Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak – tender, thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and that gloriously gooey cheese sauce – all baked into a warm, bubbly casserole. It’s a weeknight dinner dream come true, and trust me, your family will be begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of the Philly cheesesteak are well-documented (thanks, Pat Olivieri!), the casserole version is a more modern interpretation, born from a desire to enjoy those same beloved flavors in a convenient and shareable format. Think of it as a deconstructed cheesesteak, reimagined for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. It captures the essence of the original sandwich, but with a fun, accessible twist.

What’s not to love? This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is incredibly satisfying, offering a delightful combination of savory beef, sweet caramelized vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that binds it all together. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover steak or vegetables. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dish to bring to your next get-together. Get ready to experience all the deliciousness of a Philly cheesesteak, without the need for a grill or individual rolls!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Steak Mixture:
• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin work best)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz shredded provolone cheese
• 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For the Bread Base:
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Preparing the Steak Mixture:

1. Get the Steak Ready: If your steak isn’t already thinly sliced, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will ensure it’s tender and easy to eat in the casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the thinly sliced steak to the other side. Cook the steak in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the steak instead of searing it. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
5. Combine and Season: Once the steak is cooked, combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour into the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce. Be sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth.
6. Add the Provolone and Mozzarella: Add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Keep the cheese sauce warm while you prepare the bread base.

Preparing the Bread Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut the Italian bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated knife for easier cutting.
3. Toss with Butter and Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the butter and seasonings.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will create a delicious and slightly crispy base for the casserole.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Layer the Steak Mixture: Pour the steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Spread it out so that it covers the entire bread base.
2. Pour the Cheese Sauce: Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the steak mixture. Make sure the cheese sauce covers all of the steak and vegetables.
3. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. The cheese sauce should be melted and slightly browned.
4. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese sauce to set slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

This Philly cheesesteak casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some extra toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Toppings: Serve with extra shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
• Sides: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the casserole. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus.
• Variations: Feel free to customize the casserole to your liking. You can add mushrooms to the steak mixture, use different types of cheese in the sauce, or even add a layer of tater tots on top for a fun twist.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Philly cheesesteak casserole! I hope you and your family love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is truly a game-changer. It takes all the iconic flavors of the classic sandwich – the tender steak, the gooey cheese, the savory onions and peppers – and transforms them into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a fun game-day gathering. I know, I know, there are a million casserole recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible taste makes it a total winner.

Why is this a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of the seasoned steak, the creamy cheese sauce, and the slightly sweet peppers and onions is simply irresistible. Secondly, it’s so easy to make! Seriously, you can have this casserole in the oven in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And finally, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from kids to adults, will love this hearty and flavorful dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling satisfied.

Looking for some serving suggestions or variations? I’ve got you covered! For a classic experience, serve this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for an earthy flavor. Or, for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can even swap out the provolone cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Another great idea is to use different types of bread for the topping. Instead of the traditional rolls, try using garlic bread or even pretzel rolls for a unique twist.

For a lower-carb option, you can skip the bread topping altogether and simply bake the steak and cheese mixture in a casserole dish. You could also add some cauliflower rice to the bottom of the dish to bulk it up and add some extra vegetables. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the steak with portobello mushrooms or a plant-based steak alternative. Just be sure to season the mushrooms well to mimic the savory flavor of the steak.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe it will become a new family favorite. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to make it your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Once you’ve made this amazing Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #PhillyCheesesteakCasserole and tag me so I can see your creations! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy every bite of this delicious and easy-to-make casserole. It’s a guaranteed winner, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. So go ahead, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!