Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Introduction
The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a comforting twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender beef, melty cheeses, and tender pasta in one delicious dish. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or game day feast.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, as needed
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, diced green bell pepper, uncooked elbow macaroni, water, and beef broth.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes. Check that the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed or evaporated.
- Step 4: Keep the skillet over low heat. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and combined into the sauce.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese. Stir gently to distribute the cheese throughout.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish. Top with the remaining provolone cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the top is melted and slightly browned. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin instead of ground beef for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Swap elbow macaroni for small shells or penne for a different pasta texture.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese and milk varieties.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with an equal amount of ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different but creamy texture.
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with tender elbow macaroni baked in a creamy cheese sauce. Ground beef, sautéed onions, and green bell peppers are simmered with pasta in a savory broth, then enriched with cream cheese and topped with melty mozzarella and provolone. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the meat and onions: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor.
- Add vegetables, pasta, and liquids: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, diced green bell pepper, uncooked elbow macaroni, water, and beef broth. Mix everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Check to ensure the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed or evaporated.
- Create the creamy cheese sauce: While still on low heat, add the whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese cubes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and incorporated into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Mix in mozzarella and provolone: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and half of the torn provolone over the mixture and stir gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the casserole.
- Top and prepare for baking: Evenly spread the remaining provolone cheese on top of the casserole and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Transfer the entire mixture into an oven-safe baking casserole dish if the skillet is not oven-safe.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the top cheese is melted and slightly browned, creating a deliciously golden crust.
Notes
- If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the casserole to an oven-safe baking dish before baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some minced garlic while browning the beef and onions.
- This dish can be customized by adding mushrooms or substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Use low-fat milk and cheese options for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but the pasta may absorb more liquid, so add a splash of milk when reheating.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot pasta bake

