Ingredients
Method
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease the bottom of an 8x8-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.