Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A Weeknight Wonder: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole in Under an Hour

Craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but short on time? This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is your answer! It captures all the beloved elements of the classic sandwich – savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, and melty cheese – and transforms them into a hearty and delicious casserole that's perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Plus, it's easy to prepare in under an hour, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

A Familiar Favorite, Reimagined:

• Rich and Savory Filling: Ground beef is seasoned to perfection and cooked with crisp bell peppers and onions, creating a flavorful base for the casserole. This combination delivers the same delicious savory notes you'd expect from a classic Philly cheesesteak.
• Melty Cheese Heaven: Layers of melty provolone cheese blanket the meat and veggie mixture, adding a creamy and decadent touch that's true to the Philly cheesesteak experience. The gooey cheese pulls apart beautifully when you dig into the casserole.
• Creamy Custard Comfort: A mixture of eggs, heavy whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce is poured over the casserole, creating a creamy custard-like texture that ties all the flavors together. This adds richness and moisture, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Easy Cleanup: This casserole is not only delicious but also convenient! It's all prepared in a single baking dish, minimizing mess and making cleanup a breeze. No more scrubbing multiple pots and pans after dinner!

Ingredients to Build Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Feast (Serves 4-6):

The Savory Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio): Provides a flavorful base for the casserole. Opt for leaner ground beef if you prefer.

The Flavorful Veggies:

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and a delightful crunch.
• ½ yellow onion, chopped: Provides a savory base flavor that complements the beef and peppers.

The Melty Dream:

• 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to create a cheesy layer reminiscent of the classic Philly cheesesteak. You can substitute mozzarella cheese or a combination of both for a slightly different flavor profile.

The Creamy Custard:

• 3 large eggs: The base for the creamy custard that binds everything together.
• ¼ cup milk: Adds a touch of richness and creates a smooth and creamy texture. Heavy whipping cream can be used for an extra decadent version.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy depth of flavor that complements the savory elements of the casserole.

The Finishing Touches:

• 1 teaspoon steak seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices to add extra flavor to the ground beef. You can substitute Italian seasoning or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Aromatic and adds a delightful garlicky kick.

Step-by-Step Guide to Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Bliss:

1. Preheat and Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Veggie Symphony: Once the beef is browned and crumbly, add the chopped red bell pepper and yellow onion to the skillet. Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Flavor Boost: Stir in the steak seasoning and minced garlic. Sauté for another minute to release their flavors. Drain any excess grease from the skillet using a slotted spoon.
4. Building the Casserole: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly. Top it with a layer of provolone cheese slices.
5. The Creamy Custard Pour: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
6. Bake to Cheesy Perfection: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges will be slightly golden brown.
7. Serve and Savor! Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, bursting with flavor and cheesy goodness in every comforting bite. Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Philly Chees Steak Casserole:

• Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture while cooking.
• Veggie Versatility: Feel free to experiment with different colored bell peppers or add other chopped vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for additional flavor and texture.
• Shortcut Savvy: To save time, use pre-shredded cheese for the casserole. Pre-chopped peppers and onions are also available in most grocery stores for added convenience.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Use a gluten-free breadcrumb mixture as a topping for the casserole before baking. This creates a crispy and satisfying crust for those who are gluten-sensitive.
• Leftover Love: This casserole reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Individual Portions: For a fun presentation, portion the casserole mixture into individual ramekins or small baking dishes. Bake for a shorter amount of time, adjusting based on the size of the ramekins.

Beyond the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Inspirations

This recipe is a launching pad for your own Philly Cheesesteak Casserole adventures! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Cheesesteak Supreme: Add chopped cooked steak or chicken breast to the casserole along with the ground beef for a protein punch.
• Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Twist: Layer the ingredients on a sheet of puff pastry dough instead of using a baking dish. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. Bake until golden brown and enjoy a handheld version of the casserole.
• Open-Faced Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture over a pizza crust. Top with cheese, peppers, onions, and bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Drizzle with a creamy horseradish sauce for an extra kick.

With a little creativity and these tips, you can transform this classic Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe into endless flavor and presentation possibilities. So grab your ground beef, cheese, and favorite vegetables, and create a comforting and flavorful casserole that will satisfy your cheesesteak cravings in no time!