The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Originating from Philadelphia, this iconic sandwich is traditionally made with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. The flavors of the Philly cheese steak have been adapted into a comforting casserole, combining all the delicious components of the sandwich into a hearty, easy-to-make dish. This casserole captures the essence of the original while offering the convenience and comfort of a baked meal.
Philly cheese steak sandwiches have been a beloved staple since the early 20th century. They were created by combining juicy, thinly sliced beef with melted cheese and sautéed onions, all piled high on a soft roll. This casserole version simplifies the preparation, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. By layering the ingredients and baking them together, you get all the flavors in one cohesive dish, without the need for assembling individual sandwiches.
This casserole is versatile and can be tailored to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Below is a detailed recipe for Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, along with several variations and substitutions to customize this dish to your liking.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Add Broth and Seasonings:
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of provolone cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Casserole:
Add the cooked pasta to the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine. Spread half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the top, then spread it evenly. Layer the remaining beef and pasta mixture over the cheese layer.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining provolone and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot.
Variations
Chicken Philly Casserole:
Replace the ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter version. Adjust the seasonings to complement the chicken.
Vegetarian Philly Casserole:
Substitute the beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra mushrooms and other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Low-Carb Philly Casserole:
Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta to make a low-carb version of the casserole.
Spicy Philly Casserole:
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Option:
Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives to make the casserole suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Gluten-Free Casserole:
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Cheese Alternatives:
If you prefer a different cheese, try using cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese instead of provolone and mozzarella.
Broth Substitute:
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
Conclusion
The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings all the delicious elements of the classic sandwich into a convenient, easy-to-serve casserole. This recipe captures the essence of the Philly cheese steak, combining juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables with a hearty pasta base. The casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a satisfying family meal with minimal effort.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations and substitutions, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a comforting and indulgent dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the versatility of this recipe by customizing it to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences, and bring a taste of Philadelphia to your table.