Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a comforting, cheesy casserole. Made with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and creamy cream cheese and heavy cream, this casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish. Topped with gooey provolone cheese, it’s the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and hearty, all in one pan. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or family meal, and can be customized with different meats or cheese for added flavor. Whether you’re craving a traditional Philly cheesesteak or a new casserole twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 slices provolone cheese

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   In a large skillet, add the ground beef and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the beef is crumbled and browned, ensuring there is no pink left. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables and Garlic
   Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Combine with Creamy Ingredients
   Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and salt, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with slices of provolone cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

---

Tips

• Adjust the Cheese: For extra flavor, feel free to mix provolone with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
• Add Spice: For a kick, add some sliced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread and serve this casserole as a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Cheese Variety: Swap out provolone for Swiss cheese or American cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Add Mushrooms: For more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor, you can add sliced mushrooms to the beef and vegetable mix.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I use a different meat for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with a side of crispy baked fries or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Pair it with pickled jalapeños or crispy onion rings for added texture and flavor.
• For a complete meal, top with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing for an extra creamy finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This casserole delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but in an easy-to-make casserole form.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, from adding more veggies to changing the cheese.
• Perfect for Weeknights: With minimal prep and cook time, this casserole is a great option for a busy weeknight dinner or family meal.