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This hearty Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a convenient weeknight dinner that delivers all the flavors my family craves without the fuss of individual sandwiches. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet onions, green peppers, and melty cheese creates that authentic Philly experience in every bite.
I first created this casserole when my teenage sons started bringing friends over without notice. Now it's become our go-to entertaining dish that disappears quickly no matter how much I make.
Ingredients
- Ground beef the foundation of this dish giving it that classic Philly flavor use 93% lean for best results without excess grease
- Green bell pepper adds traditional flavor and a pop of color choose firm peppers with glossy skin
- Sweet yellow onion provides essential sweetness that balances the savory elements look for firm onions without soft spots
- Provolone cheese delivers that authentic Philly cheese experience with its mild nutty flavor get it freshly sliced at the deli counter
- Cream cheese creates a creamy binding sauce that holds everything together bring to room temperature for easy mixing
- Milk thins the cream cheese to perfect consistency use whatever type you have on hand
- Seasonings garlic powder salt pepper onion powder these enhance the natural flavors without overpowering the dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables
- Cook ground beef onions and peppers over high heat stirring frequently to break up the meat until beef is no longer pink about 8 minutes. The vegetables should become tender and fragrant. Be sure to drain excess fat thoroughly as this prevents a greasy casserole.
- Create the Cheese Sauce
- Dice portion of provolone and combine with softened cream cheese milk and all seasonings while meat mixture is still hot. The residual heat helps melt everything together creating a creamy sauce that coats every bite. Stir thoroughly to ensure seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the meat mixture to a casserole dish spreading it in an even layer. The dish should be about 9x13 inches to allow proper cheese melting. Cover completely with remaining provolone slices overlapping slightly for best coverage.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 350°F until cheese melts completely about 10 to 15 minutes. For that restaurant quality finish broil for 2 to 3 minutes watching carefully to achieve golden brown bubbling cheese without burning. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
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The cream cheese is truly the secret ingredient that makes this dish special. I discovered its magic when trying to recreate the creamy consistency of cheese whiz used on authentic Philly cheesesteaks. My Philadelphia born uncle gave this version his stamp of approval which made me especially proud.
Keto and Low Carb Friendly
This casserole naturally fits into keto and low carb eating plans with only 8g of carbs per serving. The combination of protein and fat makes it extraordinarily satisfying without the bread traditionally found in a cheesesteak sandwich. For an even lower carb version you can reduce the onions or substitute with mushrooms which adds an earthy depth while keeping carbs in check.
Make It Your Own
While traditional Philly cheesesteaks typically feature ribeye mushrooms are a welcome addition to this casserole version. Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions for an umami boost. For heat lovers adding a handful of sliced pepperoncini or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture creates a flavor profile similar to a pizza steak. Remember that authentic Philly cheesesteaks use either provolone or cheese whiz so either choice keeps this dish legitimate.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this casserole into a complete meal with thoughtful sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. For those not counting carbs crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any cheese sauce. For a fun twist serve in hollowed out hoagie rolls for handheld cheesesteak boats that combine the casserole convenience with sandwich tradition.
Common Queries
- → Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sliced steak pieces for a more authentic cheesesteak texture. If using leaner meats like turkey, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning to maintain moisture.
- → Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 8g of carbohydrates per serving and 35g of protein, this casserole fits well into most keto meal plans. The high fat content from the cheeses and beef makes it satisfying while keeping carbs low.
- → What side dishes pair well with Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Those not watching carbs might enjoy garlic bread, roasted potatoes, or a side of pasta.
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days before baking. When ready to serve, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. It also freezes well both before and after cooking.
- → What cheese substitutions work well in this dish?
While provolone provides authentic flavor, American cheese, Swiss, mozzarella, or white cheddar can be substituted. For the cream cheese component, Neufchâtel cheese offers a lighter alternative with similar melting properties.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
You can easily incorporate more vegetables by adding mushrooms, which are traditional in many cheesesteak preparations. Red bell peppers, spinach, or even diced zucchini can also be sautéed with the onions and green peppers.