The Savory Foundation:
2 lbs Lean Ground Beef (85/15): The hearty base. For an authentic touch, try using thinly shaved ribeye or sirloin steak for a truly next-level experience.
1 Large Yellow Onion & 2 Bell Peppers (1 green, 1 red): The classic "wit" (with onions) combo, sliced thin for perfect caramelization.
8 oz Sliced Mushrooms (optional but recommended): Adds a deep, savory umami layer.
The Creamy, Cheesy Binding:
2 cups Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory base.
1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese, softened: The secret to luxuriously creamy texture.
2 cups Shredded Provolone Cheese: The classic cheesesteak cheese. For the ultimate melt, mix in some Cheez Whiz (½ cup) for authentic Philly flair.
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella: For that perfect golden, stretchy top.
The Flavor Boosters:
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Paprika, ½ tsp Black Pepper, Salt to taste
1 (16 oz) bag of Egg Noodles or Penne Pasta (cooked al dente): The perfect carb to soak up all the glorious juices. Texas Toast or Hoagie Roll chunks can be used for a bread-based version!
Step-by-Step: Your Foolproof Path to Casserole Glory
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Add the sliced onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and beautifully caramelized. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire, and soy sauce, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce.
Reduce heat to low. Push the meat and veggie mixture to the sides. Place the softened cream cheese in the center of the skillet and pour in the beef broth. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and integrated into a smooth, rich sauce. Mix everything in the skillet together. Season with paprika, pepper, and salt. Remove from heat.
Step 3: The Grand Assembly.
In a large greased 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked egg noodles with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir until every noodle is coated. Top generously with the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is molten, bubbly, and spotted with golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, broil for the final 2-3 minutes (watch closely!).
Step 5: The Grand Finale.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial—it allows the sauce to thicken slightly for perfect serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Chef’s Secrets for the Absolute BEST Philly Cheesesteak Bake
The Meat Upgrade: For truly exceptional flavor, skip the ground beef and use ½ lb of shaved ribeye steak mixed with 1.5 lbs of ground beef. Sear the steak strips first, then set aside and add them back in at the assembly stage.
The "Whiz" Factor: For iconic Philadelphia authenticity, drizzle the top with warmed Cheez Whiz after baking.
Make-Ahead Mastery: Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
The Dipping Solution: Serve with a side of garlic aioli, horseradish sauce, or extra beef jus for dipping—your guests will go wild.
Serving Suggestions & Complete Meal Ideas
This casserole is a hearty meal all on its own, but here’s how to build a memorable dinner:
Start with a Bright Side: A simple crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly.
Add a Veggie: Serve with garlic-roasted broccoli or asparagus.
The Perfect Beverage Pairing: A cold lager or pale ale complements the savory flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon.
The Bottom Line: The Philly Cheesesteak Bake is more than dinner; it's a guaranteed hit that delivers monumental flavor with minimal effort. It takes the beloved, familiar taste of a cheesesteak and reimagines it as the ultimate shareable comfort food. Save the hoagie rolls for another day—tonight, grab a fork and dig into the easiest, most satisfying cheesesteak experience of your life.
Print this recipe. Save it. Make it this week. Prepare for it to earn a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation.
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