What is Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
A Philly cheesesteak casserole is a delicious baked dish that captures the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich but without the bread. It includes:
✔ Tender, thinly sliced beef
✔ Sautéed onions and peppers
✔ Melted provolone or American cheese
✔ A creamy or egg-based mixture (depending on the recipe)
This casserole is low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those looking to enjoy the classic taste without the carbs. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Why Choose a Casserole Version?
While the traditional Philly cheesesteak is served on a hoagie roll, this casserole offers several benefits:
✔ Easy to Make – No need to assemble individual sandwiches; just bake and serve!
✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Skip the bread while keeping all the flavors.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Store leftovers and reheat them for quick lunches.
✔ Versatile – You can customize it with your favorite ingredients (mushrooms, peppers, different cheeses).
If you’re a fan of cheesy, meaty, and flavorful comfort food, this casserole is a must-try!
The History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is one of America’s most beloved sandwiches, known for its thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and soft hoagie roll. While the traditional cheesesteak is a handheld delight, its flavors have inspired many variations—including the delicious Philly cheesesteak casserole.
To truly appreciate this dish, let’s take a look at the origins of the Philly cheesesteak, how it evolved, and how it inspired new creations like this casserole.
🔹 The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak was invented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, two brothers who ran a hot dog stand.
📍 How It Started:
- One day, they decided to grill some thinly sliced beef and serve it on an Italian roll instead of making another hot dog.
- A local cab driver took one bite and loved it, urging them to sell more of these beef sandwiches instead of hot dogs.
- Soon after, the brothers opened Pat’s King of Steaks, which still operates today as one of Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteak spots.
📍 The Cheese Controversy:
- Originally, the sandwich didn’t have cheese!
- In the 1940s, a manager at Pat’s added provolone cheese, creating the version we know today.
- Later, other cheesesteak shops started using Cheez Whiz, American cheese, and mozzarella, leading to different variations of the sandwich.
🔹 How the Philly Cheesesteak Evolved
Over time, the Philly cheesesteak became a cultural icon, spreading far beyond Philadelphia. Different regions and restaurants began experimenting with the sandwich, leading to many creative versions, including:
🍳 Cheesesteak Omelets – A breakfast version with eggs.
🌯 Cheesesteak Wraps – Served in tortillas instead of a hoagie roll.
🥖 Cheesesteak Stuffed Bread – Baked inside a loaf of bread.
🍕 Philly Cheesesteak Pizza – Topped with steak, onions, peppers, and cheese.
🥘 Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – A baked, cheesy, and hearty dish that we’re focusing on today!
Each of these variations keeps the key ingredients—beef, cheese, onions, and peppers—but presents them in a new and exciting way.
🔹 Why Did the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Become Popular?
The Philly cheesesteak casserole was created as a way to enjoy the classic flavors of a cheesesteak in a more convenient, family-friendly format.
✔ Easier to Make in Large Batches – Great for meal prepping or serving a crowd.
✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No hoagie roll means fewer carbs!
✔ More Customizable – You can adjust the ingredients to fit different diets or preferences.
✔ Comfort Food Appeal – The cheesy, beefy, and hearty flavors make it a perfect casserole for weeknight dinners.
🔹 The Connection Between the Classic and the Casserole
Even though the Philly cheesesteak casserole is a modern twist, it stays true to the original flavor and simplicity of the sandwich:
🥩 Tender beef – The casserole still uses thinly sliced ribeye or ground beef, just like the sandwich.
🧀 Melted cheese – Provolone, mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz are often used.
🧅 Onions & peppers – Essential for the authentic taste.
🔥 Savory seasonings – Salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic enhance the meat’s flavor.
By removing the bread and turning the dish into a baked, cheesy delight, the Philly cheesesteak casserole is both a tribute to the classic sandwich and a practical, modern meal.
Essential Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
A Philly cheesesteak casserole captures all the flavors of the classic sandwich in a hearty, oven-baked dish. The key to making an authentic and delicious casserole lies in choosing the right ingredients. In this section, we’ll cover the best cuts of beef, cheese options, essential vegetables, and low-carb or keto-friendly variations.
