If you love the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich but want a new twist on this classic, then a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the perfect dish for you! Packed with tender beef, gooey cheese, and sautéed veggies, this casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make option for family dinners or gatherings. Ready to dive in? Stick around for the full recipe, complete with tips and variations to make it your own!
What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
A Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is inspired by the iconic Philadelphia sandwich, but it takes all those beloved ingredients—thinly sliced beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and provolone cheese—and bakes them together in a casserole dish. The result is a cheesy, savory, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and serve. This casserole eliminates the need for bread but still delivers the rich, hearty flavors of the original sandwich in a fun, low-carb format.
Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients to make this mouthwatering casserole:
Main Ingredients:
- Thinly Sliced Steak: 1 ½ pounds (ribeye is ideal, but sirloin or flank steak also work)
- Green Bell Peppers: 2, sliced
- Onions: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces, sliced (optional but recommended)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Shredded Provolone Cheese: 2 cups
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional, for a little heat)
Substitutions and Variations
There’s plenty of room for creativity when making a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Here are some easy substitutions and variations to consider:
- Meat Options: Ribeye steak is the traditional meat for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can substitute it with sirloin, ground beef, or even thinly sliced chicken for a different take on the dish.
- Cheese: Provolone is a must for a classic flavor, but you can mix in or substitute with cheeses like cheddar, American, or Monterey Jack. Some people even enjoy adding a little Velveeta for extra creaminess.
- Vegetables: While onions and green peppers are essential, you can switch things up by adding red bell peppers, spinach, or skipping the mushrooms if you're not a fan.
- Low-Carb or Keto Version: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but to make it keto-friendly, avoid adding any extra fillers like breadcrumbs or pasta. You could also add some cream to make it even richer.
- Extra Seasoning: Boost the flavor with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder in the meat mixture for an extra punch.
- Serve with Bread: If you're not concerned about carbs, serve this casserole with toasted hoagie rolls or garlic bread on the side.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole? Let’s walk through the steps to ensure you get it right every time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic, and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the garlic is fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until browned. You want the steak to still be tender, so avoid overcooking.
- Remove the steak from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded provolone, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the beaten eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice).
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the sautéed vegetables across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the cooked steak on top of the vegetables, followed by the remaining vegetables.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the steak and vegetables, spreading it out with a spatula if necessary.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded provolone over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Step 7: Let It Rest
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the layers set and the flavors meld.
How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the steps involved in making a perfect Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Steak: Sear the thinly sliced steak with Worcestershire sauce until browned but tender.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: Combine cream cheese, shredded cheeses, and eggs to create a rich and creamy layer.
- Layer the Casserole: Assemble the casserole in layers—vegetables, steak, and creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake the casserole until golden and bubbly, letting the cheese melt into all the layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Steak: Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough. Since the steak will cook further in the oven, searing it briefly is enough.
- Skipping the Cream Cheese Layer: The cream cheese mixture not only adds creaminess but also binds the ingredients together. Skipping it will result in a less cohesive casserole.
- Too Many Vegetables: While it’s tempting to add extra veggies, overloading the casserole can make it watery. Stick to the suggested quantities for the best result.
- Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- Portioning: Slice the casserole into even squares or spoon out individual servings.
- Side Dishes: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for a touch of color.
- Serving Dish: Present the casserole in a rustic baking dish or cast-iron skillet to make it extra inviting.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Freezing Option: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it as directed, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Extra Flavor: For an added burst of flavor, you can top the casserole with crispy fried onions or even a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?
Yes, ground beef is a convenient and budget-friendly substitute for sliced steak. Simply brown the ground beef, drain any excess fat, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I add bread to the casserole?
Yes! If you want a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience, you can layer pieces of toasted hoagie rolls on the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the meat and cheese layers. This creates a breadier version of the casserole.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is warmed through. For individual portions, the microwave works well too.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a must-try for lovers of the classic sandwich who are looking for a new way to enjoy those same rich, cheesy flavors. With its layers of tender steak, sautéed veggies, and creamy cheese, this casserole is pure comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping it ahead for a party, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, oven-baked dish that combines all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese—without the bread. This comforting casserole is great for weeknight dinners and can be prepared in advance for busy schedules.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Add the ground beef or sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the casserole is set. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- You can prepare the beef mixture ahead and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
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