Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that combines the legendary flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak into an incredibly easy and comforting casserole! If you love the savory steak, gooey cheese, and tender peppers of the classic sandwich, but want a more relaxed, fork-and-knife experience, then this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is about to become your new favorite.
This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, offering all the rich, umami-packed goodness you crave with minimal effort. Forget individual hoagie rolls; we're baking all that deliciousness together in one pan, topped with a luscious layer of melted cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Why You'll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavor Explosion: All the iconic Philly Cheesesteak flavors – beef, onions, peppers, and plenty of cheese – in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will adore.
- Weeknight Hero: Quick prep and a straightforward baking process mean more time for you.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferences with different meats, cheeses, or even added veggies.
Key Ingredients for Success
This casserole relies on a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need and why each component is essential:
- Ground Beef (or Shaved Steak): The star of the show! Ground beef is easy to brown, but thinly shaved steak offers a more traditional texture.
- Onions & Bell Peppers: Sautéed until tender and sweet, these vegetables are crucial for the classic Philly flavor profile.
- Mushrooms (Optional): If you're a mushroom lover, they add an extra layer of earthy depth.
- Garlic & Seasonings: Aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper lay the foundation for a savory sauce.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor of the casserole.
- Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These create a rich, creamy, and irresistibly tangy sauce that binds everything together.
- Egg Noodles: A sturdy pasta that holds up well to the rich sauce and makes the casserole extra satisfying.
- Provolone Cheese: The quintessential cheesesteak cheese! It melts beautifully and provides that signature gooey, savory topping. Mozzarella is a great alternative if you prefer.
How to Make the Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Getting this casserole on your table is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a guaranteed delicious outcome:
Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your onions and bell peppers. For efficient cooking and consistent results, ensure your vegetables are sliced uniformly. A quality chef's knife makes this task a breeze! Cook your egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet, brown your ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using) to the skillet and sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and seasonings, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Creamy Base
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, decadent filling.
Combine and Bake
Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the beef and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well coated. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously top with shredded provolone cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Tips for Success
- Don't Skimp on the Cheese: The provolone topping is key to that authentic cheesesteak experience.
- Drain Fat: Ensure you drain excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy casserole.
- Al Dente Noodles: Cook your egg noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper as needed after the sauce is complete.
Serving Suggestions
While this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a meal in itself, pairing it with a simple side can elevate the experience. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic for scooping up any extra sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this casserole are just as delicious, if not more so! Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Have more questions? Check out our frequently asked questions section to help make your casserole perfect every time!
We hope this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole becomes a cherished recipe in your home. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings everyone to the table with its comforting appeal. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use different meat for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Absolutely! While ground beef is convenient, you can certainly use thinly shaved steak or even ground turkey for a lighter version. Just ensure it's cooked through and drained of excess fat before combining with other ingredients.
How do I store and reheat leftover Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and heat in an oven at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?
This hearty casserole is quite filling on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement. You could also serve it with crusty bread for dipping or a side of steamed green beans.
Can I prepare Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole that brings all the savory flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich to your dinner table in a convenient, family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef (or thinly shaved steak if preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
1 cup beef broth
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 lb egg noodles, cooked al dente
2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and optional mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the beef broth. Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the beef and vegetable mixture.
Step 8: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 9: Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra browning on the cheese (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Step 11: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, and serve hot.
Notes
For an extra kick, a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the beef mixture. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a mix of provolone and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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