golden, while peppers should soften but maintain some structure. This step typically takes 12-15 minutes total but pays enormous dividends in the final flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is its make-ahead potential, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Advance Preparation Options:
Complete prep (1 day ahead): Cook all components (vegetables and meat), assemble the casserole, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Partial prep (2-3 days ahead): Cook vegetables and meat separately, cool completely, and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking.
Fully cooked (reheating option): Bake the entire casserole, cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
When preparing components in advance, be careful not to overcook the steak during the initial cooking phase, as it will continue to cook during baking and reheating. For best results when making ahead, consider slightly undercooking the vegetables as they will soften further during reheating.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored leftovers of this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole maintain their quality remarkably well, making this dish perfect for meal prep.
For food safety and optimal flavor, refrigerate leftover casserole within two hours of cooking. Transfer portions to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Properly stored leftovers will maintain quality in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For best results when reheating individual portions, use the microwave at 70% power with a damp paper towel over the food to maintain moisture. Heat in 45-second increments until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro tip: Leftovers make excellent filling for stuffed bell peppers or can be chopped more finely and used as an omelet filling for an amazing breakfast option!
Freezing Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or preparing ahead for busy seasons.
For freezing unbaked casserole:
- Assemble the casserole in a freezer-to-oven safe container (aluminum pans work well)
- Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, pressing out any air
- Add a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and label with contents and date
- Freeze for up to 3 months
For freezing baked casserole:
- Cool the baked casserole completely (at least 2 hours)
- Cut into individual portions for easier thawing if desired
- Wrap tightly as described above
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Thawing and reheating:
- For unbaked casserole: Thaw in refrigerator overnight (24-48 hours depending on size), remove plastic wrap, keep foil on, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until bubbly and hot throughout.
- For baked casserole: Thaw in refrigerator overnight, then reheat covered at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through (165°F internal temperature).
The texture of the peppers may change slightly after freezing, becoming a bit softer, but the flavor remains excellent. If you know you’ll be freezing, consider slightly undercooking the vegetables initially.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole from a simple meal into a memorable dining experience with these serving suggestions:
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or toasted hoagie rolls
- Roasted potato wedges or french fries
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Pickled vegetables or pepperoncini peppers
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve directly from the baking dish for family-style meals
- For more formal presentations, use a sharp knife and spatula to cut clean portions
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions before serving
- Add a small dish of hot sauce or horseradish sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat
Beverage Pairings:
- Beer: A cold amber ale or lager complements the savory flavors perfectly
- Wine: Try a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Syrah
- Non-alcoholic: Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp cola all work well
Serve this casserole hot (but not scorching) to experience the perfect cheese pull when portioning. The ideal serving temperature allows you to appreciate all the flavors while ensuring the cheese is at its most deliciously melty state.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of ribeye or sirloin?
Yes, you can substitute thinly sliced flank steak or even ground beef in a pinch. For a lighter option, thinly sliced chicken breast works well, though it changes the flavor profile. If using chicken, consider adding beef bouillon to the recipe to maintain some of that rich flavor.
What can I substitute for bell peppers if I don’t like them?
Traditional Philly cheesesteaks often include peppers, but you can omit them or substitute with mild poblano peppers for a different flavor profile. Some people enjoy adding roasted red peppers instead of green for a sweeter taste. You can also increase the amount of onions and mushrooms to compensate.
My casserole turned out watery. What went wrong?
Excess moisture usually comes from the vegetables or meat releasing water during cooking. To prevent this: 1) Make sure to thoroughly sauté vegetables before assembling the casserole, 2) Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the meat, as this causes steaming instead of browning, and 3) Consider patting the cooked meat with paper towels before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This casserole is naturally low in carbohydrates if you skip any bread additions. For a keto-friendly version, increase the cream cheese to 12 ounces and reduce the beef broth to 2 tablespoons. You can also add more healthy fats by incorporating extra cheese or stirring in 2 tablespoons of butter with the vegetables.
How can I add more authentic Philly flavor to this casserole?
For die-hard Philly cheesesteak fans, consider these authentic additions: use Cheez Whiz along with or instead of provolone, add a layer of chopped cherry peppers or banana peppers for tanginess, or incorporate thinly sliced roast pork along with the beef (a nod to Philadelphia’s other famous sandwich). Some Philly natives also swear by seasoning the meat with garlic salt and paprika.
