Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 ounces bowtie pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 poblano pepper or green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can lower sodium beef broth
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cut up
• 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese, divided
• 1 cup soft bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add the sliced poblano pepper, bell pepper, and sweet onion to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
5. Season the mixture with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper. Stir and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Dust the mixture with flour and cook, stirring, for an additional 1 minute.
7. Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, and stir until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
8. Add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir and cook until it melts into the sauce.
9. Stir in 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese and continue to cook until the cheese melts into the mixture.
10. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the baking dish with the pasta. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
11. Top the mixture with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded provolone cheese.
12. In a small bowl, toss the bread crumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the casserole.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 730
• Total Fat: 42g (54% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 19g (94% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 125mg (42% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1091mg (47% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 47g (17% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 39g (77% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 67mg (75% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 334mg (26% Daily Value)
• Iron: 5mg (27% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 621mg (13% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

The Philly cheesesteak casserole is a modern twist on the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, which originated in the early 1930s. Legend credits Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, with inventing the original sandwich by cooking thinly sliced beef on a griddle and serving it on a hoagie roll. Over time, the classic sandwich gained fame for its rich combination of beef, onions, peppers, and melted cheese. The casserole version adapts these flavors into a hearty, baked dish, making it easier to serve multiple people at once while preserving the beloved taste of the original sandwich.

Regional Characteristics

While the original cheesesteak is closely tied to Philadelphia, the casserole variant reflects broader American comfort food traditions. In this form, pasta and a creamy cheese sauce often replace the hoagie roll, offering a more substantial, oven-baked meal suitable for family dinners. Regional variations may include different types of peppers or cheeses: provolone remains classic, but cheddar or mozzarella can also appear depending on local preferences. The dish has become popular in suburban households across the United States, particularly in the Northeast, where the original sandwich hails from.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Philly cheesesteak casserole distinguishes itself from other meat-and-cheese casseroles through its signature combination of thinly sliced beef, sweet and mild peppers, onions, and a melty provolone and cream cheese sauce. Unlike standard beef casseroles, which often rely on tomato-based sauces, this dish emphasizes creamy, savory flavors and a slightly crispy topping of bread crumbs. It is not a traditional pasta bake either, as the seasoning and ingredient profile are directly inspired by the Philadelphia cheesesteak rather than Italian-American recipes.

Typical Serving Occasions

This casserole is commonly served as a comforting main dish for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or game-day parties. It works well as a buffet or potluck option because it can be made in advance, baked, and kept warm. Many families pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, though its richness often makes it satisfying as a standalone dish. In restaurants, it occasionally appears on menus in gastropubs or diners that offer inventive takes on classic American sandwiches.

Interesting Facts

• The original Philly cheesesteak sandwich was reportedly sold for just 50 cents in the 1930s, while today the casserole allows the flavors to feed a whole family at a comparable cost per serving.
• The casserole version can be customized easily for dietary preferences, including substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef, or using gluten-free pasta.
• Many chefs add a touch of hot sauce or crushed red pepper to mimic the bold flavor profile of street-style Philadelphia cheesesteaks.
• Despite being inspired by a sandwich, this casserole has gained its own identity and is sometimes referred to as deconstructed Philly cheesesteak in culinary circles.
• The layering technique of pasta, beef, and cheese ensures that each bite has a balanced mix of texturesfrom creamy to slightly crispy on top.

FAQ about Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

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