Can I use a different cut of beef for this casserole?

Absolutely! While sirloin offers a good balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye would make an even more luxurious version. For a budget-friendly option, thinly sliced chuck roast works well too—just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness. The key is cutting the meat thinly against the grain, regardless of which cut you choose.

How can I make this casserole keto-friendly?

This casserole is already quite keto-friendly since it doesn't include bread or other high-carb ingredients. To make it even more keto-appropriate, use full-fat cream instead of half-and-half and add extra cheese. You could also increase the ratio of peppers to onions, as onions have a slightly higher carb content.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a chilled dish.

What's the best cheese blend for an authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor?

While my recipe uses cheddar and mozzarella for accessibility and melting properties, authentic Philly cheesesteaks often use provolone or American cheese. For the most authentic flavor, try using half provolone and half white American cheese. Some restaurants in Philadelphia even use Cheez Whiz, which you could incorporate into your cream sauce for a nostalgic flavor!

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Name: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds sirloin steak, sliced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup cream cheese; 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons half-and-half or cream; 1 cup cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 large bell peppers, sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Description

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of the classic sandwich into a cheesy, oven-baked meal. Featuring tender sirloin steak, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it’s an easy, low-carb casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Proteins

- 2 pounds sirloin steak, sliced

Dairy

- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons half-and-half or cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, divided

Vegetables & Aromatics

- 2 large bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 180C (350F) to ensure it’s ready for baking when the casserole is assembled.
Cook Steak – In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sirloin steak, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the steak until it is no longer pink, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook Vegetables – In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Prepare Creamy Base – Stir in the cream cheese and half-and-half (or cream) with the vegetables. Mix well, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until creamy.
Combine Steak and Cheese – Add the cooked steak back into the skillet. Toss in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine everything.
Assemble Casserole – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheesesteak mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake – Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.

Notes

After cooling, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
Freeze cooled casserole in a shallow container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350F oven, skillet over medium-high heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
For added flavor, use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack instead of mozzarella if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 390
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg