Few dishes can rival the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak. The combination of tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey melted cheese, and a toasty hoagie roll has been a fan favorite for generations. But what if you could take all that cheesy, beefy goodness and transform it into a one-pan, oven-baked casserole?
That’s exactly what this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole does. It delivers everything you love about the sandwich—without the need for a griddle or the mess of assembling individual hoagies. Instead, the flavors meld together into a creamy, cheesy, baked dish, complete with crispy croutons on top to mimic the crunch of toasted bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or simply craving a new way to enjoy Philly cheesesteak flavors, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a Must-Try
1. All the Flavor of a Philly Cheesesteak—No Sandwich Assembly Required
Making traditional Philly cheesesteaks requires cooking everything separately and assembling sandwiches, which can get messy and time-consuming. With this casserole, you get the same savory beef, gooey cheese, and sautéed vegetables all baked together in one dish. Less prep, less mess, and more flavor in every bite.
2. A Comfort Food Classic, Reinvented
This casserole captures the hearty, indulgent essence of a Philly cheesesteak, but serves it in a warm, baked format that’s perfect for sharing. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep—because who doesn’t love a dish that can be reheated just as deliciously the next day?
3. Simple, One-Pan Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its simplicity. Everything comes together in a single casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze. You can also prep it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
4. Customizable for Every Taste
This casserole is incredibly versatile, so you can easily adjust it based on your preferences. Whether you want to make it spicier, add extra veggies, or swap out the beef for a leaner protein, the options are endless.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Not only is this casserole great fresh out of the oven, but it also reheats beautifully. The creamy, cheesy filling stays rich and flavorful, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese, divided
For the Topping:
- 1 hoagie roll, cut into 1-inch cubes
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef – Brown ground beef with salt and pepper in a skillet. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables – In the same skillet, cook bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms until softened.
- Make the Filling – Mix the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, half the provolone cheese (chopped), and cream cheese in a bowl. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Assemble the Casserole – Lay the remaining slices of provolone over the beef mixture.
- Prepare the Croutons – Toss hoagie roll cubes in olive oil and spread over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole – Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the croutons are golden brown.
- Cool & Serve – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
How to Elevate Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
While the classic version is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to take it to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
1. Swap Ground Beef for Thinly Sliced Steak
For a more authentic cheesesteak experience, replace ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin. Sear the steak first, then layer it into the casserole for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Add a Crunchy Topping
The croutons on top provide a nice crunch, but you can switch it up by using:
- Crushed pretzels for a salty kick
- Buttered panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy finish
- French-fried onions for extra texture and flavor
3. Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking.
4. Use a Blend of Cheeses
Provolone is the traditional cheese for a Philly cheesesteak, but mixing in other cheeses can enhance the richness. Try:
- Mozzarella for extra gooeyness
- Swiss cheese for a nutty, buttery flavor
- Pepper Jack for a spicy twist
5. Boost the Veggies
While green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are staples in this dish, you can easily add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients. Some great additions include:
- Spinach or kale for a leafy green boost
- Roasted red peppers for sweetness
- Zucchini or shredded carrots for added texture
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make the meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great serving suggestions:
1. Classic Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness
- Crisp Side Salad – A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad helps balance the richness
- French Fries or Potato Wedges – For the ultimate comfort meal
2. Lighter Options
- Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a fresh, nutritious contrast
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad – A light, tangy side to complement the casserole
3. Fun Serving Ideas
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders – Spoon the casserole onto small toasted buns for an easy party appetizer
- Stuffed Peppers – Fill halved bell peppers with the cheesesteak mixture and bake for a low-carb alternative
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Spoon the casserole over a baked potato for an ultra-comforting meal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
2. Can I Freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Absolutely! Once cooled, portion the casserole into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
3. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
4. Can I Make This Casserole Low-Carb?
Yes! Skip the croutons and replace them with a topping of shredded cheese or crumbled pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
5. What’s the Best Meat for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Ground beef is the easiest and most affordable option, but thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin will give you the most authentic cheesesteak experience.
6. Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Casserole for Any Occasion
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes all the bold flavors of the classic sandwich and transforms them into a cheesy, baked dish that’s easy to make, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal, or a fun dish to serve at a gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to please.
With its melty cheese, savory beef, and crispy topping, it’s everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak—without the need for a hoagie roll. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a new comfort food favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Transform the beloved flavors of the iconic Philly cheesesteak into an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Loaded with savory ground beef, sautéed vegetables, gooey provolone cheese, and crispy croutons, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Enjoy all the taste of your favorite sandwich in a warm, baked casserole format!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, stemmed and chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, trimmed and chopped
Cheese and Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese, divided
Topping:
- 1 hoagie roll, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease the bottom of an 8×8-inch casserole dish with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking apart the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl using a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms.
- Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are golden and tender.
- Make the Filling:
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the cooked beef.
- Cut half of the provolone cheese slices into small pieces and add them to the bowl.
- Add the cream cheese and mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the remaining provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Toss the cubed hoagie roll in a large bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Spread the croutons evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the croutons are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Cheese Swaps: Feel free to use mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack instead of provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced zucchini, spinach, or shredded carrots.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for the croutons and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
