Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Philly cheese steak casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, bringing all those classic flavors we love into one hearty meal. Imagine tender ground beef, sautéed veggies, and gooey cheese all mingling together under a crispy layer of tater tots. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional Philly cheese steak that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or a casual gathering with friends. Trust me, this casserole is so easy to whip up, and it’ll have everyone asking for seconds! I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef: This is the heart of our casserole, bringing that savory flavor we all adore. Use lean beef for a healthier option!
- 1 onion, diced: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. Make sure to chop it finely so it blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. You can swap it for red or yellow if you prefer a sweeter taste!
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Fresh mushrooms lend an earthy flavor that complements the beef and cheese. You could also use canned mushrooms in a pinch!
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded: This cheese melts beautifully and has that classic Philly cheese steak flavor. If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella works too!
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar adds a rich, tangy taste. The combination with provolone is simply divine!
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy base ties everything together, making the casserole rich and comforting.
- 1 cup beef broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. It adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that extra depth of flavor! You can also use fresh minced garlic if you have it on hand.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to give it a little kick. Adjust to taste if you love a bit more spice!
- 1 package frozen tater tots: These are the star topping! They crisp up so nicely in the oven, creating that crunchy layer we all crave.
How to Prepare Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden finish. While that’s heating up, you can get everything else ready—a little multi-tasking never hurt anyone!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your pound of ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks so that you get those beautiful, crumbly bits. You want it to be browned but not burnt—keep an eye on it! Once browned, drain any excess fat if needed, and let’s move on to the veggies!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them together for about 5-6 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with that savory aroma and the veggies are slightly softened. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once your veggies are all sautéed and happy, stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix it all together until you have a creamy, cohesive mixture. It should be thick but pourable—if it looks too thick, a splash more broth can help loosen it up! This is where all the flavors come together, and it smells heavenly!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, here comes the fun part! Top it with the frozen tater tots in a single layer. Then sprinkle the provolone and cheddar cheese over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese—more is more, right? This layer is what will give you that gooey, melty cheesiness we all crave!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown. Just keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid over-browning. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and prepare for everyone to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Combines all the classic Philly cheese steak flavors in a cozy casserole form.
- Super simple to make with minimal prep and clean-up.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!
- Comfort food at its best, sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Philly cheese steak casserole turns out absolutely perfect! First, don’t skip the browning step for the ground beef; it really adds depth to the flavor, so take your time here. If you want to add some extra kick, a splash of Worcestershire sauce in with the beef can elevate the taste even more!
When sautéing the vegetables, make sure they’re softened before moving on—this step is crucial for that harmonious flavor. And as for the tater tots, you can arrange them however you like, but a single layer on top will give you that delightful crunch. If you’re worried about the casserole bubbling over, place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes after baking; it’ll make serving so much easier! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just an estimate! Each serving of my Philly cheese steak casserole is about 450 calories. It packs in approximately 25g of protein, 35g of carbohydrates, and 25g of fat, with 10g being saturated fat. You’ll also find around 800mg of sodium and 3g of fiber per serving. Always remember to check your ingredient labels for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and assemble the casserole, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use different meats?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken would work great if you want a lighter option. You could even use steak strips if you’re feeling adventurous!
What should I serve with it?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but a simple side salad or some steamed veggies would pair nicely if you want to add a fresh element.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
For more delicious recipes, check out Philly Cheesesteak: Discover Its Rich History and Flavor and Tater Tot Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite.
Print
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Joy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and delicious Philly cheese steak casserole that combines all the classic flavors in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; sauté until softened.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with tater tots and sprinkle with provolone and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- For extra flavor, season the beef with Worcestershire sauce.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: philly cheese steak casserole, comfort food, easy casserole
