Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheese steak with this hearty Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy the taste of a Philly cheese steak in a convenient, family-friendly casserole form.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 2 bell peppers
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 4 slices Provolone cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×9 baking dish with non-stick spray.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Dice the peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

Cook the Beef and Vegetables:

1. Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat, crumbling as it cooks.
2. When the beef has broken apart but is still pink, add the peppers, onion, garlic, and seasoned salt. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables have softened a bit.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Drain the grease from the skillet and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Tear the cheese into small pieces and place over the beef mixture.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

1. Add the eggs, cream, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to a mixing bowl and whisk well to combine.

Bake the Casserole:

1. Pour the egg mixture over the beef and place the dish in the oven.
2. Bake for 35 minutes or until the eggs are set. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy:

1. Serve this delicious Philly Cheese Steak Casserole hot and enjoy the flavors of a classic Philly cheese steak in a warm, comforting casserole.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with a Fresh Salad: Serve the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
2. Add Toppings: Top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Bread Side: Offer a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious juices from the casserole.
4. Condiments: Provide additional condiments such as hot sauce, ketchup, or even a dollop of sour cream for those who like a bit more flavor.
5. Make it a Sandwich: Serve a portion of the casserole in a toasted hoagie roll for a creative twist on the traditional Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
2. Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, portion it into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
4. Thawing Frozen Casserole: To thaw frozen portions, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave following the instructions above.
5. Prevent Drying Out: When reheating, especially in the oven, consider adding a splash of water or broth to the casserole and covering it with foil to prevent drying out.

Variations:

Explore these creative variations to customize your Philly Cheese Steak Casserole and add new flavors to this classic dish:

1. Mushroom and Swiss: Add sliced mushrooms sautéed with the onions and peppers. Replace Provolone with Swiss cheese for a rich, earthy flavor.
2. Buffalo Chicken: Substitute ground chicken for beef. Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. Top with mozzarella cheese instead of Provolone.
3. Tex-Mex Twist: Use ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning. Add diced jalapeños and corn kernels to the vegetable mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream.
4. Italian Style: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Add diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the vegetable mix. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale. Use vegan cheese for topping.
6. Breakfast Casserole: Incorporate cooked breakfast sausage or bacon instead of ground beef. Add diced potatoes or hash browns to the mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve with a side of scrambled eggs.
7. Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers: Instead of a casserole, stuff bell peppers with the Philly cheese steak mixture. Top with cheese and bake until peppers are tender.
8. Low Carb Option: Skip the crust and serve the Philly cheese steak mixture over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and broil until melted.
9. Southwest Style: Add black beans, diced green chilies, and a squeeze of lime juice to the beef and vegetable mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with avocado slices.
10. Greek-Inspired: Season the beef with Mediterranean spices like oregano and garlic. Add chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.

FAQs:

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about making and enjoying Philly Cheese Steak Casserole:

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
   • Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
2. How can I make this casserole spicy?
   • Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef and vegetable mixture before baking. You can also top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?
   • Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes.
5. Can I freeze Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?
   • Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
6. How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
   • Ensure the vegetables are well-drained after cooking to remove excess moisture. You can also use lean ground beef to minimize grease.
7. What type of bell peppers should I use?
   • Use any color of bell peppers you prefer or a combination for added color and flavor. Green, red, yellow, or orange peppers all work well.
8. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
   • Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Ensure they are diced or sliced to cook evenly.
9. How long should I let the casserole rest before serving?
   • Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to slice and serve.
10. Can I make this casserole in individual portions?
    • Yes, you can divide the mixture into individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for personalized servings. Adjust baking time accordingly.