Craving all the quintessential flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something cozier and more shareable than a sandwich? This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes everything you love about the classic — savory beef, melty cheese, sautéed peppers and onions — and layers it together in a bubbly, golden-baked masterpiece that’s pure comfort food bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor, Comfort Food Form: All the savory, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak, reimagined for your casserole dish—no bread required!
- Crowd-Pleasing & Family-Friendly: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck, everyone gathers around this bubbly, irresistible bake.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less fuss, easy cleanup, and everything cooks together, allowing flavors to meld in the coziest way possible.
- Low-Carb, No Sacrifices: If you’re watching carbs or want a gluten-free option, Philly Cheesesteak Casserole gives you all the flavor and satisfaction—with only 5.3g net carbs per serving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole may look and taste impressive, but it’s built on just a handful of simple, bold ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the party—from the trio of vibrant peppers to the luscious tangle of provolone and mozzarella—making every bite pop with color and flavor.
- Green, Red, and Yellow Bell Peppers: Using all three not only adds gorgeous color but also brings out a sweet, slightly tangy balance that keeps each forkful interesting.
- Salted Butter: Richly coats the veggies as they sauté, providing a silky, savory base flavor.
- Small Onion: Offers up sweetness and aromatic depth that’s totally essential in a Philly cheesesteak.
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t skip this! It infuses the casserole with oomph and real homemade flavor.
- Cremini Mushrooms: These little umami bombs add heartiness and a hint of earthiness that rounds out the filling.
- Deli-Style Roast Beef: The convenience of ready-sliced roast beef keeps things simple, but you still get that classic, tender, meaty bite.
- Provolone Cheese: Melts creamily on top, giving you those iconic cheese pulls.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkled over everything, it gets wonderfully gooey and turns bubbly and golden under the broiler.
Variations
The best part about Philly Cheesesteak Casserole? It’s a true canvas for customization! You can tweak it for whatever you have on hand, dietary needs, or simply to suit your mood—so feel free to get creative in the kitchen.
- Swap in Steak: If you want an extra-indulgent bite, use thinly sliced ribeye instead of deli-style roast beef for rich, steakhouse flavor.
- Go Mushroom-Heavy: Double up on mushrooms for a heartier, deeply savory (and even vegetarian) spin.
- Cheese Adventure: No provolone? Try fontina, white American, or even a dash of sharp cheddar for a fun twist on the classic.
- Make it Keto or Gluten-Free: This casserole is naturally low in carbs—just be sure your roast beef and cheeses are gluten-free if needed.
- Try Ground Beef: Got ground beef in the fridge already? Go ahead and swap it in for a slightly different—but equally delicious—feel.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Veggies
Start by slicing the tops off all three bell peppers, removing the ribs and seeds, and then cutting them into thin strips. Do the same with your onion. This not only ensures you get those pretty, vibrant ribbons in your finished casserole, it also means the veggies cook up evenly and quickly for perfect tenderness.
Step 2: Sauté with Butter, Onion, and Garlic
Melt the salted butter in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic, and cook them gently until the onion becomes soft and sweetly translucent, and the kitchen smells like absolute heaven—about 7 minutes does the trick.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Peppers
Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and all of your bell peppers. Let them sauté, stirring every so often, until the mushrooms release their juices and the peppers are just crisp-tender (around 10 minutes). You want the veggies to retain some bite for texture in the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble with Beef & Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Fold the thin-sliced roast beef into the veggie mixture so everything is well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper if you like. Layer the provolone slices over the top, then scatter a generous shower of shredded mozzarella all over for maximum gooeyness.
Step 5: Bake & Broil till Bubbly
Pop your skillet or casserole dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and let all the flavors get acquainted. Finish with a quick 2–3 minute trip under the broiler to achieve that golden, bubbling cheese perfection you crave in Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
Pro Tips for Making Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Choose Your Beef Wisely: Freshly-sliced roast beef from the deli counter makes assembly easy, but thinly shaving your own cooked steak (like ribeye) amps up that classic Philly flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Let the onions and garlic go low and slow until they’re sweet and mellow—this builds a flavorful foundation for the entire casserole.
- Broil for That Golden Finish: Keep a close eye on the casserole during the final broil—just a couple of minutes transforms your cheese topping into irresistibly golden, bubbly magic.
- Go Oven-to-Table: Use a deep-sided oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven for minimal dishes and an impressive serving presentation.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herby lift. For extra Philly flair, try a sprinkle of finely diced pickled hot peppers or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so hearty, it truly doesn’t need much alongside. But for a classic steakhouse vibe, try a simple green salad, crispy roasted broccoli, or even some oven-baked potato wedges if you’re not low-carb. And for true Philly lovers—a soft, toasted roll for dunking is always a welcome touch!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole family-style straight from the skillet (perfect for casual gatherings), or scoop it into individual mini baking dishes for a bubbly, restaurant-worthy touch at dinner parties. Leftovers also make a dazzling filling for stuffed peppers or baked as an open-faced sandwich topper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Philly Cheesesteak Casserole cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days, making lunchtime leftovers an absolute treat.
Freezing
You can freeze portions for up to two months! Cool, then wrap the casserole tightly. Reheat straight from the freezer or thaw overnight—just know the cheese may release a bit of extra moisture, so bake uncovered to let it evaporate.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly, which preserves that wonderful cheese texture. For a quick fix, a covered skillet on the stove also works—just stir gently to avoid breaking up those beautiful cheese ribbons.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Absolutely! While deli-style roast beef is quick and traditional, you can swap in thinly sliced cooked steak (like ribeye), leftover pot roast, or even ground beef for a slightly different but equally satisfying flavor and texture.
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What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Provolone is the classic choice for that traditional Philly vibe, while mozzarella adds the ultimate gooeyness. You can also experiment with fontina, white American, or even a light sprinkle of cheddar for a twist!
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How do I make this casserole keto-friendly?
Good news—Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is already naturally low-carb! Just double-check your roast beef and cheeses for hidden carbs, and skip any bread on the side to keep it keto-approved.
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Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (except for the final cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking for the best melt and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love the comfort of a true Philly cheesesteak but want something cozy, shareable, and straight-from-the-oven delicious, you have to give this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole a try. Gather your favorite people, pile up those cheesy, beefy layers, and watch everyone dig in with big, happy smiles—enjoy!
PrintPhilly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, with colorful bell peppers, savory roast beef, and gooey cheese baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers:
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 pounds deli-style roast beef, thinly sliced
- 6 slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cut and Prepare Peppers: Remove tops, ribs, and seeds from peppers, then thinly slice them. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add mushrooms and peppers to the skillet, cook until tender.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F.
- Combine Ingredients: Add roast beef to skillet, season, then top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Net carbs per serving: 5.3g
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Beef: Use deli-style roast beef or any preferred cut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 389 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 946mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 117mg