Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Let’s talk about turning a beloved sandwich into the coziest, most comforting dish you can bake in a single pan.

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole captures every savory, cheesy note of the classic, but in a wonderfully simple, scoopable form that’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Why This Casserole Feels Like a Hug

I still remember those rushed lunch breaks, grabbing a hot, messy cheesesteak that absolutely made my day.

This casserole is my kitchen love letter to that feeling, a one-dish wonder that brings everyone to the table with zero fuss.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Here’s everything that goes into building those deep, familiar flavors. Each one plays a specific, tasty role.

• Ground Beef (2 lbs, 85% lean or leaner): This is our hearty, savory foundation, bringing all that rich, meaty flavor front and center.
• Salt (1 tsp) & Ground Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): These simple seasonings enhance the natural taste of the beef and vegetables perfectly.
• Green & Red Bell Pepper (1 large each, diced): They add sweet crunch and vibrant color, a classic cheesesteak duo.
• Onion (1 large, diced): It melts down into a sweet, aromatic base that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz): This is the secret weapon, creating a luxuriously creamy and cohesive filling.
• Provolone Cheese Slices (8 slices): Laid on top, they melt into that iconic, stretchy, golden-brown blanket we all crave.

How to make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (The Very Best)?

Grab your favorite oven-safe skillet, and let’s get cooking. It’s a straightforward process with a spectacular payoff.

Step 1 – Brown the Beef

Preheat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef.

Break it apart as it cooks, and season it generously with the salt and pepper until it’s just browned through.

Step 2 – Sauté the Veggies

Now, toss in all those diced onions and bell peppers right into the skillet with the beef.

Give everything a good stir, and let it sauté until the vegetables soften and turn fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3 – Make it Creamy

Take the skillet off the heat, and add the block of cream cheese.

Stir it vigorously—the residual heat will melt it smoothly into the meat and veggie mixture, creating a deliciously creamy base.

Step 4 – Blanket with Cheese

Arrange the slices of provolone cheese over the entire surface of the beef mixture.

Overlap them slightly, you want complete, glorious coverage for the best melt.

Step 5 – Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pop the whole skillet into a 350°F preheated oven, and bake for about 15 minutes.

You’re waiting for the cheese to become gorgeously bubbly and spotted with golden brown. Then, it’s time to dig in.

Make-Ahead Magic & Simple Swaps

This dish is a friend to busy schedules. You can assemble it completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for 2-3 days before baking.

Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold, it’s the ultimate planned-ahead dinner win.

Not a beef fan? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully for a lighter take.

And if you adore mushrooms, sauté a cup of sliced creminis with the peppers for an extra earthy, savory dimension.

Tips

A few little nuggets of advice can take a great casserole to its very best version. Here’s what I’ve learned.

• Drain any excess grease from the browned beef before adding the veggies, this keeps your casserole rich but not overly greasy.
• For super even cooking, try to dice your peppers and onion into similar-sized pieces, it makes all the difference.
• Feel free to boost the flavor with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder when you add the cream cheese.
• Want it even cheesier? Mix a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella right into the beef mixture before topping with the provolone.

Serving Your Masterpiece

The beauty of this casserole is its incredible versatility. You can absolutely serve it straight from the skillet with a big spoon.

But, for a fun twist, pile it onto toasted brioche buns for epic sandwiches, or spoon it over crispy tortilla chips for cheesesteak nachos.

It’s happily kid-friendly, yet totally satisfying for adults, especially with a simple green salad on the side.

Storing for Later Enjoyment

Honestly, the leftovers might be even better as the flavors mingle. Let the casserole cool completely before storing.

It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, just reheat portions in the microwave. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it through in the oven to revive that perfect, melty cheese texture.