Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (Easy, Cheesy, and Family-Friendly)
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty, oven-baked dish that transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting, knife-and-fork meal. Inspired by the bold flavors of a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak, this casserole combines savory ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all topped with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese. The result is a satisfying, protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Unlike the traditional sandwich, this version skips the bread, making it an excellent option for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets. It’s rich, filling, and incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different cheeses, proteins, or vegetables depending on your preferences. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for an easy oven-baked dinner idea, this cheesesteak casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
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1 large onion, sliced
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3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups shredded provolone cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
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Cream cheese (½ cup for extra creaminess)
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Red pepper flakes for heat
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Steak seasoning blend
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Thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef
Equipment Needed
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Large skillet
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9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best)
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and release their moisture. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Season the beef and vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir well to evenly distribute flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If using cream cheese, dot it over the top and gently swirl it into the mixture.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle provolone and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, fully covering the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
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Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
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Don’t overcook the vegetables before baking; they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
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For extra richness, mix a little heavy cream into the meat before baking.
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Want crispy cheese edges? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Variations and Substitutions
Keto & Low-Carb Version
This recipe is naturally low-carb. Ensure Worcestershire sauce is sugar-free and skip any carb-heavy add-ins.
Classic Steakhouse Version
Use thinly sliced ribeye steak instead of ground beef for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Spicy Cheesesteak Casserole
Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or pepper jack cheese for heat.
Family-Friendly Version
Use mild cheeses and serve over rice or inside toasted hoagie rolls for kids.
Storage and Meal Prep
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
This dish is excellent for weekly meal prep, making it a go-to option for busy households.
Nutrition Overview (Approximate)
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High in protein
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Low in carbohydrates
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Gluten-free
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Rich in calcium and iron
Exact values depend on cheese and beef selection.
Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)
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What is the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak casserole?
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Is Philly cheesesteak casserole keto-friendly?
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How do you make a low-carb cheesesteak casserole?
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Can I make Philly cheesesteak casserole ahead of time?
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What’s the difference between cheesesteak casserole and cheesesteak pasta?
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Is this recipe good for meal prep and weight loss?
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Can I freeze a cheesy beef casserole?
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What are healthy dinner recipes with ground beef?
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How do I make an easy oven-baked casserole for family dinners?
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What are the best high-protein low-carb comfort foods?
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Can I use provolone instead of mozzarella in casseroles?
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How do I make a gluten-free Philly cheesesteak recipe?
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What are the best keto dinner recipes for beginners?
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How do I keep casseroles from getting watery?
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What are the most popular American comfort food casseroles?
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food recipe—easy, cheesy, filling, and endlessly customizable. It captures the soul of the classic sandwich while offering a healthier, fork-friendly format that fits modern lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning weekly meals, or creating content for a food blog or monetized website, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and high search demand.
