Of course! The Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a brilliant, easy way to get all the iconic flavors of the sandwich without the fuss of slicing meat or stuffing rolls. It’s a guaranteed family favorite.
Here’s a delicious and straightforward recipe that delivers on that classic taste.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This deconstructed casserole features tender steak, savory peppers and onions, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked together with chunks of bread.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
· 1 ½ lbs ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or sirloin, flank steak, or even shaved beef steak)
· 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
· 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
· 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
· 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
· 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional, but classic)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (12-16 oz) loaf French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6-7 cups)
· 2 cups shredded provolone cheese, divided
· ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)
· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Cheese Sauce:
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1 ½ cups whole milk
· 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the bread cubes.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pat the sliced steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook over high heat for 2-3 minutes, just until browned (it will finish cooking in the oven). Do not overcook. Add the steak and any juices from the skillet to the bowl with the bread and vegetables.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Pour the hot cheese sauce over the bread, steak, and vegetable mixture. Add 1 ½ cups of the provolone cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of provolone cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
· The Steak Shortcut: Look for “shaved beef” or “beef for cheesesteak” in your grocery store’s meat section. It’s pre-sliced perfectly and saves a ton of time. If slicing your own, partially freeze the steak for 30 minutes to make it easier to cut thinly.
· Bread Choice: A sturdy, day-old Italian or French bread works best as it holds up to the sauce without becoming mushy. You can also use a bag of unseasoned croutons in a pinch!
· Cheese is Key: Provolone is the classic Philly cheese, but you can use Cheez Whiz for ultimate authenticity (just melt and drizzle over the top before baking) or a mix of American and mozzarella for maximum creaminess.
· Make it a “One-Pan” Meal: After cooking the vegetables, push them to one side of the skillet to cook the steak. Then, you can mix the bread cubes and sauce right in the skillet (if it’s oven-safe) and bake it all in the same pan.
· Add a Flavor Boost: A splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning in with the vegetables can add a great depth of flavor.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
This casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your easy, fork-friendly Philly cheesesteak