Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
If you love the iconic flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich—tender beef, sautéed onions, sweet bell peppers, and oodles of melty provolone—but want something a little more weeknight-friendly (and keto-friendly!), this casserole is for you.
This deconstructed cheesesteak delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness without the bun. It’s a hearty, one-dish meal that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families or for meal prep. The edges of the beef get slightly caramelized, the peppers soften to perfection, and a blanket of gooey, browned provolone cheese ties it all together. Get ready for your new favorite comfort food casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Skips the long hours of slow cooking but packs a punch with simple, high-quality ingredients.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this cheesy, meaty dish.
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Versatile: Naturally low-carb and gluten-free, but can easily be adapted with a starchier base (see notes).
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Perfect for Meal Prep: The leftovers are even better the next day!
Ingredient Intensities & Substitutions
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Beef: Sirloin steak or ribeye are traditional for cheesesteaks due to their tenderness and flavor. For a budget-friendly option, use thinly sliced flank steak or even high-quality deli roast beef (sliced thick). If using a tougher cut, just be sure to slice it very thin against the grain.
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Cheese: Provolone is the classic choice for its creamy, mild melt. Provolone Dolce (sweet) is milder, while Provolone Piccante (sharp) has more bite. You can also use Provolone del Monaco for a DOP-quality touch. For a different flavor profile, try white American cheese (for ultimate creaminess), mozzarella, or a sharp provolone and provolone mix.
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Peppers: A mix of green and red bell peppers provides the best flavor—green for that classic slightly bitter note and red for sweetness. You can use all of one kind if you prefer.
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Mushrooms: Totally optional, but highly recommended for an earthy depth that complements the beef.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, very thinly sliced (partially freeze for 20 mins for easier slicing)
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2 tbsp olive oil, divided
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1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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8-10 slices provolone cheese (enough to cover the casserole)
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1/4 cup beef broth
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . If your steak isn’t pre-shaved, place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This firms it up, making it much easier to slice into paper-thin strips. Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (like a 10-12 inch cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the thinly sliced beef in a single, even layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get a nice brown crust. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue to cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes, just until the beef is no longer pink. It doesn’t need to be cooked through completely as it will finish in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine everything evenly. Pour the beef broth into the mixture and give it one final stir. This will help keep everything moist as it bakes.
Step 5: The Cheesy Layer
Flatten the beef and vegetable mixture into an even layer in the skillet. Now for the best part: completely cover the top with the slices of provolone cheese. Overlap them slightly to ensure every bit of the casserole is covered by that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. For a beautifully browned and blistered cheese top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes. Watch it very carefully during this step, as broilers can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (it will be very hot!). Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all slide off when you serve it. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve directly from the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with:
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For Low-Carb: A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
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For a Heartier Meal: Over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
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Classic Style: Serve it open-faced on toasted hoagie rolls.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This helps re-crisp the edges. The microwave works, but the cheese can become rubbery.
Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. It is calculated for 1 serving, assuming the recipe yields 8 servings. Values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cuts of meat used.
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Calories: 345 kcal
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fiber: 1g
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Net Carbs: 5g
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Protein: 31g
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and are not a substitute for professional dietary advice.)