Melty, cheesy Philly cheese steak grilled cheese casserole baked to golden perfection—a hearty comfort dish perfect for family dinners or game nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of simple staples work together to create the unforgettable flavors and textures in this Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole. Here’s why each one matters and how to get the most out of them:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Use lean ground beef for hearty flavor and less grease, or try mixing with ground turkey if you like a lighter bite.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the veggies soften and adds a hint of richness to the base flavors.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Brings freshness, color, and that signature cheesesteak bite.
- Small Onion (1, diced): Adds natural sweetness as it caramelizes and rounds out the casserole’s flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savoriness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for waking up all the other tastes in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to give a gentle kick and aromatic warmth.
- Sandwich Bread (10 slices, quartered): Ordinary white or whole wheat bread works; cutting it up lets every bite soak up flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): A finishing drizzle for that buttery, golden top everyone loves.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): All about that oozy, melty goodness—buy blocks and shred for the best texture.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Balances the mozzarella with sharper, classic grilled cheese flavor.
- Eggs (4 large): Help bind everything together and turn the casserole rich and custardy.
- Milk (1 cup): Whisked with eggs for a creamy base—whole or 2 percent recommended for the best body.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything goes in at just the right temperature. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating with nonstick spray or a little extra butter; this makes sure your casserole lifts out in picture-perfect slices with no sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add those freshly diced green peppers and onions. Give them a few minutes—about 3 to 4—until they’re softened and just starting to brown. This is where the Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole starts to build its heartwarming flavor base!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the softened veggie mixture. Break it up with a spatula as it browns, cooking until there’s no pink left. Sprinkle in your garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Those classic cheesesteak flavors are really coming to life now.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard
While the beef mixture cools for a moment, whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl until totally smooth. This simple egg custard is what binds the casserole and gives it that irresistible, creamy interior beneath the golden, cheesy top.
Step 5: Build Your Layers
Start layering! Scatter half the quartered bread pieces across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and veggie mixture evenly on top, then sprinkle over half of your mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Repeat with your remaining bread pieces, then pour the egg-milk mixture evenly across every nook and cranny.
Step 6: Toppings and Bake Time
Finish strong by scattering the rest of your cheeses all over the top and drizzling the melted butter for extra richness and that perfect golden finish. Slide the dish into your oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is beautifully browned and the casserole is set in the center.
Step 7: Let It Rest, Then Serve
Once it comes out bubbling and golden, let your Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole cool for at least 10 minutes. This helps it set for neat slicing—and gives everyone a chance to gather around (and inhale the incredible aroma)!
How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley looks stunning sprinkled on top, or go all-in with a dusting of grated parmesan and a few sliced green onions for color and flavor. Even a few thinly shaved pickles on the side channel cheesesteak shop vibes!
Side Dishes
Keep things classic with crinkle-cut fries, a fresh green salad, or even a bowl of tangy coleslaw for a hit of crunch and contrast. If you’re feeling playful, try serving this casserole alongside a piping-hot cup of tomato soup for nostalgic grilled cheese feels.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the casserole into mini squares and serve them as cheesy party bites, or scoop hearty portions onto toasted hoagie rolls for a knife-and-fork sandwich. Either way, every serving of Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole turns heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, cover any leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, staying moist and delicious for easy lunches or late-night snacks.
Freezing
Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual pieces in plastic, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat slices uncovered in a 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and the cheese is bubbly again. For a quick option, use the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced steak (like ribeye or sirloin) is a tasty, authentic upgrade—just cook it quickly with the peppers and onions before assembling your casserole.
What type of bread works best?
Any soft sandwich bread works great, but sourdough or Italian bread adds a chewy bite and more rustic flavor—stale bread is even better for soaking up all the eggy custard.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions to boost the umami and bring even more Philly cheesesteak flair to your casserole.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Kids love the cheesy goodness and familiar flavors here, plus it’s easy to sneak in extra veggies—just chop them small and mix them right in.
Can I prep this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Pop it straight into the oven when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time as needed.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food makes your heart happy, you have to try the Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole. It’s unbelievably satisfying, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to draw a crowd to your table. Let this weeknight winner take center stage at your next family dinner—you may never look at grilled cheese the same way again!
Crave-Worthy Comfort Food You’ll Want to Try Next
If you’re into rich, melty, and satisfying recipes like this Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole, we’ve got more favorites to keep your comfort food cravings going:
Want something indulgent yet fun? Check out the Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese — a mashup that’s pure comfort.
Try this viral favorite: Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni & Cheese — bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Warm up with Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy, a Southern staple done right.
Looking for a weeknight winner? The One-Pot Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole offers hearty goodness with easy cleanup.
Add a little spice with our Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats — a low-carb dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Print
Philly Cheese Steak Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Melty, cheesy Philly cheese steak grilled cheese casserole baked to golden perfection—a hearty comfort dish perfect for family dinners or game nights.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole
- 10 slices sandwich bread, cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and onion, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This custard will hold your casserole together.
- Assemble the Casserole – First Layer: Arrange half of the quartered bread pieces evenly along the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Spoon the cooked beef and pepper mixture evenly over the layer of bread.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the beef and bread layer, making sure it’s well covered for gooey goodness in every bite.
- Second Bread Layer: Place the remaining bread pieces on top, pressing down gently.
- Add Custard: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure everything is moistened.
- Top with Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top and drizzle with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for ultimate cheesy comfort!
Notes
- Feel free to swap ground beef for thinly sliced steak for a more authentic Philly flavor.
- Try using provolone cheese or add a little hot sauce for extra zing.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- This casserole can be assembled a few hours ahead; just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.7g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 165mg