๐ณ Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Serves 6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: ~40 min
๐ Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or flank/sirloin)
Pro Tip: Freeze for 20 mins first — makes slicing paper-thin strips easier!*
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra depth
For Serving (Optional):
Hoagie rolls, toasted
Banana peppers or hot giardiniera
Mayo, mustard, or Cheez Whiz (for authenticity!)
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over high heat.
Add sliced steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Caramelize Veggies
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp oil.
Add onions and peppers. Cook over medium heat 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized.
Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute.
3️⃣ Combine & Return Steak
Add seared steak back to the skillet. Stir to combine with veggies.
4️⃣ Top with Cheese
Sprinkle provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using) evenly over the top.
5️⃣ Broil Until Bubbly
Place skillet under the broiler (high) for 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
๐ฅ No oven-safe skillet? Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13” baking dish before adding cheese and broiling.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let cool 2–3 minutes — allows flavors to settle.
Scoop straight from the pan or serve piled high on toasted hoagie rolls.
๐ถ️ Pro Move: Drizzle with hot sauce or top with pickled banana peppers for that authentic Philly kick!
๐ถ️ Variations & Pro Tips
๐ง Cheese Swap: Try American for a classic “Whiz-like” vibe, or smoked gouda for depth
๐ Add Mushrooms: Sliced cremini mushrooms = umami boost
๐ถ️ Spicy Upgrade: Add jalapeรฑos or a dash of cayenne to the filling
๐ฑ Low-Carb/Keto? Skip the roll — this casserole stands strong on its own!
๐ง Make-Ahead: Assemble through step 3, refrigerate, then top with cheese and broil when ready
๐ด Meal Prep: Divide into containers for 3–4 days of easy lunches
๐ง Why This Tastes Like the Real Deal
The secret is high heat + quick cooking:
Thinly sliced steak gets seared fast, locking in juices
Onions and peppers soften while keeping texture
Broiling melts cheese into that iconic gooey layer without drying out the meat
It’s flavor layered like a sandwich — just baked into a cozy, shareable form.
❤️ Final Thought: A Love Letter to Comfort Food
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole isn’t trying to replace the original — it’s here to celebrate it. To bring that late-night deli magic into your kitchen, minus the grease-stained napkins and long lines.
It’s messy. It’s cheesy. It’s deeply satisfying.
And when someone grabs a second helping while muttering, “This might be better than the real thing…” — you’ll know you’ve nailed it.