Hearty Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Savory Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible smoked philly cheesesteak casserole that combines classic sandwich flavors in a satisfying baked dish.

Tender beef strips and caramelized onions meld together with melted cheese in every delectable bite.

Layers of rich, smoky ingredients create a mouthwatering masterpiece that goes beyond traditional sandwich expectations.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty textures, this casserole transforms a beloved street food into a cozy meal perfect for dinner.

The recipe delivers a delightful twist on the iconic philadelphia sandwich, bringing warmth and excitement to your table.

Bold spices and carefully selected ingredients promise a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor each comforting, cheesy spoonful of this incredible culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Inside Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

For Protein Base:
  • Beef Ribeye Steak: Premium cut with perfect marbling for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep meaty flavor.
  • Roast Beef: Tender, pre-cooked option that adds convenience and hearty protein punch.
For Cheese and Dairy Elements:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, silky binding base that ensures creamy consistency.
  • Provolone Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that delivers classic Philly cheesesteak authenticity.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, gooey texture and mild complementary flavor.
For Vegetable and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Bell Peppers: Adds crisp freshness and classic cheesesteak vegetable component.
  • Yellow Onions: Brings sweet, caramelized undertones and traditional sandwich flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Infuses robust, aromatic depth to elevate overall taste experience.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami complexity to boost meat's natural savoriness.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and highlighting core ingredients.
For Binding and Structure:
  • Eggs: Acts as crucial binding agent to create casserole's cohesive texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Ensures rich, luxurious moisture throughout the dish.

Essentials For Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

  • Large Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for searing beef and creating deep flavor.
  • Sharp Chef's Knife: Essential for slicing beef and peppers thinly and precisely.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients and seasoning meat.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Casserole Dish: Used for baking the final cheesesteak mixture.
  • Meat Thermometer: Checks beef temperature for perfect doneness.

Steps To Bake Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

  • Preheat Smoker Fire Up the Flavor

Warm your Traeger or pellet smoker to a steady 225F, selecting hickory or oak pellets to infuse rich, smoky goodness into your dish.

  • Mix Protein and Seasonings Create the Base

Blend sliced beef with robust seasonings, ensuring every bite will burst with savory complexity and depth of flavor.

  • Layer Ingredients Build Your Casserole

Carefully arrange meat, peppers, onions, and cheese in a baking dish, creating delicious layers that will meld together during smoking.

  • Smoke and Melt Transform the Dish

Place the casserole in the smoker, allowing gentle heat to slowly cook the ingredients and create a mouthwatering, melted texture that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Rest and Serve Enjoy Your Masterpiece

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after smoking, then slice and serve hot, revealing a bubbling, smoky sensation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Upgrade Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

  • Smoky Wood Choice Matters: Select hickory or oak pellets to infuse deep, rich smokiness into the dish, enhancing the traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.
  • Low and Slow Technique: Maintain a steady 225F temperature for tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth and absorbs maximum smoky goodness.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular bread for gluten-free bread crumbs or use cauliflower rice as a base to make this casserole celiac-friendly without losing taste.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste before smoking.
  • Veggie Swap Option: Replace beef with portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version that still delivers robust, smoky flavors.

Serve Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Hot

  • Smoky Sandwich Platter: Serve alongside crispy dill pickle spears and tangy coleslaw for a classic deli-style experience that complements the rich, smoky flavors of the casserole.
  • Hearty Lunch Combo: Pair with a light garden salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheesy, meaty dish and add some fresh crunch.
  • Bread Basket Boost: Offer warm garlic bread or toasted submarine rolls on the side, allowing guests to soak up extra cheese and juices from the casserole.
  • Weekend Game Day Spread: Create a casual buffet-style setup with additional condiments like hot sauce, extra cheese sauce, and sliced jalapeños for personalized toppings.

Save Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole For Later

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze up to 2 months for easy future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Reheating Trick: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to maintain the casserole's original texture and flavor.
  • Portion Control Wisdom: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
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Hearty Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Hearty Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty smoked Philly cheesesteak casserole delivers classic sandwich flavors in comforting baked form. Melted cheese, tender beef, and caramelized peppers create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
  • ½ cup (30 g) crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the pellet smoker to a consistent 225°F, selecting hickory or oak wood pellets to impart a deep, smoky character to the dish.
  2. Meat and Vegetable Preparation: Slice beef into thin, uniform strips and dice onions and bell peppers into consistent, bite-sized pieces that will caramelize and enhance the meat’s flavor profile.
  3. Dish Assembly: Lightly spray a large baking dish with cooking spray, then create a strategic layering process – first the beef as a foundational base, followed by an even distribution of onions and bell peppers.
  4. Cheese Integration: Generously blanket the meat and vegetable layer with shredded cheese, interspersing dollops of cream cheese to create pockets of rich, tangy complexity.
  5. Smoking Process: Carefully position the baking dish in the preheated smoker, allowing 60-75 minutes of cooking time until the beef achieves desired tenderness and the cheese transforms into a perfectly melted, bubbly surface.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove the casserole from the smoker, let it rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added vibrancy and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled, thinly sliced beef like ribeye or sirloin to ensure tenderness and maximum flavor absorption during smoking.
  • Control Smoke Intensity: Use mild woods like hickory or oak to complement the beef without overpowering the delicate cheese and vegetable flavors.
  • Manage Moisture Levels: Cover the casserole with foil if the top begins to brown too quickly, preventing dryness while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives, and use lean beef cuts for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 482
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 823 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 113 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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