There’s an undeniable warmth that comes with a Philly Cheese Steak, featuring savory beef, caramelized peppers, and melty cheese all tucked into a soft hoagie roll.
This dish conjures images of lively street corners in Philadelphia, where passionate food vendors proudly serve these iconic sandwiches. Now, envision that deliciousness transformed into a casserole—easier to prepare, yet equally satisfying. Enter the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole.
This delightful dish captures all the beloved flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak in a convenient, one-pan meal ideal for entertaining a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner. The mix of lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and rich Provolone cheese melds together beautifully in the oven, creating a comforting, cheesy casserole that is sure to win over hearts at the dinner table.
I first discovered this recipe during a hectic week when I craved something both easy and comforting for my family. After a long workday, the idea of crafting a Philly Cheese Steak from scratch felt overwhelming. When I found this casserole recipe, it was a revelation.
It not only embodied the spirit of the sandwich but also streamlined the cooking process, letting me focus on enjoying the meal with my loved ones instead of being tied up in the kitchen. Since then, this casserole has become a staple in my weekly dinner lineup, treasured for its ease and the joy it brings to our family gatherings.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds lean ground beef
2 bell peppers (any color)
1/2 yellow onion
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s or Morton’s)
4 slices Provolone cheese
4 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s or Morton’s)
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s preheated when you’re ready to bake. While the oven heats, lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Dice the bell peppers and onion into small pieces, using any combination of colors for a vibrant dish. Mince the garlic finely to maximize its flavor, which will blend nicely with the beef mixture and enhance the overall aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart into small crumbles until it’s browned and no longer pink. If your beef is particularly lean, consider adding a bit of olive oil or water to keep it from sticking.
Step 4: Mix in Vegetables and Seasoning
Once the beef is nearly cooked, add the diced peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sprinkle in the seasoned salt to deepen the flavors. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables soften and the beef is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming oily. Then, transfer the beef and vegetable mix to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Tear the Provolone cheese into pieces and distribute it over the top. Feel free to add extra cheese for a richer flavor!
Step 6: Create the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This mixture will form a custard-like base that binds everything together, while the sauces infuse additional flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and cheese in the baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The casserole is ready when the egg is set and firm in the center, and the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Let It Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, cheesy flavors!
Variations and Substitutions
Ground Meat: For a lighter take on this dish, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you’re after a more robust flavor, try mixing ground beef with sausage for a delightful twist.
Cheese: While Provolone is a traditional choice, feel free to explore other cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar. Mix and match according to your taste preferences!
Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by incorporating more veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them well before adding them to the casserole.
Spice Level: Tailor the hot sauce to suit your heat tolerance, and consider sprinkling in red pepper flakes for an extra punch.
Summary
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole offers a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic sandwich, blending all the familiar flavors into a comforting casserole. Its creamy, cheesy texture and hearty beef make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night at home.
With straightforward preparation and the freedom to customize with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is destined to become a regular in your cooking lineup.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of Philly Cheese Steaks or just seeking a new comfort food recipe, this casserole promises both flavor and convenience. Savor each warm bite and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!
Print Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Indulge in a heartwarming casserole that embodies the delicious essence of a traditional Philly cheese steak. This dish brings together seasoned ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all enveloped in a luscious layer of melted Provolone cheese and creamy egg mixture. It’s an ideal choice for a fulfilling weeknight meal!
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef
- 2 diced bell peppers
- ½ diced yellow onion
- 1 minced clove of garlic
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lawry’s or Mortons)
- 4 slices of Provolone cheese, torn into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Chop the bell peppers and yellow onion into small, bite-sized pieces, and finely mince the garlic.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart into crumbles until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic into the skillet. Season with seasoned salt and sauté until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, and evenly distribute the torn Provolone cheese on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the egg mixture is firm and the top is a lovely golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, you might consider adding mushrooms or experimenting with different types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350kcal