Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Ground Beef
This hearty casserole transforms the classic Philadelphia sandwich into a family-friendly baked dish. Ground beef combines with sautéed bell peppers and onions in a creamy cheese sauce, then gets topped with melted provolone and baked until bubbly. The addition of cream cheese creates an extra-rich base while Worcestershire sauce adds authentic savory depth. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food that feeds a crowd, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the mess of assembling individual sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat and drain excess fat
- 3
Add onion and bell peppers to skillet and sauté until softened
- 4
Add garlic and cook until fragrant
- 5
Stir in salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth and bring to simmer
- 6
Mix cornstarch slurry and stir into beef mixture until sauce thickens slightly
- 7
Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until creamy
- 8
Transfer mixture to greased baking dish and spread evenly
- 9
Top with shredded cheeses, dollop with mayonnaise, and sprinkle with oregano
- 10
Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly
- 11
Cool slightly before serving and garnish with parsley
Tips
Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole - pat with paper towels if needed.
Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
Use a mix of provolone and white American cheese for the most authentic Philly flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat individual portions in microwave or cover and reheat in 350°F oven.
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Serve hot directly from baking dish. Pairs well with crusty bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the beef fat or casserole will be greasy
Let cream cheese soften completely to avoid lumps in the sauce
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled unbaked casserole up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
What if I don't have cornstarch?
Use 2 tablespoons flour mixed with cold water, or skip the thickener entirely. The casserole will be slightly more saucy but still delicious.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. This casserole reheats beautifully and actually improves in flavor after a day. Perfect for batch cooking and weeknight meals.