Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that transforms the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak into a warm, comforting casserole: Pioneer Woman’s Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. This dish combines tender beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together in one delicious, hearty casserole. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Let’s get started!

What is Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Pioneer Woman’s Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a savory dish that captures the essence of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It’s made by layering seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and plenty of melted cheese, then baking it all together until bubbly and golden. This casserole is a great way to enjoy all the flavors of a cheesesteak in a comforting, one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and serve.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

All the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak: Enjoy the delicious combination of beef, peppers, onions, and cheese in casserole form.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
Hearty and filling: This dish is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for meal prep.

Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Pioneer Woman’s touch: A recipe that reflects Ree Drummond’s love for comforting, home-cooked meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for seasoning)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

Large skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Mixing bowl: For combining the beef mixture with the cream cheese and other ingredients.
9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.

Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and combining ingredients.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

To make Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, follow these steps:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Season the mixture: Stir in the salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the beef mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine with cream cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully combined and creamy.

Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If using, add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese as well. Dollop the mayonnaise over the cheese and sprinkle with dried oregano if desired.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Potato wedges: Crispy potato wedges make a perfect side for this hearty casserole.
Pickles: Add a side of pickles for a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Use lean ground beef: For a less greasy casserole, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Add more veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms or other favorite vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.

Serve hot: This casserole is best served warm, right out of the oven.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a lighter version.
Spicy Cheesesteak Casserole: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Mushroom Cheesesteak Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for added umami flavor.
Low-Carb Cheesesteak Casserole: Use cauliflower rice instead of beef broth and cornstarch for a lower-carb option.
Extra Cheesy Casserole: Mix in more varieties of cheese, like Swiss or Gouda, for an ultra-cheesy version.

Storing Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Best Practices

Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate promptly: Keep the casserole chilled to maintain its freshness.
Use within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, consume within a few days.

Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Best Practices

Oven reheating: Reheat the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave reheating: Microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until heated to your liking.

Skillet reheating: Reheat the casserole in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 400 kcal
Fat: 30g

Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 850mg

Sugar: 4g

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman’s Philly Cheesesteak Casserole healthier, consider these simple adjustments:

Use lean ground beef or turkey: Substitute lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat option.

Reduce the cheese: Cut back on the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie and fat content.
Increase the vegetables: Add more bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables to bulk up the casserole with extra nutrients.
Use Greek yogurt: Replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavor.

Reduce the sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and adjust the added salt to taste.

FAQs

Can I make Pioneer Woman’s Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Can I freeze Pioneer Woman’s Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still slightly frozen.

What cheese is best for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Provolone cheese is the traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, while mozzarella provides a stretchy, gooey texture.

How do I keep Philly Cheesesteak Casserole from being too greasy?

To prevent the casserole from being too greasy, use lean ground beef and drain any excess fat after browning the meat. You can also blot the cooked meat with paper towels to remove additional grease before adding it to the casserole.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory beef, melted cheese, and flavorful vegetables, this casserole captures all the best parts of a Philly cheesesteak in a convenient, easy-to-serve form. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness with every bite!

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