Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

When my husband says, “That smells like a diner,” I know I’ve nailed dinner. And let me tell you—this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the kind of dish that’ll transport you straight to a booth with red vinyl seats and a neon sign glowing outside. But instead of juggling a griddle and a crowd, we’re making it all in one cozy casserole dish. Less mess, same savory magic.

This casserole takes everything we love about the classic sandwich—melty cheese, sautéed peppers, tender beef—and bundles it up in a creamy, baked beauty. Whether you’re using ground beef or thinly sliced steak, you’ll get that satisfying Philly flavor without the soggy bread or street-side hustle. Plus, it’s weeknight-friendly and picky-eater approved (just maybe hide the mushrooms, wink).

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Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

• Ready in 40 minutes – Fast enough for a weeknight, hearty enough for a Sunday dinner.
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or feeding hangry teens.
• Customizable – Swap in what you’ve got: different cheeses, beef types, or sneak in veggies.
• Comfort food bliss – Creamy, cheesy, savory… it checks all the cozy boxes.
• Low carb option – Skip the buns and serve it casserole-style for fewer carbs.

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye/sirloin steak)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using steak)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella/provolone blend)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: toasted sub rolls or baguette slices

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • Ground beef: Cook in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Steak: Sear in olive oil until browned to your liking. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, cook onion, peppers, and mushrooms until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.
4. Mix Together: Return meat to skillet. Stir in Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and cream cheese until creamy.
5. Make It Creamy: In a bowl, whisk sour cream, mayo, and Italian seasoning. Stir into skillet mixture.
6. Assemble: Spread everything into the casserole dish. Top with provolone.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Let cool 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley. Serve as-is or spoon into rolls.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

• Use pre-sliced mushrooms to save time (and tears).
• Don’t skimp on the cheese—this is comfort food, not diet food.
• Add hot sauce or banana peppers if you like a little kick.
• Let it rest before serving so it slices cleanly and stays together.

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Bake It With the Littles

This casserole is a great “little helper” project:

• Let them stir the creamy base.
• Have them sprinkle cheese (more on the dish, less on the floor?).
• Serve with mini sub rolls so they can “build their own” sandwich.

It’s like a lunchbox party in casserole form.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
• Freeze: Cool fully, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheat: Pop portions into the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Want to lighten it up? You can:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Choose reduced-fat cheese or cut the amount slightly.
• Sub lean ground turkey or chicken for beef.
• Load up on more peppers and mushrooms for veggie volume.

Still tastes like a diner dream—just with less guilt.

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Leftover Remix

Leftovers? Oh honey, let’s get creative.

• Philly quesadillas – Stuff into tortillas and crisp in a pan.
• Stuffed bell peppers – Hollow out a pepper, stuff, bake.
• Cheesy breakfast hash – Toss with scrambled eggs and hash browns.

It’s the dish that keeps on giving.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Got a new mom, neighbor, or friend who needs a food hug? This casserole travels beautifully.

• Use a disposable foil pan.
• Include heating instructions.
• Pair with a simple salad or bag of chips.
• Tie with twine and a note that says, “Because cheese fixes everything.”

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FAQs

Can I make this keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Use a low-carb mayo, full-fat sour cream, and skip the bread.

What if I don’t like mushrooms?
Just leave them out or swap for zucchini or more bell peppers.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or split between two and freeze one.

What cheese is best?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little cheddar work great.

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Final Thought

There’s something magical about Philly Cheese Steak Casserole—it’s cozy, cheesy, and just the kind of low-fuss meal that turns a regular Tuesday into a celebration. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just your own cravings, this casserole delivers diner-style comfort with none of the mess. And isn’t that what real home cooking is all about?

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