If you’re craving all the melty, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but want something that’s easier to throw together and share, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all those classic flavors—tender sirloin, sautéed peppers and onions, and a cheesy, creamy sauce—in one warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Personally, I love making this casserole because it feels like an upgrade to the sandwich, plus it’s incredibly forgiving if you’re busy or cooking for a crowd. It’s one of those recipes where you can prep ahead and know dinner will be ready when you need it. Trust me, once you try this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe, it’ll quickly become a family favorite you can turn to over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe are pretty straightforward but work beautifully together to give you that classic Philly taste in a casserole form. Here’s a quick rundown and some tips on picking the best items for success.

Sirloin steak: Go for sirloin because it’s tender and flavorful, perfect for slicing thin and cooking quickly without turning tough.
Butter: Just a tablespoon to help sear the steak and soften those veggies without overpowering the dish.
Bell peppers: Use any color you like, but I usually pick a mix of red and green for that pop of sweetness and slight bitterness.
Onion: A large onion is essential—it brings that classic Philly cheesesteak aroma and balances the richness.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced finely to infuse the dish with a gentle punch.
Cream cheese: This adds the creamy texture that makes the casserole feel indulgent and smooth.
Half-and-half or cream: Provides a silky sauce base without being too heavy—feel free to pick whatever you have on hand.
Cheddar cheese: I like sharp cheddar for its bold flavor; half goes into the sauce, and the rest melts on top.
Mozzarella cheese: This gives that irresistible gooey stretchiness that makes every bite delightful.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors without stealing the spotlight.

Variations

I like to change up this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe depending on what we’re in the mood for or what I have in the fridge. It’s such a versatile dish that you can really make it your own!

Swap the steak for chicken or turkey: I’ve tried this with thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter take, and honestly, it’s just as satisfying.
Add mushrooms: If you’re a mushroom fan like me, sautéed mushrooms add an earthy richness that complements the peppers and onions wonderfully.
Use provolone cheese: For a more authentic Philadelphia vibe, try provolone instead of mozzarella.
Make it spicy: Toss in some thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Low-carb version: Skip the cream cheese and half-and-half for a lighter casserole or serve over a bed of cauliflower rice.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the sliced sirloin, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Spread it out to get a nice sear—don’t crowd the pan or the meat will steam instead. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until it’s browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside. This step is crucial because properly seared steak gives that authentic Philly flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook them down over medium heat until they’re soft and caramelized—about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing burns, but feel free to let them get a little caramelization for more depth of flavor. This is where the aroma starts filling the kitchen and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Now, reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet with the veggies. Stir until it melts and blends with all those flavorful aromatics. Slowly pour in the half-and-half, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Then add half of your cheddar and mozzarella cheeses—keep stirring until everything melts together into a beautiful, cheesy mixture.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Return the seared steak to the skillet and mix it into the cheesy veggie sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Pour the whole mixture into a greased casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top for that perfect golden crust. Pop it in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly browned.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

This image shows a creamy baked dish in a white rectangular baking dish. The dish has multiple layers visible: a bottom layer with pieces of browned meat and green peppers, then a thick white sauce mixed with red bell pepper chunks, all topped with a melted golden cheese layer with some browned spots and small green herb sprinkles. A wooden-handled spatula lifts a portion of the dish, showing the thick, creamy texture with the meat and pepper pieces clearly visible among the sauce. The surface beneath the dish is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, I love topping it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes a few dashes of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños on the side add a nice contrast too. These simple touches really elevate the dish without much effort.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some roasted veggies balances out the richness nicely. For a comforting combo, I sometimes make garlic mashed potatoes or crispy oven fries on the side—both classic Philly cheesesteak vibes translated into sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to set this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole in small individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—it makes it feel a bit more gourmet and fun for guests. You can even top each serving with a fried egg for an impressive brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps really well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe freezes beautifully, which is a total lifesaver on busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it lasts for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming the casserole in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through to keep the top crispy and the inside creamy. If you’re short on time, the microwave works fine but can make the cheese a bit rubbery if you overdo it—heat in short bursts and stir gently.

FAQs

Can I make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe with another type of meat?

Absolutely! While sirloin steak is traditional and tender, you can swap in thinly sliced chicken breast, turkey, or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked but still juicy.
Is this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for a few days, or freeze portions for later. It reheats well without losing flavor or texture, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.
What’s the best cheese combination for this casserole?

I find a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella offers the best balance of flavor and meltiness for this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe. However, provolone is a great alternative if you want a more authentic Philly sandwich flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or even sliced jalapeños can add extra flavor and texture. Just sauté any additional veggies with the onions and peppers so they cook evenly.
How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?

To keep the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole lower carb, skip any starchy add-ins and opt for cream or half-and-half sparingly. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh greens instead of bread or potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels both nostalgic and novel. It’s such a comforting, cheesy crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a go-to recipe you love sharing with friends and family.