Name: Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional); 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice; 1½ cups provolone cheese, shredded; 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with a twist that will leave you craving more. The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole combines all the beloved elements of this iconic sandwich into a hearty, satisfying dish. Whether it’s a family dinner or a game day feast, this casserole is sure to impress.

This recipe captures the essence of Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteak while offering an easy and convenient way to enjoy it. With layers of savory beef, melty cheese, and vibrant bell peppers, every bite is loaded with flavor. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into why you will absolutely love making this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is packed with flavor that brings the iconic sandwich experience right to your table. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time, even novice cooks can whip up an impressive meal in no time. Second, you can customize it to suit your taste buds; whether you prefer extra veggies or different types of cheese, the options are endless.

Another reason to love this casserole is its comfort factor. It’s the ultimate warm dish that satisfies cravings and warms the soul on chilly nights. Finally, leftovers are just as delicious! The flavors meld together beautifully when reheated, making this dish perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.

Key Ingredients

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Irresistible ingredients

To create the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create mouthwatering layers of flavor.

Ground Beef: The foundation of your casserole; choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
Bell Peppers: Colorful additions that provide crunch; use a mix of green and red for visual appeal.
Mushrooms: Optional but recommended; they add earthiness and complement the beef perfectly.
Pasta: Use egg noodles or another pasta shape as the base; they soak up all the delicious flavors.
Provolone Cheese: Classic choice for cheesesteaks; melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese: For ultimate gooeyness; layering with provolone gives a delightful texture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning enhance all flavors without overpowering them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your casserole.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil. Once hot, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. If using mushrooms, add them at this stage too.
Add the ground beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned through, ensuring it’s fully crumbled.
Cook pasta: While meat is cooking, boil water in a separate pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well before adding it to the meat mixture.
Add cheeses: Remove skillet from heat and stir in half of both provolone and mozzarella cheeses until combined with meat mixture.
Bake the casserole: Transfer filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Irresistible

Expert Tips

If you want to elevate your Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole further, here are some expert tips: Use high-quality cheese. The type of cheese you choose significantly impacts flavor—go for fresh provolone if possible.
Add heat. Consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or spicy sausage in place of some ground beef if you like things spicy.
Bake covered initially. To prevent over-browning while allowing everything inside to cook evenly, cover your casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes before removing it for browning.
You can make it ahead!. Prepare everything up until baking earlier in the day or even freeze it unbaked for later enjoyment—just adjust cooking time accordingly when ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Your Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole deserves an equally impressive presentation! Consider serving it directly from the baking dish as it highlights its rustic charm. For an elevated touch, garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color contrast. Pair this dish with crispy French fries or a fresh garden salad on the side—both complement its rich flavors wonderfully! You can also serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets for an adorable presentation that adds warmth at your dinner table.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version while still maintaining great flavor. Just be mindful that chicken may require additional seasoning due to its milder taste compared to beef.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make your Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole gluten-free, select gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores today. Additionally, ensure any sauces or seasonings used are certified gluten-free as well!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers (which we doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through before enjoying again!

Can I freeze my casserole?

You can freeze uncooked casseroles easily! Assemble everything but hold off on baking until you’re ready—cover tightly with foil before placing it in freezer bags/containers labeled with date & contents! When ready to eat later on simply thaw overnight & bake per instructions from fresh!

I don’t have mushrooms; what should I do?

No mushrooms? No problem! Feel free to leave them out entirely or replace them with other vegetables like zucchini or spinach according to preference—all will contribute deliciously unique textures/tastes!