Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies & Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Caramelize the Aromatics Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until the onions are softened and begin to caramelize and the peppers are tender-crisp. Don't rush this step – the sweetness of the caramelized onions is crucial! Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Increase the heat to high. Add the thinly sliced steak to the hot skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which steams the meat instead of searing it). Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook quickly, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as the steak will continue to cook in the oven. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium. Add the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where a lot of flavor lives! Add the softened cream cheese cubes, heavy cream (or milk), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and you have a smooth, luscious sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine & Assemble Return the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated in the sauce. Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: The Cheesy Crown Lay the slices of provolone cheese (or your cheese blend) evenly over the top of the steak and vegetable mixture, ensuring full coverage. This will create that glorious, gooey cheese crust.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the casserole is heated through. For an extra golden crust, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for cleaner serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Beyond the Basic: Customizing Your Casserole
- Mushroom Mania: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and peppers for an extra earthy depth.
- Heat Seeker: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce or a dash of hot sauce at the end can add a welcome kick.
- Vary the Veggies: Experiment with other thinly sliced vegetables like red bell pepper for more color, or even a handful of spinach wilted in at the end.
- Crunch Factor: For those who miss the "roll" texture, consider topping with some crushed potato chips or even some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cheese Play: While provolone is classic, a sharp cheddar or a blend of Monterey Jack could also be delicious.
The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to savor a beloved classic in a new, comforting format. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, lively gatherings, and any time you crave big, satisfying flavors without the fuss. So, ditch the bun for a night, grab your skillet, and prepare to fall in love with this deconstructed delight
