Philly cheesesteaks are one of the most popular and beloved sandwiches in the United States. They are known for their juicy beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, all packed into a soft hoagie roll. But what if you could enjoy all of those flavors in a hearty, cheesy, and low-carb casserole? That’s exactly what this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole delivers. It takes everything great about a Philly cheesesteak and turns it into an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that the whole family will love.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner. It is low in carbs, packed with protein, and full of rich, cheesy flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to meal prep for the week, as leftovers reheat beautifully.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef – The foundation of the casserole, offering a hearty and protein-packed base.
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced – Adds a pop of sweetness and crunch to balance the richness.
- ½ yellow onion, diced – Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Enhances the dish with aromatic richness.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s or Morton’s) – Helps bring out the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 4 slices provolone cheese – The classic cheesesteak cheese, adding gooey, melty goodness.
Creamy Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs – Helps bind the casserole together.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Adds richness and a creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) – Gives a mild kick and extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before getting started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Set the vegetables aside while you cook the beef.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it browns.
- When the beef is almost fully cooked, add the diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Sprinkle the mixture with seasoned salt and stir well.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Hot sauce (if using)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
- Place the provolone cheese slices on top, covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
- Use lean ground beef – This prevents the dish from being too greasy while keeping it full of flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses – If you don’t have provolone, try cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss for a different taste.
- Make it spicier – Add extra hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Save time with meal prep – You can cook the beef and veggies ahead of time for quick assembly.
Substitutions and Variations
Low-Carb & Keto Options
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, this casserole is already a great option. However, you can tweak it further:
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Swap bell peppers for mushrooms or zucchini for different textures.
- Serve over cauliflower rice to make it even heartier.
Cheese Variations
While provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, you can switch things up with:
- Cheddar Cheese – For a sharper, more robust flavor.
- Pepper Jack – If you like a bit of spice.
- Swiss Cheese – Adds a mild, nutty taste.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Philly Style – Serve the casserole inside a toasted hoagie roll for a more traditional experience.
- With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Over Roasted Veggies – Pairs well with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
- With Garlic Bread – If you’re not concerned about carbs, garlic bread is a great side option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. How do I reheat the casserole?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
4. Can I use sliced steak instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! If you want a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin instead of ground beef.
5. How can I make this dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese to create a similar texture without dairy.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 550mg
Conclusion
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is an easy, delicious, and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak into a simple baked meal. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, an easy weeknight dinner, or a meal prep favorite, this casserole is sure to become a household staple.
With savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, creamy eggs, and melty provolone cheese, this dish is comforting and full of flavor. You can customize it with different cheeses, spices, and serving options to make it your own.
Give this cheesy, beefy casserole a try today, and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Course: Recipes6
servings40
minutes25
minutes320
kcalIngredients
- Main Ingredients
-
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef – The foundation of the casserole, offering a hearty and protein-packed base.
-
2 bell peppers (any color), diced – Adds a pop of sweetness and crunch to balance the richness.
-
½ yellow onion, diced – Provides a savory depth of flavor.
-
1 clove garlic, minced – Enhances the dish with aromatic richness.
-
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s or Morton’s) – Helps bring out the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
-
4 slices provolone cheese – The classic cheesesteak cheese, adding gooey, melty goodness.
- Creamy Egg Mixture
-
4 large eggs – Helps bind the casserole together.
-
¼ cup heavy cream – Adds richness and a creamy texture.
-
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) – Gives a mild kick and extra flavor.
-
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor.
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Before getting started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Set the vegetables aside while you cook the beef.
- Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it browns.
- When the beef is almost fully cooked, add the diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Sprinkle the mixture with seasoned salt and stir well.
- Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Hot sauce (if using)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
- Place the provolone cheese slices on top, covering the entire surface.
- Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
-
Use lean ground beef – This prevents the dish from being too greasy while keeping it full of flavor.
Experiment with different cheeses – If you don’t have provolone, try cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss for a different taste.
Make it spicier – Add extra hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Save time with meal prep – You can cook the beef and veggies ahead of time for quick assembly.