Dive into the world of Philly Cheese Steak Casserole, a dish that effortlessly marries the iconic flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak with the comforting warmth of a baked noodle casserole. This easy and delightful dinner has garnered millions of views and countless five-star reviews, making it a viral sensation in the culinary realm.
Can You Capture the Essence of Philly Cheese Steak in a Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole recipe, inspired by a Philly Cheese Steak pizza enjoyed at a kid’s birthday party, encapsulates all the beloved flavors in a simple, 40-minute dish that has taken the internet by storm.
What Ingredients Make This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole So Special?
The simplicity of the ingredients is key. Pasta, beef stock, butter, garlic, ground beef, cream cheese, onion, green pepper, mozzarella, and provolone come together to create a symphony of flavors reminiscent of the classic Philly Cheese Steak.
How Do You Prepare This Delectable Casserole?
Start by cooking the noodles in beef stock to infuse them with flavor. Then, cook the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in an oven-proof skillet. After draining the excess grease, stir in cream cheese and the cooked noodles, topping it off with provolone before baking for 20 to 25 minutes.
Why is Reserving Pasta Water Important?
Reserving pasta water, rich in starch from the noodles, is a culinary trick that enhances the casserole’s texture. This starchy liquid helps bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and delightful dish.
What Makes Beef Stock a Game-Changer in This Recipe?
Cooking noodles in beef stock deepens the flavor of the dish. This technique, also used in recipes like Chicken Noodle Casserole, transforms the meal into something extraordinary, even on a budget.
How Should You Store Leftovers of Philly Cheese Steak Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While freezing is not recommended, the quick stovetop preparation makes it easy to enjoy this dish freshly made every time.
The Ultimate Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner with the Ultimate Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. This dish effortlessly combines the classic taste of a Philly Cheese Steak with the homely feel of a baked casserole, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 534 kcal per serving
- Author: Lisa Longley
What Ingredients Do You Need?
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1 Green Pepper, diced
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 lb Small Shells
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
- 32 oz Beef Stock, combined with 32 oz of water
- 6 slices Provolone Cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, diced
How Can You Prepare This Scrumptious Casserole?
- Setting the Stage: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Cooking the Pasta: Mix beef stock and water, and cook the small shells as per the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Sautéing the Veggies: In an oven-proof skillet, melt butter and briefly sauté the garlic. Add diced green pepper and onion, cooking until they’re soft, which usually takes around 5 minutes.
- Preparing the Beef: Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain the grease and blend in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted.
- Bringing it Together: Incorporate the reserved pasta water, cooked shells, and shredded mozzarella into the skillet mixture.
- Finishing Touch: Layer the top with provolone slices and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, ensuring the cheese is perfectly melted.
Note: If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, simply transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish before adding the provolone and baking.
