If you love the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, you’re going to fall head over heels for this comforting, cheesy casserole version. Inspired by the famous sandwich from Philadelphia, this dish keeps all the juicy beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese — but skips the roll and turns it into a hearty, oven-baked family dinner.
It’s rich, satisfying, low-carb friendly (if you skip pasta or bread), and perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.
A Little History
The original Philly cheesesteak was created in the 1930s in Philadelphia by Pat Olivieri. Today, two iconic spots — Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks — are world-famous for serving this legendary sandwich.
Traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese (often provolone or Cheez Whiz) on a hoagie roll, this casserole version transforms those same flavors into a baked comfort dish.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
- 2 lbs (900g) thinly sliced ribeye steak (or shaved beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 6 slices provolone for a traditional finish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced onions and peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add sliced beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
- Drain excess liquid if needed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, mix:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Beef broth
- Dijon mustard
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle provolone and mozzarella evenly on top.
- Add provolone slices if using.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as-is for a low-carb meal.
- Spoon over toasted hoagie rolls.
- Serve with garlic bread.
- Pair with a crisp green salad.
Benefits
High in protein
Very filling and satisfying
Keto-friendly option
Easy to meal prep
Family-friendly comfort food
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving – 6 servings)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 6–8g
- Fiber: 1g
Why Everyone Loves It
- It tastes just like a cheesesteak sandwich.
- Super creamy and cheesy.
- Great for gatherings.
- Easy to customize.
- Pure comfort in every bite.
Variations
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use ground beef instead of sliced steak.
- Add jalapeños for spice.
- Mix in cooked pasta to make it heartier.
- Use Cheez Whiz for a more traditional twist.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes the bold, iconic flavors of a street-food classic and turns them into an easy, oven-baked masterpiece. It’s cheesy, meaty, and packed with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving serious comfort food.