Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a comforting, cheesy twist on the classic sandwich. Combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese, it’s an easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Add Worcestershire sauce, green bell pepper, uncooked macaroni, water, and beef broth to the skillet.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Check to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed or evaporated.
4. Step 4: Keep the skillet over low heat and add the whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese into the pan, stirring gently to distribute the cheese evenly.
6. Step 6: Top the casserole with the remaining provolone cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and slightly browned.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic when browning the beef and onions.
• Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Try swapping elbow macaroni for small penne or shells for a different texture.
• Add sliced mushrooms or black olives for additional veggies.
• Top with sliced jalapeños if you prefer a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Mozzarella and provolone provide the classic gooey, creamy texture and mild flavor typical of a Philly cheesesteak. Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can experiment with similar melting cheeses, but these three work best for the authentic taste.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 53 reviews

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Ground beef, sautéed onions, and green bell peppers are combined with elbow macaroni and a rich cheese sauce, then baked to perfection with layers of mozzarella and provolone cheeses for a deliciously melty finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or family dinner.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Stovetop and Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and onions: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Add remaining ingredients for simmering: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, diced green bell pepper, uncooked elbow macaroni, water, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Simmer the macaroni: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Check to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed or evaporated.
4. Make the cheese sauce: While keeping the skillet on low heat, add the whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated into the mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Add shredded cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese into the skillet, stirring them through the casserole to distribute evenly.
6. Prepare for baking: Top the casserole with the remaining provolone cheese slices and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
7. Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during sautéing.
• Feel free to use a mix of cheeses or adjust quantities based on your preference for cheesiness.
• Ensure the skillet or baking dish is oven-safe to avoid transferring the casserole before baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Cheesy Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, American Casserole