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Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Casserole - A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean works well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (green is classic, but any color works), thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky note)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 8 slices provolone cheese (or 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for extra melt, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños for heat
  • Optional topping: 2 cups toasted garlic bread cubes or crushed toasted hoagie rolls for a “sandwich” vibe

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set cream cheese on the counter to soften.
  2. Cook the vegetables. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté the onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add mushrooms and cook 3–4 minutes more. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Transfer veggies to a bowl.
  3. Brown the beef. In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking it up, until browned with no pink remaining, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Build the flavor. Return the veggies to the skillet with the beef. Stir in Worcestershire and beef broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld and reduce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Make it creamy. Turn off the heat. Add cream cheese in small pieces and stir until it melts and coats the beef and veggies evenly. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash more broth.
  6. Assemble the casserole. Spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with provolone slices, then sprinkle mozzarella over the top if using.
  7. Add optional “bread” topping. If you want that hoagie-shop feel, scatter toasted garlic bread cubes or crushed toasted rolls on top. Press them gently into the cheese.
  8. Bake. Place in the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes so it sets. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with a simple salad or roasted veggies.