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This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that my family requests weekly. I created this keto-friendly version when looking for hearty meals without the carbs, and it's become our favorite way to enjoy all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the bread.
I first made this on a busy weeknight when we were craving something comforting but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Now it's in our regular rotation because it's so simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The foundation of this dish offers rich flavor and satisfying protein. Choose 80/20 for best flavor or leaner if preferred
- Bell pepper: Adds authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and a pop of color. Fresh is best but frozen works in a pinch
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work wonderfully but white onions offer a slightly milder flavor
- Worcestershire sauce: Creates that umami depth that makes this dish crave-worthy. A little goes a long way
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that creates a creamy, luxurious texture. Full-fat works best but reduced-fat is fine too
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully for that authentic cheesesteak experience. Get sliced from the deli counter for best quality
- Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder create magic together. Fresh garlic can be substituted for powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and take a moment to grease an 8x8 casserole dish. I use a light coating of cooking spray but butter works wonderfully too.
- Brown the meat mixture:
- Add ground beef, chopped bell pepper, and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while stirring everything together. Continue cooking until no pink remains in the beef and the vegetables have softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain and season:
- Once fully browned, carefully drain the excess fat from the meat mixture. This prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy. Return the skillet to medium heat and sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper, stirring to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Create the creamy base:
- Add the Worcestershire sauce to the seasoned meat, then drop in pieces of cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese completely melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats all the meat and vegetables. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Arrange the provolone cheese slices on top, slightly overlapping them to ensure complete coverage.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and beginning to turn golden in spots. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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The cream cheese in this recipe is truly the game changer. I discovered its transformative power by accident when I was out of traditional cheeses one night. The way it melts into the meat creates this velvety sauce that reminds me of the cheese whiz on authentic Philly cheesesteaks but with a homemade touch that elevates the entire dish.
Make-Ahead Options
This casserole works beautifully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the meat mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply transfer to your baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for about 20 minutes since it will be starting from cold. I often double the recipe and freeze half in a disposable aluminum pan for busy weeknights.
Variation Ideas
While traditional Philly cheesesteaks feature bell peppers and onions, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding mushrooms for an earthier flavor profile. For spice lovers, mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce kicks things up nicely. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations – a mix of provolone and mozzarella creates an amazing cheese pull, while adding some sharp cheddar introduces a pleasant tang.
Serving Suggestions
For a true low-carb meal, serve this casserole with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. If you're not following keto, it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy goodness. For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for an additional 15 minutes for a stuffed pepper variation that showcases all these delicious flavors.
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This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the perfect hearty meal that balances simplicity with bold, comforting flavors. Your family will ask for it again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute 1½ pounds of thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak for the ground beef. Cook it quickly in a hot skillet just until no longer pink before adding the peppers and onions. This will create a more traditional Philly cheesesteak texture.
- → How can I store leftovers of this casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. The entire casserole can also be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
- → Can I freeze this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare the casserole but don't bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if still cold.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
For a keto-friendly meal, serve with a side of roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad. If you're not following a low-carb diet, garlic bread, roasted potatoes, or a side of pasta would complement this dish nicely.
- → Can I use different types of cheese for this casserole?
While provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, you can substitute with mozzarella, white American cheese, or even a combination of cheeses. Some variations include adding a few tablespoons of cheese whiz on top for authentic Philly flavor.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or top with pickled peppers after baking for an extra kick.