Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with fresh flavors
- Customizable ingredients
- Perfect for healthy meals
Get ready to indulge in the most delectable comfort food you can imagine—Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole! This dish transforms the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a warm, hearty casserole that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves them asking for seconds.
This irresistible casserole combines tender steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and ooey-gooey cheese, all layered over a bed of flavorful pasta. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also packs all the deliciousness of traditional Philly cheesesteaks into every bite. If you’re looking for a new favorite recipe that pleases both kids and adults alike, look no further than this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. First and foremost, it’s a time-saver! Unlike traditional cheesesteaks that require careful assembly and grilling, this casserole allows you to combine all the beloved ingredients in one dish for an easy weeknight dinner. You can enjoy the same great flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another reason to adore this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese. Whether you prefer provolone, Cheez Whiz, or even a spicy pepper jack, the options are endless! Lastly, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd – it’s hearty and filling, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or family gatherings.
Key Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you’ll need some key ingredients that bring authentic flavors to your dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Thinly Sliced Steak: Ribeye or flank steak works best because they are tender and flavorful.
- Pasta: Use any short pasta like penne or rotini as the base for your casserole.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of green and red bell peppers adds sweetness and color.
- Onion: Yellow onions provide depth of flavor when sautéed with the meat and veggies.
- Cream Cheese: This gives the casserole a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite melting cheese – provolone or mozzarella works wonderfully!
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for layering all your ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole gets bubbly and golden when baking.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Add the steak: In the same skillet, add thinly sliced steak along with salt and pepper. Cook until just browned (about 3-4 minutes), then stir in cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the steak mixture along with half of your shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Top with remaining shredded cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top!
Expert Tips
If you want to take your Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole to another level, here are some expert tips. First, always choose high-quality meat; fresh ribeye or flank steak will enhance flavor significantly. Second, don’t rush cooking your vegetables; letting them caramelize brings out their natural sweetness which complements the beef beautifully. Thirdly, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to the steak while cooking for an extra layer of umami flavor. Lastly, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven before serving; this allows it to set up nicely for easier slicing.
Presentation Ideas
This Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is not only delicious but also visually appealing! For a stunning presentation, serve it directly from the baking dish garnished with freshly chopped parsley or scallions on top. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors of the casserole. You could also offer slices of toasted garlic bread on the side for dipping; it complements the cheesy goodness perfectly!
FAQs
Can I use leftover steak for this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover steak works wonderfully in this recipe as long as it’s thinly sliced. Just skip sautéing it too long in step four; you want to warm it through without overcooking.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The classic choice for cheesesteaks is provolone cheese due to its melting quality and flavor profile. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or even Cheez Whiz if you prefer something creamier!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare this casserole ahead by assembling all ingredients up to baking them. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake when you’re ready to serve!
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, substitute steak with mushrooms or tempeh sautéed with similar seasonings along with extra veggies such as zucchini or eggplant for more substance!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through before enjoying again!
Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a delicious casserole. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe features tender steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese layered over flavorful pasta. It’s easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft.
- Add the steak to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes), then stir in cream cheese until melted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the steak mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
