If you love the iconic flavors of a cheesesteak sandwich but want something even cozier and easier to share, then this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish captures the perfect harmony of tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, velvety cream cheese, and melty layers of mozzarella and provolone, all baked together with perfectly tender pasta shells. It transforms the beloved classic into a comforting casserole that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite for dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a warm, cheesy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for achieving that rich, layered flavor and satisfying texture in this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s building the savory base, adding creamy indulgence, or bringing freshness and color to the dish.
- 1/2 pound small shells: Ideal pasta for trapping cheesy sauce and beef in every bite.
- 32 ounces beef stock + 32 ounces water: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic and veggies.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein star that brings that classic cheesesteak taste.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Gives a luscious creaminess that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 green pepper (diced): Adds a fresh, mild crunch and vibrant color.
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and balances the savory beef.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Helps keep the casserole moist and silky.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for gooey cheesiness throughout.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Topping that melts perfectly, adding sharp, smoky notes.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees so it’s perfectly hot when your casserole goes in. Meanwhile, combine your beef stock with an equal amount of water to make a rich cooking liquid. Cook the small shells pasta right in this flavorful broth according to package directions, then reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In an ovenproof skillet, melt the butter and cook the minced garlic just for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This gentle sauté unlocks the garlic’s sweetness without overpowering the dish. Then, toss in the diced green pepper and yellow onion, cooking until tender and soft—this builds the aromatic foundation for your casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s fully browned and deliciously savory. Once done, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily but retain all that meaty flavor.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Combine
With the skillet still on the heat, stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and well combined with the beef mixture. This creates a creamy sauce that’s both decadent and comforting. Next, add in the reserved pasta water, the cooked noodles, and shredded mozzarella, folding everything together to coat every shell in cheesy, beefy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Top the skillet with slices of provolone cheese, layering them evenly over the casserole. Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the provolone is fully melted and bubbling. This final step marries all the flavors while creating a golden, irresistible crust on top.
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe even further, try fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions. These little pops of color and mild freshness cut through the richness beautifully and make for a vibrant presentation.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw. These sides add a refreshing balance to the rich, cheesy casserole and keep the meal feeling well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. It’s perfect for portion control and makes the meal feel extra special when entertaining. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top and broil briefly for a beautifully browned, bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors actually deepen after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, warm portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven for about 15–20 minutes. You can cover with foil to prevent over-browning and remove it towards the end to crisp up the top again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While small shells are perfect for trapping the sauce, penne or rigatoni also work well. Just expect a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or even diced steak for a chunkier texture that mimics classic cheesesteak slices more closely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap out the beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for cooking the pasta.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild by default, letting the savory and cheesy flavors shine. But if you love a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef or sprinkle some hot sauce on top when serving.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake just before serving. This is perfect for saving time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about transforming a beloved sandwich into a warm, cheesy casserole that feeds both comfort and joy. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe soon—it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in as a cozy solo meal. Once you experience that rich blend of flavors and textures, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes for easy weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings.
Print
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and indulgent Philly Cheese Steak Casserole that combines tender ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta shells baked to melty perfection. This comforting casserole is an easy twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, perfect for a satisfying family dinner in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 pound small shells
- 32 ounces beef stock
- 32 ounces water
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, combine 32 ounces of beef stock with 32 ounces of water. Bring to a boil, then cook the small shells according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
- Sauté the vegetables: In an ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced green pepper and onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until they are tender and softened.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat into crumbles. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Melt in the cream cheese: Return the skillet to heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined with the beef and vegetables, creating a creamy filling.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Stir in the reserved pasta water, cooked pasta shells, and shredded mozzarella into the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Top and bake: Layer the six slices of provolone cheese evenly on top of the casserole mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the provolone has completely melted and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
- If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish before adding the pasta and cheese and baking.
- Feel free to add extra seasonings like paprika or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
