Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that brings the flavors of the classic sandwich to a comforting baked meal. With layers of ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and gooey cheese, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Break it up as it cooks, and drain any excess fat.
4. Season the Mixture: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and melt the softened cream cheese into the beef mixture, stirring until fully combined.
6. Optional Mushrooms: If using, stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture, covering it completely.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Variations

• Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Swiss for varied flavors.
• Add Veggies: Include additional vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
2. What can I serve with this casserole?
   It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Is this casserole spicy?
   No, it’s not spicy, but you can add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for heat.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
5. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
   You can substitute with soy sauce or omit it altogether, although the flavor may vary slightly.
6. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Ensure all ingredients, including the cream cheese, are gluten-free.
7. Can I add more cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to increase the cheese for an extra cheesy casserole.
8. What other vegetables work well?
   Sliced jalapeños, spinach, or even diced tomatoes can add great flavor and texture.
9. How do I know when it’s done?
   The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
10. Can I use pre-cooked beef?
    Yes, you can use leftover or pre-cooked beef; just heat it through before adding cream cheese.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a comforting dish that combines all the beloved flavors of the classic sandwich into an easy-to-make baked meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table with its rich and cheesy goodness.

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