🔹 Key Ingredients for an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
To get that classic Philly cheesesteak taste, you’ll need the following ingredients:
🥩 1. The Best Beef for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
The star of the dish is tender, flavorful beef. The two best options are:
✅ Ribeye Steak – The traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak. It’s juicy, flavorful, and tender when cooked properly.
✅ Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10) – A budget-friendly alternative that’s easier to cook and blend into a casserole.
💡 Pro Tip: If using ribeye, slice it paper-thin for the best texture. You can also use sirloin steak or shaved beef if ribeye isn’t available.
🧀 2. The Best Cheese for a Creamy, Cheesy Casserole
A Philly cheesesteak isn’t complete without melted cheese! Here are the top choices:
🧀 Provolone – The classic choice! It melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor.
🧀 Mozzarella – A great alternative for extra stretchy, gooey cheese.
🧀 Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharper, richer taste to the casserole.
🧀 Cream Cheese (for Keto Versions) – Helps create a smooth, creamy base for low-carb casseroles.
🧀 Cheez Whiz – Some Philly cheesesteak lovers swear by this processed cheese for extra creaminess!
💡 Best Cheese Combination: Use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for the perfect balance of flavor and meltability.
🌶️ 3. Vegetables for Extra Flavor
A Philly cheesesteak isn’t just about meat and cheese—onions and peppers are essential!
✅ Onions (White or Yellow) – Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth.
✅ Bell Peppers (Green, Red, or Yellow) – Traditionally, green bell peppers are used, but red and yellow add a sweeter taste.
✅ Mushrooms (Optional) – Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, umami flavor.
✅ Garlic (Minced or Powdered) – Enhances the savory taste of the beef.
💡 Pro Tip: Sauté the onions, peppers, and mushrooms before adding them to the casserole for better texture and flavor.
🥚 4. The Casserole Base (Eggs, Heavy Cream, or Broth?)
To hold everything together in a casserole form, you need a binding ingredient. There are two main ways to do this:
1️⃣ Eggs + Heavy Cream – This method creates a firm, quiche-like texture (ideal for keto versions).
2️⃣ Beef Broth + Cheese – If you prefer a gooey, creamy casserole, using broth and melted cheese is the way to go.
💡 Which one should you choose?
- For a firmer casserole → Use eggs & cream.
- For a smoother, cheesier casserole → Use beef broth & cheese.
🔹 Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Ingredient Swaps
A Philly cheesesteak casserole is naturally low in carbs, but here are a few ways to make it even more keto-friendly:
✅ Use heavy cream instead of milk – Helps keep the dish creamy without adding unnecessary carbs.
✅ Skip the flour or breadcrumbs – Traditional casseroles use breadcrumbs for texture, but you don’t need them here.
✅ Increase the fat content – Add butter, more cheese, or avocado oil to boost the fat for keto macros.
✅ Choose full-fat cheeses – Avoid low-fat cheese, as it doesn’t melt as well.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve your keto-friendly cheesesteak casserole with a side of cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of bread.
🔹 Ingredient Substitutions for Different Diets
Here’s how to adjust the casserole to fit different dietary needs:
🥩 Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or plant-based meat substitutes instead of beef.
🥚 Egg-Free Version: Skip the eggs and use heavy cream + cheese as the binding agent.
🧀 Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Ingredients
Making a great Philly cheesesteak casserole comes down to:
✔ Choosing the right beef – Ribeye or ground beef works best.
✔ Picking the perfect cheese blend – Provolone + mozzarella = the best combo.
✔ Using fresh veggies – Sautéing onions, peppers, and mushrooms enhances flavor.
✔ Selecting the right casserole base – Eggs for firmness, cheese/broth for creaminess.
✔ Customizing it to your diet – Keto, vegetarian, and dairy-free options are easy!
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that we’ve covered the best ingredients, it’s time to make the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole! This recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal prep, and delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic cheesesteak in a baked, cheesy dish.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to baking, along with pro tips for getting the best texture and flavor.
