Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Nothing says comfort food like a casserole—and this Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe is definitely comfort food. With macaroni, ground beef, peppers, onions, a provolone cheese topping and a creamy sauce that holds everything together, this recipe has all the great flavors of a Philly cheesesteak transformed into one hearty make-ahead meal. Prep the bake for busy evenings when you don’t have time to linger in the kitchen, or share it with a friend who needs some home-cooked comfort food.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Ingredients

• Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the perfect pasta shape to sop up the sauce in this dish. The sauce will coat the outside and the inside of the noodles so each bite is as creamy as possible.
• Ground beef: Use your personal preference of ground beef for this Philly steak casserole, whether it’s 70, 80 or 90% lean.
• Peppers: Red and green peppers are the classic veggies in a cheesesteak, so we had to include them in this inspired recipe.
• Onion: Onions are essential for this cheesesteak-inspired casserole as well, pairing perfectly with the bell peppers.
• Butter: Although it’s not necessary to put fat in the pan to brown beef, butter gives the meat crumbles, peppers and onions some extra flavor.
• Beef broth: A can of beef broth helps create a deep and rich flavor in the sauce. When you’re at the store, make sure you understand the difference between stock and broth to help decide which can to bring home.
• Cream cheese: This recipe for Philly cheesesteak casserole calls for cream cheese to make the sauce extra creamy, tangy and rich.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream adds another creamy element to the sauce.
• Garlic: Don’t skimp on fresh garlic here. Use your favorite method for mincing garlic to get the job done.
• Seasonings: Use Italian seasoning, salt and pepper for some added flavor.
• Provolone cheese: Slices of provolone are melted on top to create a cheesy casserole that everyone will love.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the beef mixture

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped peppers and onions. Cook for six to seven minutes, until no pink remains in the meat and the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Combine the casserole ingredients

Stir in the cooked pasta, broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cook for three to four minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bake the casserole

Place the provolone cheese slices in an even layer over the macaroni mixture. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Variations

• Add extra cream: To thin out the cream cheese sauce a bit, try adding extra half-and-half or heavy cream. You’ll get an extra creamy, slightly looser version of the casserole.
• Change the noodles: Instead of little elbow macaroni, try a flat, long and wide pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine. You could also swap in something curlier like fusilli that has plenty of crevices for the sauce to stick to.
• Include more vegetables: If you want to go heavier on the vegetables, try adding sauteed mushrooms, fresh or frozen corn, or sliced jalapenos.

How to Store Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

You can store your Philly cheesesteak casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will keep developing as they sit, so the leftovers will be delicious.

How long does Philly cheesesteak casserole last?

This Philly steak casserole will last up to four days.

Can you freeze Philly cheesesteak casserole recipes?

This Philly cheesesteak casserole is a lovely freezer casserole recipe. Freeze it whole or in individual portions, and let it thaw overnight before reheating. You’ll end up thanking yourself on a busy night when you have a quick dinner already prepped!

Can you make a Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe ahead of time?

This is a great dish to make ahead of time. Make it up to a day ahead and let the flavors marinate in the fridge until it’s time to bake and enjoy.

How do you reheat Philly cheesesteak casserole?

Reheat this recipe for Philly cheesesteak casserole in the oven at 375° for around 10 minutes. You can also nuke a single portion in the microwave for a minute or two.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Tips

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Can you use steak for Philly cheesesteak casserole recipes?

You can definitely use steak for this casserole. Try using thinly sliced sirloin steak as you would traditionally use on a Philly cheesesteak. Sear the slices in the pan until they brown, then remove the meat and cook the onion and peppers. Return the steak to the pan with the pasta and other ingredients in Step 3.

What can you serve with Philly cheesesteak casserole?

Philly cheesesteak casserole recipes can definitely be a meal on their own. But if you want some variety, this main would go great with light and fresh side dishes like roasted carrots, steamed artichokes or asparagus, and a big green salad.