If you are craving something hearty, cheesy, and bursting with the comforting flavors of a classic sandwich, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is calling your name. Imagine all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak—tender roast beef, sautéed peppers and onions, mouthwatering melted cheeses—layered together in a warm, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers that taste just as amazing. This dish brings that iconic taste into an easy-to-make casserole form, ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something that feels both special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can combine to create such an unforgettable dish. Each component plays its own important part in building layers of flavor, texture, and even palette-pleasing color in this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe.
- Bell Peppers: Using one each of green, yellow, and red peppers adds vibrant color and a sweet, slightly crisp texture that balances the richness.
- Salted Butter: Just 2 tablespoons melt perfectly to sauté the veggies and infuse richness into the mix.
- Small Onion: Thinly sliced for gentle sweetness and the classic Philly cheesesteak aroma once cooked down.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced finely, these give an irresistible savory depth to the whole dish.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Their earthiness complements the beef and adds moisture, preventing dryness.
- Deli-Style Roast Beef: Thinly sliced so it layers beautifully, giving tender, meaty bites throughout.
- Provolone Cheese: Soft and melty, the six slices lay a gooey, rich blanket over the beef and veggies.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible bubbly, golden crust when baked.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Bell Peppers
Start by removing the seeds and ribs from your bell peppers and slicing them into thin strips. This not only helps them cook evenly but also ensures each bite is perfectly tender with just the right crunch.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your salted butter and toss in the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they release their sweet aroma and become translucent. Then add the cremini mushrooms and bell pepper strips. Sauté everything until the vegetables soften and develop a lovely golden color, which enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
Step 3: Add Roast Beef
Stir in the thinly sliced deli-style roast beef, folding it gently into the vegetable mix. This allows the beef to warm through and mingle with the sautéed veggies, infusing the mixture with those classic Philly cheesesteak flavors. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired, remembering your cheese will add salty richness too.
Step 4: Layer with Cheese and Bake
Transfer your flavorful mixture to a casserole dish. Neatly layer six slices of provolone cheese over the top, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 minutes. To finish, broil on high just long enough to get that cheese bubbling and beautifully browned, creating a mouthwatering golden crust.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or a few sliced green onions can brighten the casserole both visually and flavor-wise. A light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a scattering of crushed red pepper flakes also kicks things up for those who like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp salads, such as a light kale or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance its richness. Roasted or steamed green beans make a perfect veggie side, adding freshness and snap that complements the tender, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, serve this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Another fun idea is to scoop portions onto toasted hoagie rolls for a handheld twist reminiscent of the beloved original sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors again without spending extra time in the kitchen.
Freezing
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or use an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When planning meals ahead, this is a great option to have ready for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve that lovely texture and melted cheese. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the casserole watery or unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional roast beef is best for authentic flavor, you can substitute thinly sliced chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything is tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the roast beef and cheeses you choose don’t contain additives with gluten. Always double-check labels to be safe!
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole the day before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh when ready to serve. This step saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What type of cheese works best in the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe?
Provolone is the classic choice due to its mild, creamy melt, while mozzarella adds that dreamy gooey stretch. You can mix in cheddar for a sharper bite or swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack if preferred.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the veggies or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking. A dash of hot sauce served on the side also allows guests to customize their heat level.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about transforming a beloved sandwich into a comforting casserole, and this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe does exactly that with flair and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it delivers soulful satisfaction and hearty goodness in every bite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make this cozy, cheesy masterpiece a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines all the classic flavors of the beloved sandwich in a convenient and comforting baked dish. Tender roast beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and mushrooms are layered with provolone and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper
Vegetable Mix
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
Meat and Cheese
- 1 1/2 pounds deli-style roast beef, thinly sliced
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the green, yellow, and red bell peppers, removing all seeds and inner ribs to ensure tenderness.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly softened. Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and prepared bell peppers, sautéing until all vegetables become tender and flavorful.
- Add Beef: Incorporate the thinly sliced roast beef into the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Layer the provolone cheese slices over the top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Broil: Switch the oven to broil and cook the casserole for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese topping is browned, bubbly, and slightly crispy on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich and hearty Philly Cheesesteak flavors in every bite.
Notes
- You can substitute deli-style roast beef with thinly sliced ribeye for a more authentic cheesesteak taste.
- Adjust the cheese quantities based on your preference for cheesiness.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
