Philly cheese steak casserole brings the beloved flavors of a classic sandwich into a hearty and comforting dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and tender vegetables all baked to perfection, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef serves as the base for this philly cheese steak casserole, providing rich flavor and protein. For best results, use 1 pound of lean ground beef to keep it juicy without excessive grease. Cooking it until browned not only helps release its natural flavors but also adds depth to the entire dish. You can choose ground chuck or sirloin depending on your preference; both options work well.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers add vibrant color and sweetness to your casserole. Use 1 cup of diced bell peppers—preferably a mix of green and red—for a balance of flavor. The peppers soften as they bake, blending beautifully with the other ingredients while contributing essential vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants.
Onion
Onions are essential for building flavor in this recipe. Approximately 1 cup of diced onion will infuse your dish with aromatic goodness. Sautéing the onions until they are translucent enhances their sweetness, making them a perfect companion to the beef and peppers.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
For creaminess and moisture, include 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup. This ingredient binds everything together while adding a savory richness that complements the other flavors nicely. If desired, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup for a different twist.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is key to achieving that authentic cheesesteak taste in your casserole. Use about 2 cups of shredded provolone cheese; its creamy texture melts beautifully over the top layer. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for added flavor variety.
Italian Seasoning
A teaspoon of Italian seasoning enhances all the flavors in this dish. This blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme which complement both beef and veggies perfectly.
How to Prepare Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly throughout once assembled. Preparing your oven ahead gives you time to focus on preparing the filling without worrying about timing later on.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef until fully cooked—about 6-8 minutes should suffice. Use a wooden spoon to break up any large chunks while cooking; this ensures even browning across all pieces. As it cooks, drain excess grease if necessary but keep some fat for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Once your ground beef has browned nicely, add in 1 cup each of diced bell peppers and onions into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir frequently as they cook for another 4-5 minutes until softened but not mushy—this step creates wonderful depth in taste by allowing those sweet aromas from vegetables to release fully into the meat.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed ground beef mixture along with one can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup along with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; stir until completely blended together evenly throughout every element present within it! This mixture forms an incredible base layer filled with flavors waiting patiently beneath layers upon layers yet still needing something special on top!
Step 5: Layer Your Casserole
Grab an appropriate-sized baking dish (about 9×13 inches works well). Start layering by pouring half of what you just combined from previous steps onto bottom first spreading evenly across surface area reaching corners—this ensures no bare spots left behind! Next sprinkle generously over top using approximately two cups shredded provolone cheese before repeating previous actions again topping off final layer remaining combination followed lastly by additional handfuls shredded provolone ensuring creamy goodness awaits after baking time concludes!
Step 6: Bake Your Casserole
Place assembled casserole into preheated oven at temperature set earlier (350°F/175°C) allowing bake time ranging anywhere between thirty-five-forty-five minutes depending on thickness achieved during layering process—look for bubbling edges surrounding golden melted cheesy topping signaling readiness! Once finished remove carefully using oven mitts letting rest around ten minutes prior slicing servings through entire pan making sure portions remain intact without losing structural integrity post-baking!
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious meal leftovers must be stored properly! Allow any remaining portions cool down completely before transferring them into airtight containers suitable refrigeration guidelines ensuring freshness retained longer periods extending enjoyment multiple days afterward! Under proper conditions leftovers last around three-four days maximum—always reheat thoroughly using microwave or oven prior consuming again allowing safe temperatures achieved throughout entire portion heated back up ready devour once more!
Mistakes to avoid
Overcooking is a frequent error. It’s crucial to cook the steak just until it’s done to maintain tenderness. Overcooking can make it dry and tough, so keep an eye on your cooking times. Similarly, be cautious with your vegetables; too long in the oven can turn them mushy instead of retaining their desired texture.
Suggestions for philly cheese steak casserole
When preparing philly cheese steak casserole, certain suggestions can make a significant difference in taste and presentation. Start by considering different variations of vegetables beyond just bell peppers and onions. Mushrooms add an earthy depth while spinach introduces freshness that balances richer flavors.
FAQs
What kind of steak should I use for philly cheese steak casserole?
For a delicious philly cheese steak casserole, choosing the right cut of beef is vital for achieving tenderness and flavor. Ribeye is often regarded as one of the best options because it has rich marbling that keeps it juicy during cooking. Sirloin is another excellent choice due to its balance between quality and price; just ensure you slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I make philly cheese steak casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing philly cheese steak casserole ahead of time can be quite convenient for busy schedules or gatherings. You can assemble all ingredients up to 24 hours before baking; simply store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it later on.
What toppings work well with philly cheese steak casserole?
Adding toppings elevates your philly cheese steak casserole experience! Traditional choices include sliced jalapeños for heat or fresh parsley/chives sprinkled over just before serving brings freshness into play brightening up rich flavors beneath.
Is there a vegetarian version of philly cheese steak casserole?
Yes! Crafting a vegetarian version of philly cheese steak casserole is entirely possible using plant-based substitutes while maintaining satisfying flavors! Start by swapping out beef with hearty alternatives like seitan or portobello mushrooms—they mimic meaty textures nicely when seasoned appropriately.
Can I freeze leftovers from my philly cheese steak casserole?
Freezing leftovers from your philly cheese steak casserole is definitely an option! To do this successfully allow leftovers cool completely first so condensation doesn’t form inside containers leading sogginess upon thawing later on—nobody wants that!
How do I store leftover philly cheese steak casserole?
Storing leftover philly cheese steak casserole correctly ensures you maintain its deliciousness over subsequent days! Allow any remaining portions cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers; glass ones work particularly well since they help prevent odors permeating other foods within fridge too!
