I recently tried making this Philly cheesesteak casserole with ground beef, and trust me, it was a hit! Every bite was loaded with comforting flavors of cheesy goodness combined with savory beef and tender veggies. It’s the kind of recipe that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour.
I couldn’t believe how simple it was to toss together such a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, I know this one’s going to be on repeat in my kitchen. You can also enjoy the delicious Philly cheesesteak bowl if you’re craving a deconstructed take on this classic flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 12 slices provolone cheese
Note: Makes 4 servings.
Variations
If you’d like to make this recipe fit your preferences or dietary needs, here are a few ideas:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or thinly sliced ribeye for a lighter or more traditional flavor.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan provolone for a dairy-free option.
- Stir in a touch of heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Add red chili flakes or jalapeños for some spice.
- Go low-carb by skipping the pasta and using zucchini or cauliflower instead.
For those who can’t get enough cheesesteak-inspired dishes, this Philly cheesesteak dip is another irresistible option to add to your list.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment You Need
- Large oven-safe skillet or pot – for cooking beef and building the casserole.
- Wooden spoon – to stir ingredients easily.
- Cutting board and knife – for preparing vegetables.
- Oven – to bake the casserole and melt the cheese.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get ingredient quantities just right.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
This casserole comes together effortlessly with only a few steps. Here’s how to create this crowd-pleasing dish from start to finish.
Prep and Brown the Beef
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, grab a large, oven-safe skillet or pot and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Break it up into small, crumbly pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid greasiness.
Season the Meat
Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in the salted butter and allow it to melt completely. Then, add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the ground beef gets evenly coated with these savory flavors.
Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time for the veggies! Toss in the sliced bell peppers (both green and red) along with the yellow onion. Stir them into the beef mixture and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 more minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
Incorporate the Broth and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the cavatappi pasta. Cook the pasta according to the time specified on its packaging (usually around 8 minutes). This step allows the pasta to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Mix in the Cream Cheese
With the pasta done, turn off the heat and fold in the cream cheese pieces. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the beef and veggies, creating a creamy, luscious base.
Top and Bake
Top your casserole evenly with the provolone cheese slices, creating a melty, cheesy blanket. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
Garnish and Serve
When it’s finished baking, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Scoop it out while it’s hot and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious! You could also explore other delightful steak-based recipes for more inspiration.
Credit: spaceshipsandlaserbeams
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly practical. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal:
- Perfect for weeknights thanks to its quick prep and cook time.
- One-pan dish, which means less clean-up afterward.
- Customizable for different flavors or dietary needs.
- Comforting flavors of cheese, beef, and tender veggies.
- Ideal for leftovers or next-day lunches.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but pairing it with a few extras can elevate your meal. Here are some serving ideas to try:
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to add a light, healthy side.
- Go traditional by serving it with a side of fries or crispy potato wedges.
- Dish it up as an appetizer with slices of toasted baguette for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, directly out of the skillet.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving for this casserole recipe.
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
This Philly cheesesteak casserole is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later.
You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, so it’s great for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. If you’d like to freeze it, allow it to cool fully before transferring it to a sealable, freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to two months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating it.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Having made this myself, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better and easier to prepare. Here are my top tips from the kitchen:
- If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, simply transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.
- Go easy on the pasta; too much can overpower the meat and veggies.
- Pre-slice your veggies in advance to save time during the prep phase.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- For an extra-creamy dish, add a splash of heavy cream when melting the cream cheese.
This Philly cheesesteak casserole is sure to become one of your most-loved recipes. It’s simple to make, loaded with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. You might even find yourself sneaking an extra bite while tidying up the kitchen!
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into pieces
- 12 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, grab a large, oven-safe skillet or pot and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Break it up into small, crumbly pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid greasiness.
- Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in the salted butter and allow it to melt completely. Then, add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the ground beef gets evenly coated with these savory flavors.
- Now it’s time for the veggies! Toss in the sliced bell peppers (both green and red) along with the yellow onion. Stir them into the beef mixture and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 more minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the cavatappi pasta. Cook the pasta according to the time specified on its packaging (usually around 8 minutes). This step allows the pasta to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- With the pasta done, turn off the heat and fold in the cream cheese pieces. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the beef and veggies, creating a creamy, luscious base.
- Top your casserole evenly with the provolone cheese slices, creating a melty, cheesy blanket. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
- When it’s finished baking, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Scoop it out while it’s hot and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, simply transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.
- Go easy on the pasta; too much can overpower the meat and veggies.
- Pre-slice your veggies in advance to save time during the prep phase.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- For an extra-creamy dish, add a splash of heavy cream when melting the cream cheese.
