Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe: 

Introduction Craving all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak but with the ease of a casserole? This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is your answer. Loaded with tender strips of steak, sweet caramelized onions, colorful bell peppers, and a rich blend of cheeses, this dish captures the heart of the iconic sandwich in a family-friendly, comforting bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here’s everything you need to know to make it perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Cleanup: The entire dish comes together with just one skillet and one baking dish.
2. Great for Meal Prep: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
3. Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the bread but keep all the hearty flavors for a keto-approved meal.
4. Customizable: Swap out proteins, cheeses, or add extra veggies to suit your tastes.

Essential Ingredients

The Core of the Dish:

• Steak: Choose sirloin for its tenderness and minimal grease. Ribeye adds authentic Philly flair, while skirt steak or top round are cost-effective options.
• Butter: Unsalted butter allows for precise seasoning.

The Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers provides sweetness and color.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions work best for their mellow flavor when caramelized.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic enhances the dish, but garlic powder works as a quick substitute.

The Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is key for a smooth and creamy base.
• Half-and-Half: Creates a luscious texture without being overly heavy. Milk is a lighter alternative.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, sharp flavor. Always grate it fresh for better melting.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Provides a subtle heat. Mozzarella can be used for a milder taste.

Optional Additions:

• Mushrooms: Add earthy depth.
• Spinach: For a touch of greens.
• Jalapeños: To bring a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

• Freezing Hack: For thin, even slices, place the steak in the freezer for 15-30 minutes before slicing.
• Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the steak slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers, onions, and garlic until soft and translucent. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

• Add the cream cheese and half-and-half to the skillet with the vegetables. Whisk until smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.

4. Combine and Assemble

• Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Stir in half the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Mix well until evenly coated.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This saves time and reduces dishes.
2. Slice Against the Grain: For tender steak, always cut against the grain.
3. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
4. Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.

Variations to Try

• Protein Substitutes: Ground beef or shredded chicken are excellent alternatives. If using ground beef, drain excess grease.
• Add Carbs: Stir in cooked rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice for a heartier dish.
• Cheese Swap: Provolone or American cheese can replace cheddar and pepper jack for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Freeze: Place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Recipe Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 pounds sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat butter in a skillet, cook steak until browned. Set aside.
3. Sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until soft. Add cream cheese and half-and-half, stirring until smooth.
4. Return steak to skillet. Stir in half the cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.

Enjoy your hearty, comforting Philly Cheesesteak Casserole—perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 293 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 482mg