Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

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Introduction:
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Packed with tender beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680g) ground beef or thinly sliced steak
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded provolone cheese
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups (320g) cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)

Optional Additions:

  • 1/2 cup (60g) Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream for added richness

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Beef:

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef or thinly sliced steak and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients:

  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Add the salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and well combined.
  • Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Mix with Pasta:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.

6. Assemble the Casserole:

  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the shredded provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.

7. Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve:

  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Use high-quality beef for the best flavor. If using steak, slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
  • For a creamier casserole, add a splash of heavy cream before baking.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Nutritional Estimate:
(Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 480
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 25g

Recommendation:
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete Philly experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. This casserole is sure to become a family favorite, bringing the beloved flavors of Philly cheesesteak to your dining table in a convenient and comforting form.

Enjoy your savory and satisfying Philly Cheese Steak Casserole!

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