Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Thinly slice the ribeye steak against the grain into bite-sized strips. If you’re using frozen hashbrowns, let them thaw for a few minutes before using. If using fresh potatoes, dice them into small cubes.

2. Cook the Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and optional mushrooms. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little bit of oil or cooking spray.
• Spread the frozen hash browns (or diced fresh potatoes) evenly in the bottom of the dish.
• Layer the cooked beef over the potatoes, then add the sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
• Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the top, then sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the casserole.
• Top everything with the shredded provolone and cheddar cheeses.

5. Bake:

• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
• After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Slice into squares and serve warm!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender beef, sautéed veggies, potatoes, and gooey melted cheese makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Philly Cheesesteak Flavor: If you’re a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, this casserole brings all the delicious flavors of the iconic sandwich without the need for a roll. It’s loaded with the same savory and cheesy goodness you love.
• Simple to Make: No need to fuss with bread or create individual sandwiches—this casserole is quick to assemble, and once it’s in the oven, you can sit back and relax while it cooks.
• Great for Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge. Simply reheat portions as needed throughout the week for an easy, satisfying meal.
• Customizable: Want to add a little extra flavor? Try adding sliced jalapeños for some heat or incorporating different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or even American cheese. You can also experiment with different veggies, like spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini, to make it your own.

Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Casserole:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: The key to a tender casserole is to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat cooks quickly and remains juicy and flavorful.
• Pre-cook Potatoes: If you’re using fresh potatoes, it’s a good idea to par-cook them for 5-7 minutes in the microwave or by boiling them briefly before adding them to the casserole. This step helps ensure the potatoes cook through while the casserole bakes.
• Use a High-Quality Beef: The flavor of your casserole will depend on the quality of your beef. Ribeye or sirloin steak works best, but you can also use flank steak or other cuts if that’s what you have on hand.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little kick, try adding some sliced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top before serving.

Creative Variations:

• Vegetarian Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: For a meatless version, swap out the beef for portobello mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. Add a bit of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce for that classic savory flavor.
• Add Bacon: For an extra layer of richness and crunch, try adding cooked bacon bits into the casserole for a smoky twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: This casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you make sure the Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. You can also use gluten-free hashbrowns or potatoes.

Conclusion:

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole brings all the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into one easy-to-make, cheesy, and comforting dish. It’s loaded with savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, crispy potatoes, and melty cheese—what’s not to love? Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this casserole is sure to satisfy every time.

Try it out for yourself, and you’ll see why this Philly cheese steak-inspired casserole quickly becomes a staple in your meal rotation!