🔹 Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
📌 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 35 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6-8
📝 Ingredients
🥩 Meat & Veggies:
✅ 1 ½ lbs ribeye steak or ground beef (see ingredient notes)
✅ 1 medium onion, sliced
✅ 1 large green bell pepper, sliced (red/yellow peppers optional)
✅ 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
🧀 Cheese & Binding:
✅ 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
✅ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
✅ 4 oz cream cheese (for extra creaminess, optional)
✅ ½ cup heavy cream (or beef broth for a thinner texture)
✅ 3 large eggs (for a firmer casserole, optional for keto versions)
🥄 Seasonings:
✅ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
✅ 1 teaspoon salt
✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✅ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✅ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✅ ½ teaspoon paprika
🔹 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Ingredients
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ If using ribeye steak, slice it as thinly as possible (or use pre-shaved beef). If using ground beef, keep it ready for cooking.
3️⃣ Slice the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms into thin strips. Mince the garlic.
💡 Pro Tip: To make slicing ribeye easier, freeze it for 15-20 minutes before cutting!
Step 2: Cook the Meat & Vegetables
4️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5️⃣ Add the thinly sliced steak or ground beef and cook until browned (about 4-5 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
6️⃣ Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
7️⃣ Add the onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are soft.
8️⃣ Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the veggies—they should be tender but still slightly crisp!
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese & Casserole Base
9️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream (skip eggs if you want a softer casserole).
🔟 Stir in cream cheese (if using) and mix until smooth.
1️⃣1️⃣ Add ½ cup of provolone and ½ cup of mozzarella to the mixture.
💡 Why Use Eggs? If you want a firmer, quiche-like texture, eggs help bind the casserole together. If you prefer a softer, cheesier casserole, skip the eggs and just use cheese and heavy cream.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
1️⃣2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
1️⃣3️⃣ Pour the cooked beef and veggie mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
1️⃣4️⃣ Pour the cheese mixture over the beef and veggies, ensuring even coverage.
1️⃣5️⃣ Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of provolone and ½ cup of mozzarella on top.
💡 For Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
1️⃣6️⃣ Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
1️⃣7️⃣ If you want a golden, crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve!
1️⃣8️⃣ Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
1️⃣9️⃣ Serve warm with your favorite sides (see next section for serving ideas).
💡 Pro Tip: Letting the casserole rest helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice!
🔹 Best Ways to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with classic cheesesteak sides:
🥖 With Bread: Serve with toasted hoagie rolls or garlic bread.
🥗 With a Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🍟 With Fries: Try crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots.
🥦 With Veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great low-carb options.
💡 For a Keto-Friendly Meal: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles!
🔹 Storing & Reheating Tips
🧊 How to Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months (wrap tightly in plastic wrap & foil).
🔥 How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes per serving.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of heavy cream or broth before reheating to keep it moist!
🔹 Final Thoughts on Making Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This Philly cheesesteak casserole is the perfect comfort food—packed with tender beef, gooey cheese, and flavorful veggies, all baked into a delicious dish. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb/keto meal, a family-friendly dinner, or a way to meal prep for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps and minimal prep.
✔ Customizable – Adjust cheese, meat, and veggies to your liking.
✔ Keto & Low-Carb Friendly – No bread, just pure cheesesteak goodness!
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats perfectly.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Philly cheesesteak casserole is the perfect comfort food that delivers all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak in a cheesy, oven-baked dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner, a meal-prep option, or a keto-friendly alternative to the traditional sandwich, this casserole is a must-try!
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
✔ Packed with Flavor – Juicy beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions & peppers.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
✔ Versatile – Customize it with different cheeses, meats, and veggies.
✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No bread, just pure cheesesteak goodness.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats perfectly.
If you love cheesy, meaty, and satisfying dishes, this Philly cheesesteak casserole is a must-try. Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the leftovers, and savor the deliciousness of one of America’s most iconic flavors—now in casserole form!
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