This cheesy Philly cheesesteak casserole is perfect for a low-carb meal or a speedy filling for brioche buns. Crazy easy, savory, and 100% kid-friendly!
If you’re a fan of foolproof, no-hassle casserole recipes, this gooey, beefy Philly cheesesteak casserole has your name all over it. Whip it up to stay true to your keto or gluten-free diet, or make a pan for quick, sloppy joes-style Philly cheesesteaks sandwiched between fluffy brioche buns.
Looking for another low-carb Philly recipe? While you’re at it, try our Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers.
What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
This casserole has all the same components of traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, minus the bread. We also used ground beef instead of thinly sliced ribeye and cook it down with bright green red bell peppers and onions. To finish it off, the skillet is topped with provolone cheese slices and baked until bubbly in the oven.
Making this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
To prepare this simple casserole all you need is an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and a handful ingredients. We recommend using a cast-iron if you have one (we love this one from Lodge).
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet preheated over medium heat, brown the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper.
- Add in the Veggies: Add in the diced onions and peppers and sauté the ground beef mixture until the veggies soften.
- Stir in the Cream Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and remove the skillet from heat.
- Top with Provolone: Cover the top of the casserole with slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden and melty. Dig in and enjoy!
Hot Tip: Opt for grass-fed, high-quality ground beef. The meat is what brings most of the flavor front and center in this dish, so treat yourself to the good stuff. Costco has some really affordable grass-fed ground beef if you need a good suggestion!
5 Tips for Nailing this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This simple casserole couldn’t be any easier to throw together, but these 5 foolproof pointers will help you nail it.
- Opt for lean ground beef. To prevent your casserole from turning out too greasy, opt for lean ground beef. The sweet spot is 85% lean or leaner. If a good amount of grease still pools at the bottom of the skillet, drain it before you add the veggies and cream cheese.
- Slice the veggies into equal-sized pieces. To promote even-cooking, slice the veggies into equal-sized pieces before adding them into the skillet. Make this a no-brainer by using a veggie slicer if you have one.
- Add extra cheese. Make the casserole extra cheesy by adding in cheddar cheese or provolone cheese directly into the meat mixture – not just on top.
- Add in some mushrooms. If you want to double up on your serving of veggies, add in some sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture as well.
- Swap in a different kind of ground meat. If you want the dish to be a bit lighter, swap in ground turkey or ground chicken instead.
Serving Suggestions
This Philly cheesesteak casserole is super versatile and can be eaten as-is or in a couple of different styles. Here’s some ideas to inspire you…
- Cheesesteak Sandwich-Style: Sandwich the filling in between hamburger buns or French bread for a quick sandwich.
- Nacho-Style: Serve the filling alongside air fryer tortilla chips and use the casserole as a fun party dip.
- Pasta-Style: For a kid-friendly meal, top some egg noodles with a hefty scoop of the casserole and serve it alongside cheesy bread.
- Low-Carb Bowl: Serve the casserole on top of a bowl of riced cauliflower.
Storage Tips & Tricks
To keep the filling fresh for up to a week, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The kicker? As a the casserole marinated in storage, it will continue to develop its flavor and make for some really tasty reheating throughout the week. To warm it back up, simply pop it in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this casserole 2-3 days in advance by assembling it all the way up until the baking step. Store it in the fridge covered and pop it in the oven to finish it off for a quick weeknight meal.
FAQ
What cut of meat is best for Philly cheesesteak casserole?
The best cut of meat for Philly cheesesteak casserole is lean ground beef. You’ll want to go 85% lean or higher so the casserole doesn’t come out too greasy to eat. Alternatively, you can use ground chicken or turkey.
What is the secret to a good Philly cheesesteak casserole?
The secret to a good Philly cheesesteak casserole is to cook the mixture in an oven-safe skillet. You’ll want to keep all the flavors locked in before popping the casserole into the oven for the final bake.
What’s the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak casserole?
The best cheese to use for Philly cheesesteak casserole is provolone. It’s the same cheese used in traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and it melts so well. Alternatively, you can use cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese.
Can you freeze a Philly cheesesteak casserole?
Philly cheesesteak casserole is great for freezing. To do so, assemble the casserole in an oven-safe, freezer-safe airtight container and hold off on popping it in the oven for a final bake. When you’re ready, remove the lid and pop the frozen casserole directly into the oven uncovered. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
More Tasty Philly Cheesesteak Recipes to Try
- Easy Philly Cheesesteak Recipe – The ultimate guide to cheesesteak
- Chicken Philly Cheesesteak– Just like the classic, but with chicken!
- Philly Cheesesteak Wrap – Ground beef & peppers in a tortilla
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes – Loose meat sandwiches
- Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders – Mini cheesesteak sandos
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 85% lean or leaner
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large green bell pepper cut into cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper cut into cubes
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add in the ground beef to the skillet, breaking a part the larger chunks as you cook it. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Add in the diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing the mixture until the veggies soften.
- Stir in the cream cheese and remove the mixture from the stovetop.
- Cover the entire top of the meat mixture with slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted. Serve right away.
My husband and daughter made this on our black stone flat top griddle tonight, added Cavender’s Seasoning, minced garlic, mushrooms, a packet of brown gravy mix and a little water before mixing in the cream cheese and provolone cheese and it was delicious! We will definitely be having this often!
Jackie, I am dreaming of getting a flat top griddle. I need to know all the tips and where to get one. Your sandwich combo sounds amazing, craving it 🙂
Do you think this would work with lactose free cheese(s)? Sounds sooo good, but I am lactose intolerant. Trying to re vamp recipes where a lot of dairy is used.
Thanks!
Hi Gail, I am not sure because I have not tried using lactose free cheese. If you give it a try, I would love to know the result!!
Made this and ate it with baked potatoes. Really good and easy recipe. Thank you. Keep up the amazing work, I'm always referring back to your website for easy recipes.
Hi Emma, I am thrilled that you found a recipe that you love. Thank you for sharing your feedback with me. Enjoy it, dear!!
How big is a serving size? I see the nutritional values but I don't see an actual serving size? Thanks so much . It looks delicious I can't wait too make it !
Hi Elizabeth, this recipe makes 8 servings. Unfortunately our calculator does tell us the exact serving size. Thank you for reaching out!
Wondering if you can freeze the leftovers
Hi Maryjo, that's a great question! Philly cheesesteak casserole is great for freezing. To do so, assemble the casserole in an oven-safe, freezer-safe airtight container and hold off on popping it in the oven for a final bake. When you’re ready, remove the lid and pop the frozen casserole directly into the oven uncovered. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. I hope this answers your question! Enjoy!
Made this twice in a week served with white rice. Absolutely AMAZING!! Definitely a keeper! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Hi Vita, Thank you so much for your feedback! Enjoy!
This is so decadent and absolutely delicious! I can't wait to eat this all the time!
What an awesome comment. This is why I love sharing recipes.
I don't like ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Can I use steak if so what kind?
Hey there Mamie, I understand. In my other philly cheese-steak recipe the cut of beef I use is thinly sliced ribeye. If you are looking to substitute the meat, I recommend you go with the ribeye. Thanks for reaching out!
So yummy - I'm making this again this weekend for the for the start of football! Thank you for a great recipe!
Melissa, yes, this would be amazing with some brioche buns. Love the idea.
This was a family winner! I made this on a whim and my kids are now begging me to make it again tonight! Thank you!
Jessica, this is so great to hear. Glad your family enjoyed it.