This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is such an easy delicious dinner! Full of the Philly Cheese Steak flavor you love, but baked up in a delicious noodle casserole!
This super simple casserole recipe started off as a riff on some delicious Philly Cheese Steak pizza I ate at Chuck E. Cheese’s during my kid’s birthday party.
Yup. For real.
Since then it has become a crazy viral recipe.
This really simple casserole that can be done in 40 minutes has been viewed millions of times and has so many five star reviews.
READER REVIEWS
Made this tonight! I bought angus ground chuck from the meat department at my grocery store. Husband just said, “Mmm!” and is on his third bowl! Easy and delicious. Will make again! – Maria
I made this tonight, so good!” – Mary
This has become a standard in our household. It’s our go-to when we want to cook for friends or family and everyone always loves it! – John
I loved this recipe, and so did my picky boys!! – Kim
PHILLY CHEESE STEAK CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS
This easy dinner is made with simple ingredients, which is one of the reasons it is so loved.
- Pasta
- Beef Stock
- Butter
- Garlic
- Ground Beef
- Cream Cheese
- Onion
- Green Pepper
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
WHY USE BEEF STOCK
The beef stock is one of my favorite parts about this recipe. Cooking the noodles in the stock is a great way to deepen the flavor. With so few ingredients, this is an important one.
If you aren’t used to cooking your noodles in stock, I highly recommend it. It is something I do in a few recipes, like this Chicken Noodle Casserole, and it is a game changer.
PRO TIP: If you are budget conscious, buy stock base. It is a powder you buy near the stock, and mixing it with boiling water gives you stock. It is not the same caliber as actual stock, but it will definitely get the job done.
STORING LEFTOVERS
Left overs can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
I would not recommend freezing this recipe. Since it is such a quick stove top recipe, I think it is worth it to just make it from scratch.
OTHER GREAT RECIPES
If you are looking for more easy dinners, you have come to the right place, friends!
Other big hits are:
- BEEF AND BROCCOLI Only 25 minutes on the stove top!
- CHICKEN SPAGHETTI My kids LOVE this easy recipe.
- TURKEY MEATLOAF Easy to make, and the best tasting meatloaf ever.
If you make this recipe or any of my others, please come back and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you!
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound small shells
- 32 ounces beef stock + 32 ounces water
- 2 TBSPs butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound hamburger meat
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the beef stock with 32 ounces of water and cook the shells in it according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- In an oven proof skillet (see note for alternative), melt the butter, cook the garlic clove for thirty seconds, then add the bell pepper and onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook through. Drain the grease, then return to heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted.
- Stir in the reserved cooking liquid from the noodles, the noodles, and the shredded mozzarella.
- Top with sliced provolone. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the provolone is completely melted.
Cheryl Newton says
Hello, Lisa! This looks like another winner. Simple, plenty of cheese and bell pepper. So, totally counts as a vegetable serving. But, 1 question: Is there perhaps a step missing between 4 & 5? The recipe jumps from cooking the ground beef to placing the provolone slices on top of the casserole before it goes in the oven. Thanks!
Lisa Longley says
Gah! Thank you Cheryl! What would I do without readers like you looking out for my hot mess self??
Cheryl Newton says
Thanks for clearing that up so quickly, Lisa!
Mary says
I made this my family loved it it’s a winner the only thing I did different was I added mushrooms
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy you guys liked it!
Lorraine Booker says
I added mushrooms also, I thought it was a brilliant idea….. Plus extra vegs for the kidos????????????
Lisa Longley says
So happy you liked it!
Cathy in WV says
After adding fresh mushrooms, which I love, I would suggest maybe not using as much (if any) of the reserved liquid. It’s a great recipe and I’ll definitely be making it again. Thank you for! ????
Lisa Longley says
So glad you liked it Cathy!
Kalyn says
Do you drain the grease from the meat?
Lisa Longley says
I did not.
Smash Ogre says
I made this last night and I highly recommend draining the beef if you’re using anything less than ground sirloin. mine was cheesy good but greasy.
Chuck Peters says
I like it greasy not overly greasy but greasy, to each his own.
Mona says
I do drain grease. Actually I soak it up with paper towel.
Denise says
Read #5 again
Lana says
What size small shells, are they salad shells or the ones that are smaller than salad shells.
Thank you.
Lisa Longley says
They are the medium ones. Not the tiny ones and not the ones that you use to make stuffed shells. But truly, other types of pasta like elbow noodles would work great in this.
Patsy says
Absolutely delicious!!! Will make again!!!Thnx for sharing!!!! ❤️ 🤗
Lisa Longley says
So glad you liked it Patsy!
Angela says
Ok so I am from the south explaining why I added cream of mushroom soup and a can of water which broth would have been better. My family loved it and I am baking it again right now. Thanks for this amazing recipe.
