Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole recipe is a personal favorite and a sure crowd-pleaser. Yes, you heard that right, Philly Cheesesteak CASSEROLE! We're taking the iconic sandwich from the city of brotherly love, transforming it into a comforting casserole, and we're using our trusty crockpot to create it.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole! This casserole is like the lovechild of a classic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and your favorite pasta dish. It's made with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and creamy cream cheese all slow-cooked in a crockpot until it's perfectly tender and flavorful.

Then, to really take it over the top, we top it off with a layer of gooey provolone cheese and cheese whiz that'll make you want to dive right in.

And here's the best part: we serve it all up with rotini pasta, making it a satisfying and hearty meal that'll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. So, if you're looking to switch up your dinner routine, try making this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole - your taste buds will thank you!

Casseroles offer convenience, versatility, and the opportunity to create delicious one-dish meals that can be enjoyed by the whole family. That's why I love to make them for busy weeknights or simple dinners with guests.

If you are looking for more easy casserole recipes check out my Beefy Taco Casserole, Cowboy Cornbread Casserole, and Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for delicious dinners that are quick to make.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Now, I can already hear some of you asking, "Why mess with a good thing?" But trust me when I tell you, this isn't about messing with a classic, but about giving it a new spin. It's about making it easier and more convenient without sacrificing that flavor we all know and love. Plus, who doesn't love a good casserole? It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

What Goes Into a Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?

To make this crockpot Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, we're going to need some classic Philly Cheese Steak ingredients. We're talking beef, bell peppers, onions, and of course, cheese! But we're also throwing in some cream cheese for that extra creamy touch. Oh and don't forget the pasta to make it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The star of the show! Ground beef is a classic choice for this dish, but you could also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to choose a lean variety so that your casserole isn't too greasy.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese gives this casserole a creamy, tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese. Make sure you use softened cream cheese so that it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Green bell pepper: Green bell peppers are a classic ingredient in Philly Cheese Steaks, and they add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to this casserole. Be sure to chop them finely so that they cook evenly.
• Red bell pepper: Similar to the green bell pepper, the red bell pepper adds a sweet flavor and bright color to the dish.
• Sweet onion: The sweet onion adds a slightly sweet, mellow flavor to the dish. Be sure to chop it finely so that it cooks evenly with the other ingredients.
• Lawry's Seasoned Salt: This seasoning blend includes salt, sugar, paprika, and other spices that add flavor and depth to the dish. If you don't have Lawry's, you could use a similar seasoning blend, or just salt and pepper to taste.
• Provolone cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic cheese for Philly Cheese Steaks, and it works perfectly in this casserole. It's mild and slightly tangy, and it melts beautifully over the top of the casserole.
• Gluten-free rotini: The pasta adds a heartiness to the dish and makes it more filling. Gluten-free rotini is a great choice if you're gluten-sensitive, but you could use any type of pasta you like.
• Cheez-Whiz (optional): If you want to take this casserole to the next level, you can top it off with a drizzle of Cheez-Whiz before serving. It's not traditional, but it adds a fun, cheesy flavor that's hard to resist.

How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet.
2. Drain excess fat and transfer meat to crockpot.
3. Add chopped bell peppers, onion, Lawry's seasoning salt, and cream cheese to crockpot.
4. Cover with 4 slices of provolone cheese.
5. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.
6. Cook gluten-free rotini according to package instructions.
7. Add cooked rotini pasta to the crockpot and stir.
8. Top with additional provolone cheese and melt the cheese under the broiler.
9. Optional: top with Cheez Whiz.

Philly Cheesesteak Video Instructions

Make it Your Way

You can make this recipe a few fun ways by adding or changing up some of the ingredients!

1. Add mushrooms or jalapenos for extra flavor: If you want to add an extra kick to your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, try adding some sliced mushrooms or diced jalapenos to the mix. The mushrooms will add a meaty, savory flavor to the dish, while the jalapenos will give it some heat and spice. Just be sure to adjust the amount of jalapenos to your personal taste - you don't want to make it too spicy!
2. Use different types of cheese for different flavors: While provolone cheese is the classic choice for Philly Cheese Steaks, you can experiment with different types of cheese to give your casserole a different flavor profile. Some good options to try include mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of different cheeses. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors in the dish.
3. Use different types of pasta for different textures: While gluten-free rotini is a great choice for this casserole, you can switch things up by using a different type of pasta. For example, you could try using penne, elbow macaroni, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta have different cooking times, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
4. Use steak instead of ground beef: If you really want to make this dish feel like a classic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich, you can swap out the ground beef for thinly sliced steak. Just be sure to slice the steak thinly and cook it quickly in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot - this will ensure that it stays tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This is a hearty casserole so it can be served on its own or with these simple sides.

• Garlic bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a buttery and flavorful bite.
• Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.

What Kind of Cheese is Best for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

When it comes to cheese, provolone is the classic choice for Philly Cheese Steaks and works wonderfully in this casserole. Its mild and slightly tangy taste pairs well with the other ingredients and melts to a deliciously gooey consistency. However, if you prefer a different cheese, such as American or Swiss, you can certainly use those instead. Ultimately, the best cheese for your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the one that pleases your taste buds.

More Cheesesteak Recipes

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Philly Cheese Steak Casserole without the pasta. Feel free to get creative with your casserole and adapt the recipe to suit your preferences!

Hoagie or Sub Sandwich: Spoon the hot Philly Cheese Steak mixture onto a toasted hoagie or sub roll, (gluten-free for my family). Top it with melted provolone cheese and any other desired toppings, such as sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peppers. Enjoy it as a delicious and hearty sandwich.

Low-Carb Philly Cheese Steak Lettuce Cups: Use large lettuce leaves as cups and fill them with the Philly Cheese Steak mixture. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and any desired toppings. Serve them as handheld lettuce cups for a light and flavorful option.

Loaded Baked Potatoes: Bake potatoes until tender, then cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the Philly Cheese Steak mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with provolone cheese. Pop them back in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden. You'll have a comforting and satisfying meal.

How to Store

To store your leftover Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the casserole. Simply place individual portions or the entire dish in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it according to the reheating instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make Philly Cheese Steak Casserole without a crockpot? Yes, you can still make this casserole without a crockpot. Instead, you can cook the ground beef and vegetables on the stovetop and then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top it with provolone cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even thinly sliced steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by using plant-based meat substitutes, such as crumbled veggie ground or soy crumbles, instead of the ground beef. Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe or add other vegetarian-friendly ingredients like mushrooms or tofu for added texture and flavor.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance (without the pasta). After assembling the casserole, you can cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready to cook, simply transfer it to the crockpot or oven and follow the recipe instructions.
• Can I customize the toppings for the casserole? Definitely! The toppings can be customized to suit your preferences. In addition to the optional Cheez Whiz topping, you can also add other toppings like sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
• Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to the casserole. Sautéed mushrooms, sliced zucchini, or even diced tomatoes can be tasty additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time or pre-cook the vegetables if needed.
• Can I make this recipe in a different cooking appliance? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to different cooking appliances. For example, you can use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to cook the ground beef and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook under pressure. Alternatively, you can use a traditional oven instead of a crockpot by adjusting the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, transforming it into a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal. Its combination of seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, onions, cream cheese, and provolone cheese creates a tasty blend of flavors and textures.

Whether served with pasta, transformed into sandwiches, or enjoyed in whichever way you like, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your cravings for cheesy goodness. So gather your ingredients, let your crockpot work its magic, and indulge in the deliciousness of Philly Cheese Steak Casserole!