Nothing beats the feeling of crafting a dish that brings all the delicious textures of a classic Philly cheesesteak into one comforting, cheesy bake. I love how this casserole takes tender, thinly sliced ribeye and sends it on a flavor journey with sautéed onions, vibrant green bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms. Mixed in with softened cream cheese, a splash of beef broth, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, the result is a luxuriously creamy sauce that hugs every nook of your favorite pasta shape—whether it’s penne, rotini, or something fun you’ve got on hand. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a showstopper that feels indulgent without demanding hours in the kitchen. With around 15 minutes of prep and a quick bake time of about 20–25 minutes, you’ve got a bubbly, hot-out-of-the-oven casserole that’s perfect for both busy family dinners and casual gatherings with friends.
Every bite of this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a nod to its street-food roots, but elevated to comfort-food royalty in a casserole dish. The beauty of packing these flavors into a one-dish bake is that you get all the melty, gooey goodness of provolone cheese melting over perfectly seasoned beef and veggies, plus the delight of tender pasta soaking up every bit of that savory sauce. It’s intermediate in difficulty, sure, but don’t let that intimidate you—if you can sauté, stir, and bake, you’ve got this! And once it’s out of the oven and bubbling, just let it rest for a few minutes so those flavors settle into each strand of pasta. Clocking in at about 520 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying, fun twist on classic comfort food that everyone will devour. I promise, you’ll want to print this recipe, save it, and come back to it again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PHILLY CHEESE STEAK CASSEROLE
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s chat about the key players that bring this casserole to life. Each ingredient plays its role—whether it’s building layers of savory depth, adding creamy richness, or delivering that irresistible cheese pull. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ribeye steak
Offers tender, juicy beef that holds up beautifully during sautéing. The marbling in ribeye brings extra flavor and richness to the casserole.
- Olive oil
A light and fragrant fat that helps to brown the steak and sauté the vegetables without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion
Provides a sweet and slightly sharp base note. When caramelized just right, it balances the savory elements and adds texture to each forkful.
- Green bell pepper
Brings a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color. Its subtle sweetness complements the beef and onions perfectly.
- Mushrooms
Lend an earthy, umami-packed dimension that deepens the overall flavor profile and adds meaty texture.
- Garlic powder
Delivers that unmistakable garlic essence in a convenient form, boosting complexity without the need for minced cloves.
- Salt
Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients and ensuring every bite pops.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and complexity, creating a well-rounded seasoning profile.
- Shredded provolone cheese
Melts into a stretchy, gooey topping with a tangy edge that ties all the casserole elements together.
- Cream cheese
Softens into a rich, velvety sauce that coats the steak, veggies, and pasta for that luxurious, creamy texture.
- Beef broth
Helps to thin out the cream cheese slightly, infusing the mixture with extra savory depth and moisture.
- Worcestershire sauce
Brings tangy, slightly sweet umami notes that accentuate the meaty flavors.
- Cooked pasta
Acts as the hearty foundation, soaking up the creamy sauce and providing satisfying bite—you can’t go wrong with penne or rotini!
HOW TO MAKE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK CASSEROLE
Let’s walk through how to transform these everyday ingredients into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole. From searing the steak to achieving that perfect melt on top, I’ll guide you through each step so you can enjoy a fuss-free comfort feast.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to go by the time you assemble the casserole.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak in a single layer and cook until browned—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the steak and set it aside, leaving those delicious brown bits in the pan.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.
4. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir well to coat the veggies evenly. This builds the seasoning foundation.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned steak, sautéed vegetables, softened cream cheese, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until the sauce is smooth and everything is well incorporated.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the steak and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy, savory sauce.
7. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer so it bakes uniformly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly on top for that irresistible, melty crown.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, gooey, and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes spooning out neat portions a breeze.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PHILLY CHEESE STEAK CASSEROLE
Serving this casserole is half the fun—let your creativity shine with side dishes and garnishes that complement its bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply spoiling yourself, these ideas will help you elevate the experience and enjoy every bite.
- Crispy garden salad: Pair the rich, cheesy bake with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Dress it lightly with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add brightness.
- Garlic breadsticks: Serve alongside warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley. The crisp exterior and soft center are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
- Quick pickled vegetables: Offer a side of flash-pickled cucumbers or carrots for a crunchy, tangy counterpoint. Their acidic snap balances the casserole’s creaminess.
- Spicy hot sauce drizzle: For those who crave heat, set out a bottle of your favorite hot sauce—everything from classic Tabasco to a smoky chipotle option works. A few drops really wake up the flavors.
HOW TO STORE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK CASSEROLE
Storing your leftovers properly ensures that this comfort dish stays just as delicious when you reheat it. With a few simple techniques, you can maintain that creamy texture and bold flavor for days.
Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container—that way, moisture stays in and other odors stay out.
- Airtight containers: Portion the casserole into individual serving sizes in sealed containers. This makes reheating quick and easy, and it prevents sogginess by minimizing air exposure.
- Cover and chill: If keeping it in the original casserole dish, cover the top with foil or plastic wrap tightly, pressing out excess air. Store on a shelf rather than the door to maintain a consistent chill.
- Freezing method: For longer storage, freeze in suitable containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tips: Warm single portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 350°F oven (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning. Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the cheese on top.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak and the comforting ease of a baked casserole, this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you need a hearty, satisfying meal. We’ve covered everything—from selecting tender ribeye and melty provolone cheese to mastering the art of seasoning and achieving that perfect creamy sauce. Remember: with about 15 minutes of prep, a 25-minute bake, and a brief rest, you’ll have a bubbling casserole that’s ready to steal the show. Don’t forget, this dish can be printed and saved for later, so you can revisit these steps whenever you’re craving that savory, cheesy goodness.
Feel free to experiment with add-ins and tweaks—maybe a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat or swapping in cheddar for a new twist. And if you have any questions, comments, or feedback after trying the recipe, please let me know! I love hearing about how this casserole becomes part of your family meals or potluck spreads. Check out the FAQ below for answers to common queries, and happy cooking!
PHILLY CHEESE STEAK CASSEROLE
Description
Tender ribeye, sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms meld in a creamy, melty provolone sauce. Baked until bubbly, this casserole is a fuss-free comfort feast perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
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Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned steak, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined.
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Add the cooked pasta to the steak and vegetable mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread evenly.
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Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese on top of the casserole.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note
- For more seasoning, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use different cheese varieties like cheddar or American for a twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option.
- For a low-carb alternative, replace the pasta with cauliflower florets.
