This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the beloved street sandwich into a hearty, family-style dish that brings all the classic flavors to your dinner table. Combining a fluffy Bisquick base with savory beef, peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese, this casserole captures the essence of Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich in a form that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The brown gravy adds a rich depth that ties all the components together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the authentic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without needing to visit a deli
• Easy one-dish meal that feeds the whole family
• Perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights
• Customizable with your favorite cheesesteak toppings
• Comfort food that both kids and adults will enjoy

Ingredients

• Bisquick Mix: Acts as the sturdy base for this casserole, creating a soft, slightly bready foundation similar to a cheesesteak roll.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the Bisquick base. Whole milk works best, but 2% can also be used.
• Egg: Helps bind the Bisquick base and adds structure to ensure it holds up under the hearty toppings.
• Ground Beef: The star protein of the dish. Choose 80/20 for optimal flavor, or leaner if preferred.
• Sweet Onion: Provides the classic cheesesteak flavor. Vidalia or yellow onions work perfectly when sliced into thin strips.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds color, texture, and authentic Philly flavor. For variation, red or mixed bell peppers can be substituted.
• Brown Gravy Mix: Creates a rich savory sauce that binds the meat mixture together and adds depth of flavor.
• Provolone Cheese: The traditional cheese for authentic Philly flavor, melts beautifully and creates that iconic cheese pull.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that enhances all the savory elements.

Variations

Chicken Philly Casserole

Substitute ground chicken or finely chopped chicken breast for the beef. This lighter version still delivers great flavor but with less fat. Consider adding some poultry seasoning or herbs like thyme to enhance the chicken flavor.

Mushroom Swiss Philly Casserole

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when cooking the peppers and onions, and replace half or all of the provolone with Swiss cheese. This earthy variation adds umami depth and a slightly nutty cheese flavor.

Spicy Philly Casserole

Kick up the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also substitute pepper jack cheese for some of the provolone to add spice throughout the casserole.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick mix, milk, egg, and half of the black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until thoroughly browned. Add the sliced onions and green bell peppers to the browned beef and continue cooking until the vegetables have softened, becoming translucent and slightly caramelized. Be sure to drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent a soggy casserole.

Step 3: Create the Gravy and Assemble

Stir the brown gravy mix, water, and remaining black pepper into the beef mixture, allowing it to simmer until slightly thickened. This creates a rich sauce that flavors the entire dish. Carefully spread this meat mixture over the Bisquick base, then arrange provolone cheese slices on top to cover the entire casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the Bisquick layer comes out clean. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the layers set.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For the best texture, don’t overmix the Bisquick batter – a few small lumps are perfectly fine
• Pre-toast the Bisquick layer for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings if you prefer a firmer base
• Slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture
• Grate some of the provolone and mix it into the meat for cheesy pockets throughout the casserole
• Let the casserole rest after baking to make cutting and serving easier

How to Serve

Serve this hearty casserole hot from the oven, cut into generous squares. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an authentic Philadelphia experience, offer small dishes of hot cherry peppers or a pepper relish on the side. This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but can also be served with a side of garlic bread for those with heartier appetites.

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meal planning. You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Alternatively, prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, make the Bisquick base fresh, top with the reheated meat mixture, add cheese and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked meat for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover steak or roast beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply chop it into small pieces and add it to the skillet with the vegetables, skipping the initial beef browning step. This makes for a great way to repurpose leftovers.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace the traditional Bisquick with gluten-free Bisquick, which is widely available. Also, ensure your gravy mix is gluten-free or make a simple gravy from scratch using cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For baked casserole, cool completely, portion into servings, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What cheeses can I substitute for provolone?

While provolone is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, American, mozzarella, or white cheddar all work well in this recipe. For an authentic variation, try using Cheez Whiz mixed into the beef before topping with a smaller amount of sliced cheese.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings the beloved sandwich to your dinner table in a convenient, crowd-pleasing form. With its savory beef, sweet peppers and onions, and melty cheese atop a soft Bisquick base, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or looking for comforting leftovers, this casserole delivers all the authentic flavors without the trip to Philadelphia. Give it a try for your next family dinner and watch it disappear!

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