The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich, with a hearty combination of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions. But imagine transforming that beloved sandwich into a warm, comforting casserole that delivers all the classic flavors in every bite—without the need for a hoagie roll! That’s exactly what the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole offers. This dish is everything you love about the Philly cheesesteak, but in a layered, casserole format that’s just perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole will surely become a new favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, comforting dish!

Ingredients

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole packs in the traditional flavors of the classic sandwich, layered perfectly in a single dish. Here’s what you’ll need for a hearty meal that serves about 6 people:

For the Casserole:

1 pound thinly sliced beef steak (ribeye or sirloin are ideal, but flank steak works too)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (green or red)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen hash browns (or diced cooked potatoes)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. The hash browns add an unexpected yet delicious texture, making it a true casserole comfort food.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Start by prepping the beef and vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef steak, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté the beef for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly caramelized. The goal is to bring out the sweetness of the peppers and onions, which will complement the richness of the beef.

Step 2: Combine the Casserole Layers

While the beef and vegetables are cooking, you can prepare the casserole base. In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, heavy cream, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper, and add the dried basil for extra flavor.

Once the mixture is well combined, spread the hash brown base evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to build the layers. Start by placing the cooked beef evenly over the hash brown mixture. Then, spread the sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic on top of the beef.

Finally, sprinkle the shredded provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. These cheeses will melt beautifully, creating that signature cheesesteak experience.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese on top is perfectly melted.

Step 5: Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the layers to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Then, slice it up and enjoy the comforting layers of joy!

Conservation and Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because this casserole is that good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Leftovers make for great lunches or a second dinner!

Reheating:

To reheat, simply place the casserole in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing:

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole! Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, removing the foil halfway through to allow the cheese to brown.

Variations

While the classic Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is delicious, there are many ways to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and use portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture, or opt for tofu for a plant-based protein alternative.
Add More Veggies: You can boost the nutritional value of this casserole by adding veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach into the mix. These will blend seamlessly with the peppers and onions for a more colorful and nutrient-packed dish.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or sauce mixture. This will give the casserole a zesty, spicy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Make this dish gluten-free by substituting the hash browns with gluten-free frozen potatoes, or using a gluten-free substitute for the Worcestershire sauce.
Cheese Swap: While provolone and mozzarella are traditional, you can mix things up by using cheddar, Swiss, or even a smoky gouda to add different layers of flavor to the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crispy garlic bread as a side. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds an extra level of comfort to the meal.
Green Salad: A light and fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair this casserole with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
Cauliflower Rice: If you want a low-carb option, serve this casserole alongside cauliflower rice to keep the meal light while still satisfying.

Conclusion

The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. With its layers of tender beef, sautéed vegetables, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it offers all the flavors you love about the classic Philly cheesesteak in casserole form. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, with its versatility and easy storage options, it’s a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal, don’t hesitate to whip up this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole and enjoy the layers of joy it brings to your kitchen!

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Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Joy

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is an exciting twist on the classic sandwich. With layers of tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese, this casserole brings all the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into one comforting dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a hearty weeknight meal, this casserole is easy to make, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 pound thinly sliced beef steak (ribeye or sirloin, but flank steak also works)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (green or red)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups frozen hash browns (or diced cooked potatoes)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 cups shredded provolone cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

These ingredients come together to create a comforting, cheesy casserole that will remind you of the Philly cheesesteak experience without the bread!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the sliced beef steak, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic for 5 minutes, or until they soften and become caramelized. This step enhances the sweetness of the vegetables and complements the beef’s richness.

Step 2: Combine the Casserole Layers

While the beef and vegetables are cooking, in a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, heavy cream, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together.

Season with salt and pepper, and add the dried basil for extra flavor.

Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Evenly distribute the cooked beef over the hash brown base.

Layer the sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic on top of the beef.

Sprinkle the shredded provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. These cheeses will melt perfectly to create the creamy, cheesy top layer.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden brown and bubbly.

You’ll know the casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor.

Slice and serve the comforting layers of this Philly cheesesteak casserole.

Notes

No need to thaw hash browns: Frozen hash browns work perfectly in this casserole and add a great texture. If you prefer fresh potatoes, simply dice them into small pieces.

Beef variations: You can substitute ground beef for sliced steak if you prefer a simpler preparation.

Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or smoked gouda to change the flavor profile.

Veggie options: Add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.