This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a comforting, cheesy delight that combines the savory goodness of beef, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The hash brown base adds a crispy texture, making each bite a satisfying experience. Topped with melted provolone and cheddar cheese, this dish offers all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in an easy-to-make casserole form.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a quick meal after a long day, this casserole is sure to please. It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can even adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences. Try adding your favorite veggies or swapping the cheeses to create your own version. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package frozen hash browns (about 20 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Layer the frozen hash browns in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture over the top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded provolone and cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic American Favorite
The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a savory, hearty dish that takes all the classic flavors of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and reimagines them in a comforting casserole form. It combines tender beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, melted cheese, and crispy hash browns, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. This casserole is a great way to satisfy those cheesesteak cravings without the need for a hoagie roll, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
A Brief History of Philly Cheesesteak
To fully appreciate the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, it’s important to understand the origins of its inspiration—the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. This iconic American dish traces its roots back to the 1930s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cheesesteak was created by Pat and Harry Oliviero, who began selling their version of the sandwich in South Philadelphia. Legend has it that the sandwich was born when Pat Oliviero, a hot dog vendor, decided to use steak instead of a hot dog. He sautéed thin slices of ribeye steak with onions and piled them into a roll, topped with melted cheese. Over time, the sandwich became a beloved staple of Philadelphia cuisine and spread throughout the United States.
The Philly cheesesteak sandwich is typically made with thinly sliced ribeye beef, onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese—often either provolone or Cheez Whiz—served in a long hoagie roll. While this combination of ingredients has remained consistent for decades, variations of the sandwich have emerged, with different types of cheese, toppings, and even the bread itself. This rich history of innovation and adaptation is what inspired the creation of the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, a more convenient and versatile version of the classic sandwich that can be enjoyed by all, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Is a Game Changer
One of the major appeals of the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is how it maintains all the flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak, but in an easy-to-make, casserole-style dish. While preparing a traditional Philly cheesesteak involves grilling steak, sautéing vegetables, and assembling the sandwich on a roll, making a casserole is significantly simpler. Instead of dealing with the intricacies of sandwich construction, you can simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. The casserole format also makes it easier to serve a crowd, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a party.
Moreover, the casserole is incredibly versatile. It can be made with different types of meat, such as ground beef, chicken, or even turkey. Vegetables can be customized to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences. While bell peppers and onions are traditional, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be substituted for variety. The choice of cheese also varies depending on what you have on hand—provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses can all work beautifully in this dish. The hash brown base provides a deliciously crispy texture, balancing the creamy, cheesy topping, and offering a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Tips for Perfecting the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Making a Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is easy, but there are a few tips that can help elevate the dish to the next level and ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Meat: The type of meat you use can make a big difference in the flavor of your casserole. While traditional Philly cheesesteaks use ribeye steak, ground beef is a more common choice for casseroles, as it’s easier to cook and more affordable. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
- Cook the Vegetables Until Tender: Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) until they are soft and caramelized will bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. This step adds complexity to the dish and ensures that the vegetables blend well with the meat and cheese.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Casserole: When layering the ingredients in the casserole dish, make sure not to overcrowd it. If the dish is too packed, the casserole may not cook evenly, and the cheese may not melt properly. It’s important to leave space for the heat to circulate and melt everything to perfection.
- Use Shredded Cheese for Better Melt: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but using freshly shredded cheese will give you a creamier, more melty result. The meltability of cheese varies by type, so a blend of mozzarella and provolone tends to work best for a gooey, indulgent finish.
- Customize the Toppings: The beauty of a casserole is that you can top it with whatever you like. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, while crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs provide an extra crunch. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or a bit of Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
Variations of the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
While the classic Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences. Some popular variations include:
- Buffalo Chicken Philly Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and add a bit of buffalo sauce to the mix for a spicy twist on the classic.
- Vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: For a meat-free version, use mushrooms, soy protein, or tempeh instead of beef. You can also load up on extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to add texture and flavor.
- Philly Cheese Steak Tater Tot Casserole: For a fun twist, substitute hash browns with tater tots. This gives the casserole a crispy topping and adds an extra layer of texture to the dish.
- Low-Carb Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: To make a low-carb version, replace the hash browns with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This is a great option for those following keto or paleo diets.
- Philly Cheese Steak Casserole with Bacon: Add crumbled bacon to the casserole for an extra layer of smoky flavor. The bacon pairs wonderfully with the beef and cheese, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: Perfect for Any Occasion
The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is not just a weekday dinner—its hearty flavors and comforting nature make it an ideal dish for family gatherings, holiday meals, and even casual get-togethers with friends. Whether you’re hosting a sports watch party or a cozy dinner, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great dish to prep ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Moreover, the casserole can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings you need. It’s also great for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be frozen for up to two months. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal whenever you need it.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in a no-fuss, family-friendly casserole form. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, a potluck, or a family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. With its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and endless variations, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in many households.
This casserole embodies everything that makes comfort food so appealing: it’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up the traditional Philly cheesesteak and try something new while still enjoying all the classic elements you love. So next time you’re craving a Philly cheesesteak, skip the sandwich and give this casserole a try—you won’t regret it!