If you love the bold, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want something comforting, hearty, and oven-baked, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is going to win your heart (and taste buds). I first came up with this recipe on a chilly weeknight when I didn’t have hoagie rolls but still craved that classic combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese. The solution? A bubbly, cheesy casserole that transforms the iconic sandwich into a fork-friendly dinner.

This dish has quickly become a favorite in my home, especially when I need something quick to prep but impressive enough for guests. The layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, onions, and gooey provolone or mozzarella are baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s not only rich in flavor but also a perfect make-ahead option for busy nights.

The best part? You can make it low-carb by skipping bread entirely or serve it over pasta, rice, or toasted rolls if you want the full Philly experience. It’s endlessly versatile — perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a hearty meal without much fuss.

And just like the original Philly cheesesteak, it’s the combination of melty cheese, juicy meat, and sautéed vegetables that makes this casserole irresistible. Only now, you don’t have to worry about everything falling out of the sandwich — every bite delivers the perfect flavor balance.

Why You’ll Love It

• Classic Philly flavors in a one-pan bake – all the taste without the sandwich mess.

• Weeknight-friendly – ready in about 35–40 minutes.

• Customizable – low-carb, gluten-free, or loaded with extra toppings.

• Make-ahead friendly – assemble and refrigerate before baking.

• Family-approved – picky eaters love the cheesy, savory flavor.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Ground Beef – I recommend 85/15 for a balance of flavor and tenderness. You can also use thinly sliced ribeye for a more authentic Philly taste.

• Onion – Yellow or sweet onions work best for a mild caramelized flavor.

• Bell Peppers – Green for that classic Philly bite, but red or yellow can add sweetness.

• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor — don’t skip it.

• Provolone Cheese – The traditional choice for Philly cheesesteak. Mozzarella or a mix of provolone and white American cheese also works beautifully.

• Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess to bind the beef mixture and gives it a casserole texture.

• Beef Broth – A splash enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the casserole from drying out.

• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or steak seasoning for extra depth.

Pro Tip: If you’re using ribeye or sirloin instead of ground beef, slice it thin against the grain and flash cook it before layering in the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

3. Sauté Vegetables – Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Add Creaminess – Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Add a splash of beef broth for moisture. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (or steak seasoning).

5. Layer in Baking Dish – Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with slices of provolone (or your chosen cheese), overlapping slightly for full coverage.

6. Bake – Transfer to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.

7. Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as-is for a low-carb meal, or serve over toasted hoagie rolls, pasta, or rice.

FAQ

Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Yes! Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks. Just cook it quickly over high heat before assembling.

What’s the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak casserole?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, white American, or even a cheese blend works well.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely — assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Bake first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.

How can I make it low-carb?
Skip bread or pasta and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I add mushrooms?
Definitely! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if reheating to prevent dryness.

Variations

• Cheesy Pasta Bake: Stir cooked pasta into the beef mixture before baking.

• Loaded Philly: Add sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even crispy bacon on top.

• Keto-Friendly: Use extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower instead of bread or pasta.

• Open-Faced Sub Style: Spoon casserole over toasted hoagie rolls for a true sandwich vibe.

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese for heat.