Craving the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a simple and satisfying form? This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole combines tender steak, melted cheese, and savory seasonings into one easy-to-make dish. It’s the perfect comfort food for a family meal or a busy weeknight. With its rich, cheesy goodness and hearty filling, this casserole delivers all the Philly cheesesteak flavors you love, with none of the fuss. Let’s get started on this deliciously easy recipe!
Key Benefits
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is more than just a delicious meal—it’s the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and flavor. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or looking to feed a crowd, this dish delivers on all fronts. Here are a few reasons why this casserole should be your go-to recipe:
- Quick and Easy: You’ll love how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- Packed with Flavor: Every bite is filled with the savory taste of tender steak, melted cheese, and rich seasonings—just like your favorite Philly cheesesteak, but in a no-fuss form.
- Customizable: Want to tweak the flavors? Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese for something else you enjoy. This casserole is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner all week long.
- Family-Friendly: It’s the kind of dish that everyone loves. Kids and adults alike will enjoy digging into this cheesy, satisfying casserole.
This recipe brings the beloved Philly cheesesteak to life in a simple, crowd-pleasing way—without compromising on flavor. Perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients for Philly cheese steak casserole
To make this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that bring big, bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 lb flank steak or ribeye (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced, optional for extra flavor)
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or use a combination of provolone and mozzarella for extra melt)
- 1 package of frozen hash browns (or you can use fresh potatoes, sliced thin)
- 1 cup beef broth (for added richness)
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Philly Cheesesteak casserole to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, flavorful dish in no time.
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden, crispy top.
Cook the Steak: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions (and bell peppers, if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and caramelized. This will add a rich, sweet flavor to the casserole.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the frozen hash browns evenly on the bottom. Then, spread the cooked steak and sautéed veggies on top. Pour the beef broth over the mixture to add moisture and flavor.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone (and mozzarella, if using) evenly over the top of the casserole. Be generous with the cheese for that perfect melt!
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. If you like your casserole extra crispy, feel free to broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a fresh touch. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
To make this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole even more delicious and tailored to your taste, here are some helpful tips and fun variations. Whether you’re looking to enhance the flavor or get creative with ingredients, these ideas will help you take your casserole to the next level!
Make it Creamy: For a creamier casserole, add a layer of cream cheese or sour cream to the dish before baking. This will make the casserole extra rich and velvety. A bit of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can also add depth and moisture.
Use a Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily swap the steak for chicken breast or ground turkey. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is fully cooked through.
Load Up with Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the veggies! Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the mix for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers before adding them to the casserole.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking. For a milder spice, try using a mild hot sauce or chipotle seasoning in place of the garlic and onion powder.
Make Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you’re looking to freeze it for later, just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then bake it straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Cheese Combinations: While provolone is the traditional choice, you can switch things up with different cheeses. Try using mozzarella for extra gooeyness, sharp cheddar for a tangy flavor, or gouda for a smoky twist. The more cheese, the better!
These tips and variations give you the freedom to make this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole your own. Get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors to find the perfect combination for your taste!
Serving Suggestions for Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that stands well on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are a few serving ideas that complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole:
Crisp Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal.
Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with warm, buttery garlic bread for a classic combination. The crunchy, flavorful bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese or sauce.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, along with helpful answers to guide you through the process:
What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?
The secret ingredient that really defines a Philly cheesesteak is the cheese—typically provolone or American cheese. The meltiness and richness of the cheese bring the whole sandwich together. For this casserole, using a good-quality provolone will give you that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
What sides go with Philly cheesesteak casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For something lighter, a tangy coleslaw or steamed asparagus would also complement the rich, cheesy casserole.
What cut of meat is Philly steak?
Traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks are made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, which is tender and flavorful. For this casserole, you can use ribeye, flank steak, or even sirloin, depending on your preference. Be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture
What kind of cheese is best for cheesesteaks?
The most popular cheese for Philly cheesesteaks is provolone, but you can also use American cheese for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. If you like a bit more flavor, mozzarella or cheddar can also be great choices, offering a gooey texture with extra flavor.