Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a family favorite that’s pure comfort food magic. Think all the gooey, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but in a bubbly, shareable casserole form. I swear, the first time I made this, it disappeared faster than you can say “Whiz wit!” It’s become a staple for potlucks, game nights, and frankly, any Tuesday when we need a little extra joy. If you love lasagna, but crave something a little less Italian and a little more…well, Philly…then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. is about to become your new best friend. It’s super easy to throw together, and trust me, the taste is out of this world!
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What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Alright, let’s break it down. A Philly Cheesesteak casserole is basically all the essential elements of a traditional Philly cheesesteak – tender steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and loads of melted cheese – layered in a casserole dish with a creamy base, and then baked to golden perfection. Think of it as a deconstructed cheesesteak sandwich, but way easier to make for a crowd! It’s essentially a warm hug in a dish, perfect for those nights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without all the fuss of individual sandwiches. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover steak if you happen to have some. It’s comfort food taken to a whole new level.
What are some good reasons to try this recipe?
Where do I begin?Philly Cheesesteak casserole. is a game-changer. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You get that savory, beefy taste from the steak, the sweetness of the caramelized onions and peppers, and the richness of the melted cheese – it’s a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. No need to stand over a hot grill, flipping steaks and assembling sandwiches. Simply sauté your veggies, layer everything in a casserole dish, and pop it in the oven. It’s honestly a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. You can use relatively inexpensive cuts of steak, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. If you’re anything like me and love a good bargain, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
And the versatility! You can customize it to your liking with different types of cheese, add mushrooms, or even spice it up with some jalapeños. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you’re a fan of shepherd’s pie or even a good old mac and cheese, but are looking for a something more bold and flavorful, then you need to try this. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort and exciting new flavors.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Quick Overview
Making this Philly Cheesesteak Casserol is easier than you think! Basically, you’ll sauté some onions and peppers, cook the steak, whip up a creamy cheese sauce, layer everything in a baking dish, and then bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super forgiving – you don’t have to be a professional chef to pull it off. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!
Ingredients
For the Steak & Veggies:
* 1.5 lbs thinly sliced steak (I usually go for sirloin or ribeye, but even flank steak works!)
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the Cheese Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too!)
* 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
* 4 cups shredded cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or a blend – use what you love!)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
* 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
* Optional: Whiz cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always give it a good coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking – trust me, you don’t want to. How do you clean burnt cheese off the bottom?
Step 2: Sauté Veggies
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor, so don’t rush it. What should I do if I want my onions to be golden brown?
Step 3: Cook Steak
Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet with the veggies. Cook until the steak is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. How do you cook steak?
Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce
While steak and veggies are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of your cheese sauce. If you want to cook out the raw flour taste, don’t let it brown.
Step 5: Add Milk & Cream Cheese
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese & Seasonings
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder. Salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and delicious. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 7: Assemble Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked egg noodles over the bottom. Top with half of the steak and veggie mixture, and then pour half the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, steak and veggies, and cheese sauce.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. If desired, spread Whiz cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese sauce to set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserol is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
For a Light Lunch: Serve with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the casserole.
For a Hearty Dinner: Pair it with some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus. The added veggies will provide some extra nutrients and balance out the meal.
For Game Night: Serve with a side of fries or onion rings. It’s the perfect indulgent treat for watching your favorite team.
For a Potluck: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, so it’s perfect for bringing to potlucks. Just make sure to bring a serving spoon!
My family loves it with a side of coleslaw – the cool, creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. I’ve even served it with a side of pickles for that authentic Philly cheesesteak experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Want to take your Philly cheesesteak casserole to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for perfecting this recipe:
Steak Selection: The key to a great cheesesteak is using high-quality steak. I prefer ribeye or sirloin because they are tender and flavorful. However, flank steak can also work if you slice it thinly against the grain.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Overcooked steak is tough and dry. Cook the steak just until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Caramelize the Onions and Peppers: Don’t rush the sautéing process. The caramelized onions and peppers are essential for that signature Philly cheesesteak flavor. Cook them until they are softened and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Use High-Quality Cheese: The cheese is a crucial component of this casserole, so don’t skimp on quality. I recommend using provolone or mozzarella cheese, or a blend of both. You can also add some Whiz cheese for that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your steak, veggies, and cheese sauce generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The seasonings are what give this casserole its delicious flavor.
Customize to Your Liking: This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
I once accidentally used too much flour in the cheese sauce, and it ended up being way too thick. I learned that it’s important to measure your ingredients accurately! I also found that using pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese, so I always shred my own now. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Philly cheesesteak casserole (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can start to grow.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
I always find that reheating it in the oven gives it the best texture, but microwaving is a quicker option if you’re short on time. And if you’re freezing it, I recommend adding a little extra cheese on top before baking, as the cheese tends to dry out a bit during the freezing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe! It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to potlucks and parties. It’s easy to make, cost-effective, and incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for? If you love comfort food and you’re looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, then I highly recommend giving this casserole a shot. You won’t be disappointed! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my creamy baked ziti, or even my quick and easy chili recipe! Both are family pleasers and sure to hit the spot.
Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!
Philly cheesesteak casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the steak and onions until the steak is browned and the onions are softened.
- Transfer the steak and onions to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour beef broth over the steak and onions.
- Top with provolone cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