Pam Oladko says
Delicious and truly simply to make.
Lisa Longley says
So glad you liked it, Pam!
Karen Rice says
Thanks Cheryl. I had the same confusion.
Tammy S Redding says
Is the cream cheese added to the cooked meat, vegetables, drained noodles, and shredded mozzarella cheese? Then place sliced provolone cheese on top and bake 20 to 25 minutes until melted.
Lisa Longley says
Oh boy. I haven’t had this many recipe mistakes in a long time. It’s fixed now!
Mercedes Olsen says
Hello, Lisa! I’m curious, is there a percentage of fat we should look for in the ground beef? Have you tried this recipe with thinly sliced beef, like what’s used in a cheesesteak? I wonder if that would require a particular cut of beef and how it may change the prep and cooking time.
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tried this recipe with thinly sliced beef, but I did in this Philly Cheesesteak Mac N Cheese, so you could kind of merge the two recipes!
Sunaina says
hello Lisa…. your philly cheese steak casserole looks so delicious and sounds so ymmm, i can’t wait make it and taste it.. thanks for sharing this post, am also read your posts and recipe but this is one of my favorite recipe…!
[email protected] says
So easy for casual entertaining! Love this recipe!
[email protected] recently posted…Pumpkin Enchilada Bake Recipe
alyssa brantley says
What a fun twist! 🙂
Julianne Bayer says
Growing up I ALWAYS wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese, the closest one was an hour away. Finally as a 31 year old I got to go for the first time when I made a cake for my friend’s son’s 6th birthday. I was in charge of her 3 year old that day and I think I had more fun than he did!
Tanya Schroeder says
Wow! This is a winner for sure! And I had no idea Chuck E Cheese redid their menu!
Karen Howard says
Thanks for this recipe! I am going to try it with broken up Steakums & Potato cubes instead.
Amy says
I made this for supper tonight. It was delicious. I did drain the hamburger before adding the cream cheese. The recipe didn’t say to but I did it. Will make it again. Even my picky 5 yr. Old liked it.
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad you guys liked it Amy!
Crystal says
Could I use sandwich steak meat instead of ground beef?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t made it that way yet, but I know others have and have enjoyed it. If you try it let me know how it goes!
Debbie says
Do you drain the ground beef?
Lisa Longley says
Nope! And I just added a video to this post that will show you it start to finish.
Sandi Kehm says
I am not finding the video on this page. Help!
Lisa Longley says
It’s right above the recipe 🙂
Pam says
My family loved this recipe. Next time I make it I will add more cheese. Also I’m going to make a batch with either Velveta or Cheese Wiz. I served it with a nice salad and warm rolls.????
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad you guys liked it Pam!
Ninah Poplin says
Pam what would u change with using cheese whiz
Rachel says
I used Cheez Whiz instead of cream cheese. A whole 15oz jar of it. It tasted like it should!
Carol S. Ford says
Anxious to try this — looks delish! thanks for posting!
Lisa says
My family is not a fan of cream cheese. Could I replace it with more mozzarella?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tried it that way, but if you do, please let me know how it is!
Mary Tuite says
going to try this tonight but add mushrooms
MamaTeresa says
This is such a good recipe. I used Anaheim peppers instead of bell and pepper jack cheese because it’s what I had. Doubled recipe and made one with added mushroom because hubby requested it. Awesome with French fried onions on top. Definitely a keeper recipe ????
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy you guys liked it!
Crista Baker says
I added french fried onions on top as well. YUM! 🙂
Definitely a keeper!
Lisa says
Is it 32 ounces of beef stock and 32 ounces of water for a total of 64 ounces the you cook the noodles in??
Lisa Longley says
Yes!
Janelle says
Do you drain the meat at all?
Lisa Longley says
I did not drain the meat.
rose Mc mahon says
could I make this ahead of time and then bake it?
Lisa Longley says
Because it is so quick to make, I personally wouldn’t make it ahead of time.
sue says
Hey my fav pizza is Dominos Philly Cheese. Its so good so I can’t wait to try this pasta. Thx
Lisa Longley says
I hope you love it Sue!
Sabrina Dale says
I am making this recipe for supper tonight, it’s on the stove now!! One question, how do I find your other recipes??
Lisa Longley says
Hi Sabrina! I’m so glad that you want more! You can follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or subscribe to my email by just heading to the top of my homepage.
Diamond says
Is this meal freezer friendly? Can I make it ahead of time then bake it later in the week?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tried freezing it, but if you do, let me know how it turns out!
Diamond says
Can you prepare this meal ahead of time then bake on a later date?
Lisa Longley says
Because it is so quick to put together, I personally wouldn’t make it in advance.
Jasmin says
How much is a serving? 1 cup? 2?
