Philly Cheese Steak Casserole – Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with our Philly Cheese Steak Casserole! This mouthwatering dish brings together the best of two worlds: the classic Philly cheese steak and the comforting goodness of a casserole. Bursting with creamy textures and savory flavors, this recipe promises to win the hearts of everyone at your table. The delightful combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and a blend of gooey cheeses will have you coming back for seconds. Don’t miss out on this comforting and cheesy extravaganza!
As the aroma of Philly Cheese Steak Casserole fills our home, memories of laughter and delightful family gatherings come rushing back. This recipe has become an absolute favorite among my little family, thanks to my husband’s love for classic Philly cheese steaks. One evening, after a busy day, I decided to surprise him with a twist on his beloved sandwich. I combined his favorite flavors into a delicious casserole that quickly became the star of our dinner table.
With the first bite, his eyes lit up with delight, and he exclaimed, “This tastes just like a Philly cheese steak, only better!” Our kids, who can be quite picky eaters, devoured their servings in record time. From that day on, this casserole has become a go-to comfort food, bringing us all together to savor its incredible taste. Now, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you, hoping it will create heartwarming moments for you and your loved ones too.
Why This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a Must-Try?
- Flavorful Twist: This recipe brilliantly transforms the iconic Philly cheese steak into a creamy and cheesy casserole, offering a unique and delightful twist to a classic favorite.
- Easy and Convenient: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this delectable casserole in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave some comforting indulgence.
- Creamy Goodness: The addition of cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish, complementing the hearty ground beef and tender pasta perfectly.
- Colorful Veggie Boost: The vibrant mix of diced green peppers and onions not only adds great flavor but also adds a pop of color to the casserole, making it even more inviting.
- Cheesy Perfection: The combination of shredded mozzarella and sliced provolone creates a melty, gooey blanket of cheese over the casserole, making it an irresistible cheesy delight.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound small shells (225 grams)
- 32 ounces beef stock (900 grams) + 32 ounces water (900 grams)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (450 grams)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (225 grams)
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (120 grams)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (113 grams)
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
In a large pot, combine the beef stock with 32 ounces of water and cook the small shells according to the package directions. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In an ovenproof skillet (alternative skillet noted in the recipe), melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for thirty seconds. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned. Once done, drain any excess grease, and return the skillet to heat.
Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy base for the casserole.
Incorporate the reserved pasta cooking liquid, cooked noodles, and shredded mozzarella into the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly.
Layer the sliced provolone on top of the casserole mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is delightfully melted and bubbly.
Notes:
- For a veggie-packed version, feel free to add more colorful vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious and comforting meal the next day.
In conclusion, the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary adventure that brings comfort, joy, and togetherness to your dining table. This delightful fusion of classic flavors and creamy goodness will captivate your taste buds and warm your heart with each savory bite.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. Its ease of preparation and versatility make it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion.
As you savor the cheesy layers of mozzarella and provolone, intertwined with the creamy cream cheese, and the hearty goodness of ground beef, you’ll understand why this casserole has become a cherished favorite in our household. Not only does it bring back fond memories of laughter and love, but it also creates new moments of joy with every serving.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and embark on this culinary journey to create your very own Philly Cheese Steak Casserole masterpiece. Gather your loved ones around, share the love, and create lasting memories as you enjoy this indulgent and comforting dish together.
We hope this recipe becomes a beloved tradition in your home, just as it has in ours. From our family to yours, may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and heartwarming moments. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While the small shells work beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni for a fun twist.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I freeze the Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?
Absolutely! Once the casserole has cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound small shells 225 grams
- 32 ounces beef stock 900 grams + 32 ounces water (900 grams)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef 450 grams
- 8 ounces cream cheese 225 grams
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water 120 grams
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella 113 grams
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a large pot, combine the beef stock with 32 ounces of water and cook the small shells according to the package directions. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In an ovenproof skillet (alternative skillet noted in the recipe), melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for thirty seconds. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned. Once done, drain any excess grease, and return the skillet to heat.
- Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Incorporate the reserved pasta cooking liquid, cooked noodles, and shredded mozzarella into the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Layer the sliced provolone on top of the casserole mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is delightfully melted and bubbly.
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