Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Are you a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich? If so, you’re going to love this Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe! This dish brings all the delicious flavors of a traditional cheesesteak into a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or simply want to try something new, this Philly cheesesteak casserole is sure to impress. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish, including tips for substitutions, variations, and how to serve it to perfection.

What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

A Philly cheesesteak casserole is a delightful combination of tender beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a rich blend of cheeses, all baked together to create a warm and hearty dish. It takes the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich – known for its thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and grilled vegetables – and turns it into a baked casserole that’s easy to prepare and serve. This recipe is a great option for those looking to feed a crowd, and it can be customized in many ways to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

To create the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds of thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin work best)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese (you can also use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or fresh herbs for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe is its versatility. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, or if you want to tweak the recipe to fit specific preferences or dietary needs, here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:

• Beef Substitution: Instead of using ribeye or sirloin, you can use ground beef or even thinly sliced chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or remove vegetables based on your preferences. For example, some people enjoy adding sliced jalapeños for a bit of spice or spinach for extra greens.
• Cheese Choices: Provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can experiment with cheeses like American, Swiss, or even Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can omit the bread or pasta (if using) and stick to just the casserole’s meat, vegetables, and cheese components.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: This recipe can easily be made keto-friendly by ensuring the cream cheese and heavy cream are full-fat, and by not including any bread or pasta additions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Philly cheesesteak casserole is straightforward to prepare, and the result is a flavorful, cheesy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this delicious casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Be sure to season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil (or butter), then add the sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Mix in Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, then slowly add the slightly cooled cheese mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
6. Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, making sure everything is evenly covered. Sprinkle with shredded provolone and cheddar cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or herbs if desired, then slice and serve.

How to Cook Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process of cooking a Philly cheesesteak casserole:

1. Prep Ingredients: Slice beef, vegetables, and cheese. Preheat the oven.
2. Brown the Beef: Cook the beef until browned. Remove from the skillet.
3. Cook Vegetables: Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until soft.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the cream cheese, combine with cream, broth, and spices, then whisk in eggs.
5. Assemble: Layer the beef, vegetables, and cheese sauce in a casserole dish.
6. Bake: Cook in the oven until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can result in tough, dry meat.
• Undercooking the Vegetables: The vegetables should be softened before baking. If you don’t cook them enough during the sautéing step, they can remain crunchy in the casserole.
• Scrambling the Eggs: When adding eggs to the cheese mixture, make sure the cheese sauce has cooled slightly. Adding eggs to a very hot mixture can cause them to scramble.
• Skipping the Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or even a dash of black pepper on top can really elevate the presentation and flavor of the casserole. Don’t skip it!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving any casserole, and the Philly cheesesteak casserole is no exception. To make it look as good as it tastes, follow these simple serving and presentation tips:

1. Slice Neatly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to slice into neat squares or rectangles.
2. Add Garnish: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or even a sprinkling of chives can add a touch of color and enhance the visual appeal.
3. Pair with Side Dishes: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• Portion Control: Serve in individual portions, making sure to include a good mix of beef, vegetables, and cheese in each slice.
• Family Style: Alternatively, you can serve it family-style straight from the casserole dish at the table, allowing guests to help themselves.

Presentation Ideas for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

• Layered Look: Keep the layers distinct so you can see the colorful vegetables through the melted cheese.
• Garnish Generously: Use plenty of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to give the dish a restaurant-quality finish.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep in Advance: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Make it a Freezer Meal: Philly cheesesteak casserole freezes well. Prepare and bake it, then freeze the leftovers in individual portions for an easy meal later on.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
   • Yes! Ground beef, chicken, or even turkey can be used as substitutes for traditional steak.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   • The best method is to cover the casserole with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
   • Yes! This recipe is naturally keto-friendly as long as you omit any bread or pasta additions.
5. Can I add pasta to the casserole?
   • Yes, you can! Cooked pasta can be mixed into the casserole to make it even heartier.

Conclusion

The Philly cheesesteak casserole is a fantastic dish that takes the beloved flavors of a cheesesteak and transforms them into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Don’t wait – try this Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe today and enjoy the rich, savory flavors in every bite!

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