Lisa Longley says
It’s a sixth of the total recipe.
John Ivicek Jr says
This has become a standard in our household. It’s our go-to when we want to cook for friends or family and everyone always loves it!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy to hear that John!
Kathleen Hylkema says
can I prep it and freeze it before baking?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t tried that, if you do, let me know how it goes!
Little-Feather says
FINALLY…..a way to print JUST the recipe instead of getting 8-29 PAGES! I gotta try this recipe, along with a couple other’s.
Little-Feather says
Do you go strictly by this recipe to get the desired results? I noticed some said they did not drain the grease from the hamburger, etc.
Destiny says
It was great, everyone loved it!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Sarah says
I’m going to try this tonight for dinner, and I was wondering how i would add the mushrooms into it.. any suggestions???
Lisa Longley says
I would saute them with the onions and peppers!
Sue McGee says
Did you cover this with foil before baking?
Lisa Longley says
I did not cover it.
Bwendy says
I followed instructions as given except did a short broil at the end to brown the cheese a little. I also added chives before serving and family really enjoyed it. I would drain the grease after browning beef next time. I think I will added mushrooms as well.
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy that you liked it!
Cindi says
How many calories is this cassrole
Jan E Oaks says
This is the first I’ve heard of this site, but saw a share on Facebook from a friend. I live alone and do NOT cook much for myself, but when I saw this, I told myself “Omg! I would SO be willing to cook this creamy, cheesy batch of comfort food for myself!” Anything with cheeses and/or cream cheese sucks me right in. Yep, I’m going to make this since it seems so simple and easy and scrumptious! I thank my friend for sharing it and you for creating it!
Theresa says
That seems a waste of beef stock to cook noodles and drain. I think I will cook noodles in water and add beef better than bouillon to the dish. Otherwise an amazing looking dish! Will be making this tonight!!
Tracey says
I just made this recipe but instead of the shells I used zucchini noodles and it was a hit and a keto friendly meal ..????????
Lisa Longley says
So glad to hear you liked it!
Eric says
I tried this a couple nights ago and it was incredible! The only change I made was draining the hamburger meat. It tdoesn’t dry it out at all and you save a cup of grease from entering your body. This has shot to the top of our choices for dinner.
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Shelley williams says
What size casserole dish could I use instead of s 9×13?
Lisa Longley says
I used a 10 inch skillet that could be put in the oven and that worked great!
Stevie says
Made this tonight and my family loved it!!! I separated it in half because I don’t like onions or peppers. I was so impressed with how easy and yummy it was. Next time I will drain the ground beef, it was a little greasy, and add mushrooms. Thanks for the great recipe.
Kim Losey says
I loved this recipe,and so did my picky boys!!n
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad to hear that Kim!
Destiny says
I’m wanting to half the recipe is any suggestion on how to do that.
Lisa Longley says
This is a fine recipe to just cut all the ingredients in half.
Jeniffer Lyn says
I’m making it right now but I found VEGGIE NOODLES!!!
& I’m adding mushrooms & extra onions & bell pepper!!!
Can’t wait for it to get done!!!
Barb says
Do you drain the shell noodles?
Lisa Longley says
Yes!
Raquel says
Omggg this was soooooo good! I actually used shaved steak instead of the hamburg and doubled the recipe (cause it looked so good and i wanted to make as much as i possibly could at once haha) and also added fresh mushrooms and a dry packet of onion soup mix. We then topped it off with sliced green onions and chopped tomatoes before we dug in. Deeeeelish! Thanks so much for such a creative casserole!!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy you liked it Raquel!
Livia says
Thanks for the recipe! I just sampled it before I put it in the oven for its last 20 minutes of baking. Absolutely delicious. Looking forward to eating it soon!
Lisa Longley says
I hope you loved it Livia
Sheila says
Since I am trying to lower carb these days, I am going to try to replace the noodles with chunks of zucchini ,
Lisa Longley says
Let me know how it turns out!
Josephine says
I made a half recipe on Wednesday night for dinner and we had enough left for Thursday’s dinner! It was delicious! My husband said it was a keeper!!! I didn’t have any shells, so I used elbow macaroni and it worked fine. Also, what a brilliant idea to cook the pasta in beef stock. Really enhanced the flavor of the noodle. I had a red pepper that I needed to use, so I substituted that for the green pepper. I also used Parmesan cheese within and havarti on top. Turned out scrumptious!! Thanks so much for the recipe! I’ll be making it again, for sure!!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy you liked it Josephine!
pauline morris says
MY SON IS SICK OF EATING OUT, SO I HAVE BEEN SHOWING HIM HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE SOMETHING ( AWESOME) WE BOTH LOVED IT!!!
Lisa Longley says
So glad to hear that Pauline!
