All the bold, cheesy flavor of the classic sandwich — baked into one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
Introduction
If the sizzle of thinly sliced steak, the sweetness of sautéed onions and bell peppers, and the gooey melt of provolone cheese speak to your soul — but the idea of making sandwiches for a crowd doesn’t — this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is your new go-to.
Inspired by the iconic South Philly hoagie, this one-pan dinner brings together tender ribeye or shaved steak, caramelized vegetables, and a double helping of cheese in a hearty, oven-baked format. It delivers all the flavor of your favorite cheesesteak, with none of the assembly-line stress.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game-day gathering, or just craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Bread optional — flavor mandatory.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic cheesesteak taste in an easy casserole format
- Double cheese factor – melty provolone and shredded mozzarella for maximum richness
- One-pan meal – fewer dishes, faster cleanup
- Great for meal prep or leftovers – reheats beautifully
- Customizable – make it spicy, add mushrooms, or top with crispy onions
Ingredients
Base:
- 1½ to 2 pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved beef)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (green, red, or both), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or steak seasoning (optional)
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds a subtle tang)
Topping:
- 6 to 8 slices provolone cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Steak and Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced steak and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Cook until just browned, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft and lightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the Worcestershire sauce and return the cooked steak to the pan. Toss to combine.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together cream cheese, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and mix until fully melted and creamy.
- Pour cheese sauce over the steak and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cheesesteak mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Lay provolone slices over the top to cover the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional Additions
- Mushrooms: Sauté and add with onions for extra umami
- Hot peppers: Banana peppers or jalapeños for heat
- Bread topping: Add toasted hoagie roll pieces or buttered breadcrumbs for crunch
- Low-carb version: Skip bread entirely and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Store: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a stand-alone main dish, or spoon it into soft hoagie rolls for a fork-free experience.
- Great with a side of fries, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Pair with a cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is everything you love about the iconic sandwich, reimagined as a satisfying baked dish that’s easier to serve and just as flavorful. It’s weeknight comfort food that doesn’t cut corners — and one bite in, you’ll understand why it’s destined to be a household favorite.
