Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (2024)

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is made with ground beef, bell peppers, shell pasta, minced garlic, and baked to perfection in a creamy, and delicious cheese sauce! An easy and dinner that is ready in 30 minutes!

Casseroles are one of my favorite dishes to make. They are easy to assemble, great to feed a large family, and leftovers are delicious! You can pair this recipe with Crispy Onion Rings, Smashed Potatoes, or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (1)

Easy Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that packs all the sandwich flavors into a simple casserole. It has all the familiar tastes you love such as ground beef, bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic, but baked in a delicious pasta casserole and extra loaded with cheese.

I already have an Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe for those who love cooking in the Instant Pot. But in this oven-baked version, I tweaked the ingredients a bit to resemble the original and authentic flavors, while skipping the buns. The shell pasta really absorbs the beef and the rest of the ingredients well, and the melted cheese adds so much creaminess to it.

You can adjust and swap some of the ingredients and customize them based on your own taste. For example, lean-ground beef can be swapped with sausage, or add other veggies such as mushrooms. This is truly a super simple and delicious meal for a large family to enjoy. And the best part, it is ready in about 30 minutes.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (3)

What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

It is basically taking the same flavors and ingredients as the classic and iconic sandwich, but without the buns, and then it puts it into a baking dish form.

Ingredients needed:

For the exact ingredient measures, check out the recipe card below. Here is what you will need:

  • Ground beef – Try using good-quality lean ground beef, preferably organic.
  • Pasta – Small shell pasta is the best choice here because it absorbs well the rest of the ingredients. Alternatively, you can go with macaroni or elbow pasta. All work well here.
  • VeggiesBell pepper is a must for a truly authentic experience! Also, freshly minced garlic adds quite a lot of flavor so I highly recommend using it.
  • Seasoning – Kosher salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika.
  • Broth – I like using homemade Chicken Stock or beef broth. Also, feel free to use the store-bought type. Just ensure to use the reduced-sodium version, so you can control the saltiness.
  • Cheese – For a creamier texture you will want to incorporate cream and cream cheese. Also, provolone cheese both shredded and sliced is used here.
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How to make the best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe?

  1. Cook the pasta: First, boil the pasta according to package instructions. Cook it al-dente because it will go into the oven as well. Drain, and set aside.
  2. Saute the meat: In a skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds. Next, add the meat, and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper.
  3. Add the veggies: Once the meat is browned, then add the sliced veggies to it and saute for about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning and paprika.
  4. Add the cheeses: Next, mix in the cream cheese, cream, and chicken stock. Stir gently together until all is combined. Then, stir in the cheese and the cooked pasta.
  5. Bake: Lastly, transfer everything to a 9 by 13 casserole dish, and back it for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
  6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onion, and serve warm.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (5)

Recipe Variations and Substitutions:

  • Low Carb: To make it low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the pasta. Or, turn this into a Low Carb Philly Cheesecake Stuffed Zucchini Boats.
  • Other meats: Swap the beef with steak, ground sausage, pork, chicken, or even turkey.
  • More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate more vegetables into the mix. Starting from sliced mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
  • Seasoning: Use your favorite seasonings here. Some great alternatives would be ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
  • Spicy: To add some heat to it, simply chop in some jalapeno peppers.
  • Cheese: Although the classic version calls for provolone cheese, you can use other types as well. For example, parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella are great alternatives as well.

What to serve with Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?

This is a full and filling meal on its own, so you can easily serve it as is. However, it also goes well with the following sides:

  • Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
  • German Potato Salad [Video]
  • Classic Caesar Salad Recipe [Video]
  • Crispy Potato Wedges Recipe [Video]

How to store it?

Make ahead: Assemble the dish according to the recipe steps below. Then, refrigerate it in a baking dish for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake according to the instructions.

To store leftovers: First, let the leftovers completely cool down. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

More casserole dishes to try:

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (15)

Recipe Tips:

  • For a creamier texture, use more cream cheese. Also, your extra provolone cheese.
  • Other pasta types can be used here. Just go with what you have on hand and like the most.
  • I highly recommend using organic, and lean ground beef for this meal.
  • To double the recipe, simply double the ingredients and follow the same steps. In addition, you might use a larger baking dish, or cook in two different dishes.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

  • Prep Time15 MIN
  • Cook Time45 MIN
  • Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 3 cups shell pasta small or medium
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 bell peppers sliced into thin strips - green, yellow and red
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded Provolone cheese
  • 8 slices Provolone cheese

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Cook pasta per package directions aiming for al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Place a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add the beef. Using a wooden spoon, break it down and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned well.

  • Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the pan. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Saute for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

  • Add the cream cheese, heavy cream and broth. Stir together until smooth and the cream cheese is melted.

  • Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Provolone cheese and the cooked pasta.

  • Light spray with cooking spray a 9x13 baking dish.

  • Transfer the mixture to it and top it with the remaining provolone cheese slices.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Garnish with a freshly chopped parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (16)
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to a Philly cheesesteak? ›

The key to a great cheesesteak is super thinly sliced pieces of beef. For easier slicing, cover and freeze your steak for 30-40 minutes (freeze a thicker steak for 40 minutes and a thinner steak for 30 minutes).

What is a good side dish for Philly cheesesteak casserole? ›

The best side dishes that complement Philly Cheesesteak are cheese curds, french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, coleslaw, fried okra, and cherry tomato salad. The list is long, so read patiently as we dig into many more side dishes to make your Philly cheesesteaks tempting and fulfilling.

What is the best melting cheese for cheesesteaks? ›

Cheese - Use either mild provolone cheese, white American cheese, or melted Cheez Whiz for a classic Philly Cheesesteak flavor. Rolls - Use sliced hoagie rolls for these luxurious sandwiches. Butter - Salted butter is best to make garlic butter, as it will enhance the flavor.

What cut of meat is good for Philly cheesesteak? ›

You want a cut that isn't too lean—the fat is necessary for juiciness and flavor carry-through. Obviously, ribeye steak is the best, but it can be a little pricey for a few sandwiches. Chuck could work for a budget approach, but you might get it cut just a little thinner than the ribeye.

What gives Philly cheesesteak its flavor? ›

Mix salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil together in a small bowl. Place steak in a large bowl; sprinkle seasoning mixture over top and stir to coat.

Does sauce go on Philly cheesesteak? ›

Most Philly cheesesteaks don't include sauce. That's a Valley spin. This cheesesteak features sauteed mushrooms, which are always nice.

What is the best bread for Philly cheesesteak? ›

The Ingredients

Hoagie Roll: The perfect roll for cradling the juicy mixture of cheesy beef, onions, and peppers. You could also use a large baguette cut into 4 sections, sausage rolls, or any other “roll” type vessel of your choosing.

What holds casseroles together? ›

A perfect casserole needs one or more binders: cheese, eggs, condensed soup, Greek yogurt or noodles, for example. Next up are good seasonings; you need herbs and spices to make it all sing.

Do you put mayo on a Philly cheesesteak? ›

Crafted with premium steak, grilled onions, American cheese, mushrooms, bell peppers, provolone cheese, light mayo on our fresh-baked bread.

What kind of onion goes on a Philly cheesesteak? ›

Homemade Philly Cheesesteak

These cheesesteaks are loaded with thinly shaved ribeye steak, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and all of the melty cheese your heart could desire.

What is the best store bought meat for Philly cheesesteak? ›

Conclusion. Ribeye steak is the only choice for a real Philly cheesesteak. You can substitute flank, skirt, top round, sirloin, or any other cut that cooks into tender, thin strips, but ribeye is the original choice. Just make sure you buy grass-fed and grass-finished beef for the best results.

What's the difference between a cheesesteak and a Philly cheesesteak? ›

Other hallmarks of a true Philly cheesesteak include an Amoroso's roll and sliced or shaved ribeye. A steak and cheese sandwich, then, can be defined by how it differs from a Philly cheesesteak. If it uses a different type of cheese, steak, or roll, it's a steak and cheese sandwich.

What were the original Philly cheesesteak ingredients? ›

Although the original cheesesteak started with steak, onions, and provolone, we now consider provolone and Cheez Whiz sandwiches as classic cheesesteaks. Same with green peppers – some cheesesteak lovers can't live without them.

What does a real Philly cheesesteak have on it? ›

Let's dive into Philadelphia's most-famous sandwich. It is a sandwich made of thinly sliced beef — usually frozen chip steak — cooked on a griddle and served on a sliced roll with cheese and either “wit” or “witout” onions. The cheese is typically American cheese, provolone or melted Cheez Whiz.

What makes a Philly cheesesteak so good? ›

Only three ingredients are necessary: thinly sliced sirloin steak, melted cheese and a French roll that is baked in-house, and is crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside — soft enough to soak up the juices of the meat.

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