Melissa says
Was so very delicious and cheesy . I will be making again for sure.
Lisa Longley says
So glad you liked it!
Robin M Davis says
Has anyone made/froze/reheated/eaten this yet? Curious as to how it reheats with the cream cheese in it.
Alanna says
I’ve made this like 4 times and it’s a new family favourite! Only thing I do different is I add Parmesan cheese. It’s delish! Thanks for the amazing recipe!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad to hear that you liked it!
Detra says
Can I use chopped steak instead of ground beef?
Lisa Longley says
I haven’t made it that way, but it sounds delicious!
Ruth says
I recently made this recipe and it was okay. I will probably make it again, but will reduce the cream cheese to half, increase the amount of veggies and add 1 cup of liquid. Also, I would add beef stock to mix in, but not add it to the pasta cooking water. The noodles don’t soften to my liking. Also, the cream cheeese flavor was a little too strong. I also added mushrooms because I like them in my Philly cheese steak.
Kak says
I was looking for something new to make. I like to try new recipes all the time. Saw this, we love Philly cheesesteaks, had to try. It did not disappoint. The casserole was delicious and so easy to make It is being added to my “Keeper List”!!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Jennifer Boone says
Omg this is my new favorite recipe!!! I made it last night and did double the mozzarella but this was sooooo yummy!!! I can’t stop raving about it!!
Lisa Longley says
That’s so great Jennifer, I’m so happy you like it!
Barb says
Made this tonight according to the recipe. Had absolutely no taste and is going down the garbage disposal.
Lisa Longley says
I’m so sorry you didn’t like it Barb. This is a fan favorite, but definitely one where tastes vary.
Joelle says
Great recipe, my picky kids love this total winner all around.! Thanks for making dinner time a lil easier!
Lisa Longley says
So glad to hear that Joelle!
Dawn says
I added a can of cream of mushroom soup with some of the pasta broth/water and stirred it in before baking…. yum!!
John VerWiebe says
Recipe instructions call for butter and salt but not included in the ingredients list..want to make this tonight but need a full ingredient list..
Lisa Longley says
Hi John! The butter is listed in the ingredient list as 2 tablespoons butter. As for the salt and pepper, it is just a taste thing, so a sprinkling of both is fine. No need to measure.
Michelle says
I just made this tonight. Made it in my electric skillet tonight. Added red pepper flakes to it. Delish
Lisa Longley says
So glad you liked it!
Kristine says
This is excellent! I will double the veggies next time because I love them and add extra provolone. I have never been a fan of provolone cheese but it tastes terrific on this casserole.
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy you liked it Kristine!
Brent says
First time I made, I too thought it was delicious, but a bit greasy. Made it again and drained the beef and increase the reserved broth.. Much better. Yes, this one will be a regular !!
DJ says
Wow, this was great!
Followed the recipe exactly, but of course I forgot to reserve the liquid I cooked the pasta in, as always… 🙁
Added a half cup of water with a tsp of Worcestershire instead…
One question: you didn’t mention what to do with the garlic cloves before cooking. I cooked then whole, and pulled them out when the ground beef was done.
Boiling the pasta in beef stock made all the difference too…
I’m originally from South Jersey, and now live in Maine… This recipe was a great take on a Philly/South Jersey staple…
Kids loved it too… Definitely entering the rotation!
Lisa Longley says
You are absolutely right! I can’t believe I never realized that it doesn’t say that you mince the garlic. I’m so sorry!
DM says
That’s OK, thanks for the reply 🙂
Dawn says
Wonderful recipe! I did add mushrooms because we love them on our cheese steak subs. I will definitely be making this again. Thanks!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad you liked it Dawn!
Ronnie Davis says
I would add mushrooms, and use red,orange and yellow peppers!!! The other green peppers have a slight bitter flavor!!!
Annette says
I have no idea how this recipe from long ago popped up on my fb feed but so glad it did! Made it tonight and it was so very yummy!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so glad you liked it Annette!
Matthew says
Great recipe! I made one change though, I used sirloin steak cut in thin strips instead of ground beef and it came out amazing!
Lisa Longley says
Glad you liked it Matthew!
Kristina says
This was absolutely amazing. Thanks for posting!
Lisa Longley says
I’m so happy you liked it!
Barbara F. says
This was so bland. I made it last night and it was begging for a flavor injection. Hubby didn’t like the cream cheese. I like the premise of this recipe, so I’m not giving up on it. I’ll try it again with cream of mushroom soup instead of cream cheese and figure out a way to get more flavor in. I may even try it with turkey sausage rather than ground beef.
Lisa Longley says
Tastes for sure vary, so I get it. I would add two cloves of garlic and if you like spice some red pepper flakes. It will definitely vary from that Philly Cheesesteak taste, but you might like it more.