The All-in-One Comfort Dish That Brings the City to Your Table
Introduction
You know that unmistakable smell — thinly sliced steak sizzling on the griddle, onions and peppers caramelizing in butter, and a mountain of gooey, melted cheese folded into a warm hoagie roll.
Now imagine that Philly cheesesteak magic baked into one pan: no griddle, no hoagie rolls, no mess — just bold, bubbling comfort straight from the oven.
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is everything you crave in a cheesesteak, reimagined as a crowd-pleasing bake. It layers tender steak, sweet bell peppers, and onions with a blanket of melted provolone and mozzarella, all over a crispy bed of seasoned roasted potatoes.
No bread to get soggy. No last-minute sandwich assembly. Just one hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknights, game day, or make-ahead meal prep.
🌟 Why This Casserole Is a Game-Changer
- All the flavor, none of the fuss – No rolls or stovetop griddling required
- One-dish wonder – Easy prep, minimal cleanup
- Perfectly balanced – Savory, cheesy, meaty, with just enough crispy texture
- Crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves it (and they always ask for seconds)
- Customizable – Make it low-carb, add mushrooms, spice it up — your call
- Great for leftovers – Reheats beautifully
🧾 Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1½ lbs ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 4 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or fresh potatoes, peeled & cubed)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning (optional)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded provolone
- Optional: ½ cup cream cheese or cheese sauce, for added creaminess
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes (Base Layer)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss hash brown potatoes (or diced fresh potatoes) with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp.
Shortcut: Use pre-cooked frozen hash browns and reduce roast time to 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Steak and Veggies
- While the potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil + 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 6–8 minutes.
- Push veggies to the side and add sliced steak. Season with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning.
- Cook just until browned (don’t overcook — it will finish in the oven).
- Mix steak and vegetables together in the pan and remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Once potatoes are roasted, top evenly with the steak and veggie mixture.
- If using, dollop cream cheese or a drizzle of cheese sauce across the top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and provolone.
4. Bake
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish (watch closely!).
5. Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, hot sauce, or a drizzle of cheese whiz if you’re going full Philly.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Low-carb option: Skip the potatoes and use sautéed mushrooms or riced cauliflower as a base.
- Extra cheesy? Add a layer of cheese sauce or Velveeta before the shredded cheese.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté with the peppers and onions for extra umami.
- Use ground beef for a budget-friendly version (cook with onion and seasoning, then assemble as directed).
- Spice it up with sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (without cheese) for up to 2 months. Add cheese just before baking.
- To reheat: Microwave individual servings or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through
🥪 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with:
- A side salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic green beans
- Crispy fries or onion rings
- Pickles or pickled peppers for acid and crunch
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings big-city flavor to your kitchen in a cozy, fork-friendly format. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting game night, or just need a hearty dinner that won’t take all night, this casserole delivers every time.
It’s cheesy. It’s beefy. It’s got just the right amount of crunch and comfort.
And best of all? It’s the kind of meal everyone at the table can agree on.
