Oh, let me tell you about the warm, cozy embrace of casserole dishes! They’re like a hug in a bowl, aren’t they? My Philly cheese steak casserole is no exception. Inspired by the classic sandwich, it combines all those rich, savory flavors you love with the convenience of a baked dish. I remember the first time I made this for a gathering; the aroma filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Ingredients List
Gather your ingredients before you start cooking! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Philly cheese steak casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked pasta (your choice, but I love using penne!)
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative! You can toss in some extra veggies if you want, like jalapeños for a kick or even some spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure everything is chopped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience!
How to Prepare Your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Preheat and Brown
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C) because we want it nice and hot when it’s time to bake. While that’s heating up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step is crucial because it really locks in that beefy flavor!
Sauté Vegetables
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to add some color and flavor! Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Cook these for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms start to release their juices. Oh, the aroma is just heavenly!
Combine Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—mixing everything together! In the same skillet, add your cooked pasta, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine—make sure those flavors meld together beautifully. Everything should be evenly coated with the broth, giving it that comforting vibe of a hearty casserole.
Transfer and Bake
Alright, it’s time to make this dish shine! Carefully transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese generously on top—this is where the magic happens, folks! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a little golden on the edges. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in as soon as it comes out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty, comforting flavors that remind you of classic Philly cheese steaks
- One-dish meal makes for easy cleanup
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
- Melty provolone on top adds that irresistible cheesy goodness
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
This casserole is bound to become a family favorite, so get ready for those happy faces around the dinner table!
Tips for Success
To make your Philly cheese steak casserole even more fantastic, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the browning of your beef; take that extra minute to get it nice and caramelized for maximum flavor. If you love a bit of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies for a delightful kick. Also, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking before digging in—this helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the provolone for cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy twist!
Variations on Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Get ready to get creative with your Philly cheese steak casserole! One of my favorite twists is to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even shredded chicken for a lighter option. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding sautéed jalapeños or roasted red peppers for a delicious kick. Feeling adventurous? Try mixing in some cooked bacon or even adding a layer of sautéed spinach for extra nutrition. And don’t forget about cheese—experiment with different types like cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Philly cheese steak casserole, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying! A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement to balance the richness of the casserole. You could also serve it with crispy garlic bread—who doesn’t love dipping bread into all that cheesy goodness? For a heartier option, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or even some seasoned potato wedges for a comforting vibe. And if you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, a side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch and creaminess that pairs beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a serving of my delightful Philly cheese steak casserole: about 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these are just typical values and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works wonderfully! You could also use shredded chicken or even plant-based meat if you want a vegetarian twist.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Just let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I serve with my casserole?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some garlic bread. You could even add a side of roasted veggies for a colorful and nutritious meal!
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s not spicy unless you decide to add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the heat level to your liking!
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: 7 Comforting Flavors Unite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty casserole inspired by the classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook until softened.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded provolone cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like jalapeños for heat.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: philly cheese steak casserole, casserole recipes, beef casserole
