Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Servings

12–14 generous portions

Total Time

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: About 1 hour

Introduction**

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is an American comfort food twist on the classic Philadelphia sandwich. Instead of being served in a hoagie roll, it’s layered with tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy cheese sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole captures the essence of a cheesesteak but adds a rich, creamy texture that makes it even more indulgent — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts.

Ingredients**

For the Beef Mixture:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye steak
• 3 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 large onions, sliced thin
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Optional: 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or evaporated milk)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded provolone (or mozzarella)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta Layer (optional but filling):

• 16 oz (450g) pasta (penne, rotini, or egg noodles)
• 1 Tbsp salt for boiling water

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Optional: breadcrumbs for crunch

Instructions**

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and peppers; sauté for 6–8 minutes until soft and caramelized.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef or sliced steak. Cook until browned.
5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
4. Stir in provolone and cheddar until melted and smooth.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, and half of the cheese sauce.
3. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (or larger) casserole dish.
4. Spread remaining cheese sauce evenly over top.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs if desired.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

History**

The Philly cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, cooked thinly sliced beef on a grill and served it in an Italian roll — creating a local sensation. This casserole version was born much later, blending the same flavors into a baked comfort dish for families who wanted an easy, shareable meal.

Benefits**

• High in protein from the beef and cheese
• Rich in calcium for strong bones
• Customizable — use mushrooms, provolone, or gluten-free pasta
• Meal-prep friendly — reheats well for several days

Formation (Cooking Science)**

The magic lies in the cheese sauce emulsification — the fat from butter and cream binds with proteins in the cheese, creating a creamy, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to beef and pasta. The caramelization of onions and peppers adds natural sweetness, balancing the richness.

Who Loves It**

Philly cheesesteak casserole lovers are comfort food fans — people who crave hearty, cheesy, meaty dishes that remind them of family dinners, cozy nights, and American classics. It’s especially beloved by busy parents, tailgaters, and casserole enthusiasts.

Nutrition (Per Serving)**

(Approximate values for 1 of 12 servings)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 29 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbs: 25 g
• Calcium: 210 mg
• Sodium: 580 mg

Conclusion**

The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a one-dish wonder that takes the flavors of a famous sandwich and transforms them into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. Each bite delivers savory beef, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese — the perfect balance of nostalgia and comfort.