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There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that captures the spirit of a classic sandwich but takes it to a whole new level. This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe does exactly that by blending tender slices of roast beef, colorful bell peppers, savory mushrooms, and gooey cheeses all baked together in one hearty, comforting dish. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just craving those iconic Philly flavors with less fuss, this casserole brings all the flavor and cozy warmth you could want in a meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe come together easily but play essential roles in making each bite flavorful, colorful, and perfectly textured. From the crispness of fresh bell peppers to the melty richness of provolone and mozzarella, you’ll appreciate how thoughtful ingredient choices elevate this dish.
- Bell Peppers: One each of green, yellow, and red bell peppers provide a vibrant combo of sweetness and crunch that brightens the casserole.
- Salted Butter: Two tablespoons melt into the pan to create the perfect base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding richness.
- Small Onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle sweetness and aromatic layer in the vegetable mix.
- Garlic Cloves: Three minced cloves infuse the saute with a hit of savory fragrance that’s impossible to resist.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Eight ounces of these sliced mushrooms give an earthiness and a tender chew to the vegetable medley.
- Deli-Style Roast Beef: One and a half pounds of thinly sliced meat add the hearty protein punch essential to recreating the Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: Six slices melt perfectly on top, delivering tangy, creamy coverage across the beef and veggies.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: One cup sprinkled over everything ensures luscious, bubbly, golden goodness when baked.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Begin by washing your bell peppers and removing their seeds and ribs. Slice each pepper into thin strips — this not only creates a colorful visual appeal but ensures the peppers will soften nicely when cooked, adding a sweet, crisp contrast to the rich meat and cheese layers.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and bell peppers, sautéing until everything is tender and slightly caramelized. This step builds the flavor base of your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe by developing sweetness and depth from the vegetables.
Step 3: Incorporate the Roast Beef
Stir the deli-style roast beef into the warm vegetable mixture, combining everything evenly. This blend of tender beef and veggies is the heart of your casserole, so be sure the ingredients are well mixed to spread the savory magic through every bite.
Step 4: Layer the Cheese
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish. Lay the provolone slices evenly over the top to cover the surface. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the provolone. This double layer of cheese melts into a creamy, bubbling blanket that makes the casserole irresistibly gooey and decadent.
Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the cheese to begin melting. After baking, switch to the broiler and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but don’t be shy about letting that cheese crisp up slightly for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can be sprinkled over the top just before serving to add a burst of green freshness and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness nicely. A light drizzle of a tangy hot sauce can also wake up the flavors wonderfully for those who like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crunchy coleslaw provide a nice balance and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish with rustic wooden spoons, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, for a more polished presentation, portion it into individual ramekins and garnish each with a small wedge of pickled pepper or a sprinkle of parmesan for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it a great recipe to prepare ahead of time. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container to keep it fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain the cheesy melt and avoids sogginess. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven is best for preserving that crispy cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella give a classic creamy texture and flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar for sharpness or pepper jack if you want a bit of spice. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses roast beef, vegetables, and cheese without any bread or gluten-containing fillers. Just double-check your roast beef and any seasonings for hidden gluten if you’re highly sensitive.
Can I substitute the roast beef with another meat?
If you prefer, thinly sliced steak, ribeye, or even ground beef can work well as substitutes. Keep in mind that deli-style roast beef offers convenience and a tender texture perfect for layering in this casserole.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and suitable for all tastes, but you can easily spice it up by adding some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or serving with hot sauce on the side. It’s all about tailoring the heat to your liking!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the casserole?
Reheating in a moderate oven with a loose tent of foil over the top helps keep moisture in and prevents drying. Avoid microwaving large portions or reheating multiple times, as this can make the beef tough and the casserole less enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves big flavors with minimal fuss. It’s hearty, colorful, and endlessly comforting, perfect for any night of the week or a special occasion. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to crowd-pleasers. Give it a try, and get ready for a new family favorite!
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Print
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty, comforting baked dish featuring colorful bell peppers, sautéed vegetables, thinly sliced roast beef, and melted provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a family meal, it combines savory flavors and gooey cheese in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper
Vegetable Mix
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
Meat and Cheese
- 1 1/2 pounds deli-style roast beef, thinly sliced
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Cut and slice the green, yellow, and red bell peppers, removing all seeds and ribs to ensure a tender texture in the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then add the thinly sliced cremini mushrooms and bell peppers; cook all vegetables until they become tender and well combined.
- Add Beef: Mix the thinly sliced deli-style roast beef into the sautéed vegetables. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Top with Cheese: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish. Evenly layer the 6 slices of provolone cheese over the top, followed by sprinkling 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake and Broil: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. Then switch the oven to broil mode and broil the casserole until the cheese is browned, bubbly, and slightly crispy on top, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Make sure to slice the peppers uniformly for even cooking.
- You can use other types of cheese like American or cheddar for variation.
- Keep an eye on the casserole while broiling as cheese can burn quickly.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
