Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the iconic sandwich into a comforting, family-style dish that’s bursting with savory flavors. Tender slices of sirloin steak mingle with caramelized onions and peppers in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this casserole delivers all the beloved flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak without the fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sirloin Steak: The star of the show! Thinly sliced sirloin gives you that tender, juicy beef that makes a cheesesteak irresistible. Freeze it for about 20 minutes before slicing for thinner cuts.
• Bell Peppers: Adds a sweet, slightly crunchy element that balances the richness of the dish. Use different colored peppers for visual appeal.
• Onion: Provides that classic caramelized sweetness that’s essential to any proper cheesesteak. Don’t rush cooking these—the flavor development is worth the time.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth. Pre-minced works in a pinch, but fresh brings so much more flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, velvety base for the sauce that coats everything in creamy goodness.
• Half-and-Half or Cream: Thins out the cream cheese while adding richness. Choose cream for an indulgent version or half-and-half for a slightly lighter option.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that stretchy, melty quality that makes every bite utterly satisfying.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the steak to perfection.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Variations

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when you sauté the peppers and onions. They’ll add an earthy depth that complements the beef beautifully.

Spicy Kick

Include a diced jalapeño with your bell peppers or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream mixture for those who enjoy some heat.

Provolone Twist

Substitute the mozzarella for provolone cheese to create a more authentic Philadelphia flavor profile.

Loaded Version

Top the finished casserole with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a loaded steakhouse experience.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Steak

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced sirloin, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on how thin you’ve sliced the meat. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan with all those flavorful beef drippings, add your sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions begin to caramelize. This vegetable mixture forms the aromatic base of your casserole.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add the cream cheese and half-and-half to the vegetables in the skillet. Stir continuously as the cream cheese melts to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked steak to the pan, along with half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir well to thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring the meat and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer this mouthwatering mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a blanket that will become gorgeously golden in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling with hints of golden brown around the edges.

How to Serve

Main Meal Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus also provides a nice vegetable contrast.

Bread Options

For those not watching carbs, warm hoagie rolls or garlic bread make excellent vehicles for scooping up this delicious casserole. The bread can soak up all that creamy sauce!

Topping Bar

Set out small bowls of extra toppings like hot pepper rings, pickled jalapeños, more sautéed mushrooms, or sliced green onions so everyone can customize their serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, with the flavors often improving overnight as they meld together.

Freezing

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Store it in a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, or warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can also microwave for quick meals—just use 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes all the elements you love about the classic sandwich and transforms them into a comforting, shareable dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers and onions, and creamy, cheesy sauce creates a harmony of flavors that satisfies those comfort food cravings while still being impressively simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole delivers big on flavor with minimal effort—exactly what we all need in our cooking repertoire!

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