There’s something undeniably comforting about a Philly Cheese Steak, with its savory beef, caramelized peppers, and gooey cheese all nestled in a warm hoagie roll. It’s a dish that evokes images of bustling street corners in Philadelphia, where food vendors serve up these iconic sandwiches with pride. But imagine all that deliciousness reimagined as a casserole—more convenient, and just as satisfying. That’s where the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole comes in.
This dish brings together all the beloved flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak in a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner. The combination of lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and creamy Provolone cheese is baked to perfection, creating a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s bound to become a family favorite.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I was looking for something easy yet comforting to make for my family. After a long day of work, the thought of preparing a Philly Cheese Steak from scratch seemed daunting. When I discovered this casserole recipe, it felt like a game-changer. Not only did it capture the essence of the sandwich, but it also simplified the process and allowed me to spend more time enjoying the meal with my loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Ever since then, this casserole has become a regular in my dinner rotation, cherished for its simplicity and the way it brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 bell peppers
1/2 yellow onion
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lawry’s or Mortons)
4 slices Provolone cheese
4 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the casserole. While the oven is heating up, lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This step helps to ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the dish and makes cleanup easier.
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Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Dice the bell peppers and yellow onion into bite-sized pieces. The bell peppers can be any color you like—red, green, or a mix of all three for added color. Mince the garlic finely to release its full flavor. The garlic, when minced, will integrate seamlessly into the beef mixture and add a delightful aroma and taste to the casserole.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If you’re using lean ground beef, you may need to add a small amount of olive oil or a splash of water to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, which will add a savory depth of flavor to the beef and vegetables. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened and the beef is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Then, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Tear the Provolone cheese into small pieces and scatter it over the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and create a creamy, gooey layer that adds richness and flavor to the casserole. If you love cheese as much as I do, feel free to use more than the recipe calls for.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The eggs and cream will provide the base for a custard-like consistency that binds the casserole together, while the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce add layers of flavor.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and cheese in the baking dish. The liquid will soak into the beef and vegetables, creating a deliciously cohesive dish once baked.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The casserole is done when the egg mixture is set and no longer jiggly in the center. The top should be golden brown and the cheese should be bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This short resting period allows the casserole to firm up a bit, making it easier to cut into neat squares. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy its comforting, cheesy goodness.
Variations and Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and sausage.
Cheese: While Provolone is classic, you can use other cheeses such as Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar. Feel free to mix and match according to your preference.
Vegetables: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the casserole.
Spice Level: Adjust the hot sauce according to your spice preference. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Summary
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic sandwich, bringing all the familiar flavors into a convenient and comforting casserole. Its rich, cheesy texture and hearty beef make it a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. With its easy preparation and the ability to customize with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re a fan of Philly Cheese Steaks or just looking for a new comfort food recipe, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience. Enjoy each bite of this warm and flavorful dish, and relish the smiles it brings to the table.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (Lawry’s or Mortons)
- 4 slices Provolone cheese torn into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Dice the bell peppers and yellow onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the baking dish. Scatter torn Provolone cheese over the top.
- Whisk eggs, heavy cream, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour over the beef and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
