Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich—tender steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese—into a comforting, baked casserole. This hearty dish delivers a savory, cheesy experience with a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a filling dinner, potluck, or game-day feast.

I first made Philly Cheesesteak Casserole when I wanted to enjoy the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors without the hassle of sandwiches. Layering thinly sliced steak, sautéed veggies, and a generous amount of melted cheese created a dish that was both decadent and incredibly satisfying. My family loved the rich, cheesy goodness and the way every bite was bursting with that classic Philly cheesesteak taste.

What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Use different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar for a unique twist on the classic. Add mushrooms for an earthy touch or pepperoni for a little extra punch. Serve it with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or some potato chips on the side. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Game nights
Casual gatherings
Comfort food cravings
Meat and cheese enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole will become a new favorite:

Authentic Flavors: It delivers the true taste of a Philly cheesesteak in every bite.
Cheesy Goodness: Gooey melted cheese ties everything together, making every spoonful irresistible.
Savory and Satisfying: A perfect blend of meat, veggies, and cheese for a fulfilling meal.
Quick Prep Time: Simple preparation with less time-consuming steps than traditional cheesesteaks.
Family-Friendly Dish: A hit among kids and adults alike, loved by all ages.
Customizable Ingredients: Add mushrooms, bacon, or hot peppers to suit your taste preferences.
Comfort Food Appeal: A cozy, hearty meal that warms the soul.
Make Ahead Friendly: Great for prepping in advance and reheating when ready.
Balanced Seasoning: A perfect combination of salt, pepper, and subtle seasonings.
Easy Cleanup: One-pan cooking minimizes dishes and cleanup time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 35g

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

Ribeye Steak: Provides rich, tender meat for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
Bell Peppers and Onions: Offer a sweet, savory balance and robust flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Gives that classic Philly cheesesteak taste and gooey texture.
Cream Cheese: Adds a velvety, smooth finish to the cheese sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak and Vegetables

Sauté Steak: In a large skillet over high heat, sauté thinly sliced steak in olive oil until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole

Layer Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer steak, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheeses.
Add Cream Cheese: Mix cream cheese with the shredded mozzarella and provolone, then spread the cheese mixture evenly on top of the casserole.

Bake the Casserole

Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve Hot: Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite side dish.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:

With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a slice of toasted bread for dipping.
On a Sub Roll: Spoon the casserole onto a sub roll for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich twist.
With French Fries: Pair with crispy fries for a classic diner-style meal.
With Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast.
Over Rice: Serve on a bed of rice to add substance and soak up the flavors.
As an Appetizer: Use smaller portions in a casserole dish for sharing.
With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a fresh green salad.
Add Hot Sauce: For a spicy twist, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
With Pickles: Serve with pickle slices for a tangy contrast.
On a Plate with Egg Rolls: Pair with egg rolls for a fun fusion twist.

Additional Tips

Use High-Quality Meat: Opt for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin for a more authentic and flavorful Philly cheesesteak taste.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika to enhance the flavors.
Add Sautéed Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers and onions, as they’re key ingredients in a classic Philly cheesesteak.
Cheese Selection Matters: Use a blend of cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, and American for that gooey, cheesy texture.
Toasted Bread Crust: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and toast until golden brown.
Layer Strategically: Layer the meat, veggies, cheese, and sauce in a way that ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.
Include Mushrooms for Depth: Adding sautéed mushrooms can provide a rich, earthy flavor that complements the meat and cheese.
Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding a little Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for a unique twist on the traditional flavors.
Make It Extra Savory with Garlic: Toss some minced garlic into the sautéed vegetables to amplify the savory goodness of the casserole.
Allow Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking; it helps the layers set and enhances the overall texture and taste.

Recipe Variations

Classic Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and bell peppers baked with mozzarella and provolone cheese, layered with crispy bread cubes.
Chicken Philly Casserole: Substitute steak with shredded chicken. Add sautéed onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
Buffalo Philly Casserole: Add shredded buffalo sauce-coated steak and spicy ranch dressing. Include onions, celery, and mozzarella.
Vegetarian Philly Casserole: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini instead of meat. Mix in mozzarella and cream cheese.
BBQ Philly Casserole: Use shredded steak with BBQ sauce, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky twist.
Pasta Philly Casserole: Combine cooked pasta with sautéed steak, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a cheesy sauce made of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Loaded Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Add beef bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, bell peppers, and a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone cheeses.
Keto-Friendly Philly Casserole: Use a base of cauliflower rice instead of bread. Combine sautéed steak, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Southwest Philly Casserole: Incorporate black beans, corn, bell peppers, steak, and a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese with southwest seasonings.
Garlic Parmesan Philly Casserole: Use garlic sautéed steak, onions, and bell peppers. Add parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and cream cheese for a rich, cheesy topping.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: For sautéing the steak and vegetables.
9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking the casserole.
Sharp Knife: For slicing steak and veggies efficiently.
Spatula: For layering and serving the casserole.
Meat Thermometer: Optional but useful for ensuring steak doneness.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen steak instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw frozen steak before slicing and sautéing for the best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm and bubbly.
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The gooey cheese and meat combination appeal to kids and adults alike.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Do I have to use all the vegetables?
No, customize with mushrooms, bacon, or any other veggies you prefer.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy?
Use lean meat and drain any excess fat after sautéing the steak.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply skip any bread pairings and enjoy it on its own or with rice.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based cheese substitutes and non-dairy cream cheese.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender spaghetti noodles, juicy chunks of chicken, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. This one-pan wonder is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, with a creamy, savory base complemented by a touch of tang from tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or even make-ahead meal prep!

Add your personal touch by including vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, and experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan. You can also season it with garlic, Italian herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

I’d love to see your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your cheesy, delicious masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or creative variations you made to make this casserole your own!