Mediterranean Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Table of Contents

This Mediterranean twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak casserole takes all the rich, savory flavors you love—tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions—and gives them a lighter, more balanced upgrade. With olive oil, aromatic garlic, and a touch of cream, this dish is comforting yet not heavy. It’s simple to put together, packed with protein, and makes great leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

4 eggs

½ cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

Optional Additions:

Sliced mushrooms

Red bell pepper

½ tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish or casserole pan.

Cook the beef and vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or steak until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic (and mushrooms or red pepper if using). Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.

Make the custard base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in half of the cheese.

Assemble the casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top and gently stir or shake the dish to distribute evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Tips & Variations

Choose your meat wisely:
For classic flavor, use thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye. If you want something leaner, ground beef (90/10) works just as well and is easier to cook evenly.

Drain excess fat:
After browning the meat, drain off any grease before adding vegetables. This keeps the casserole from getting oily and helps the egg mixture set nicely.

Add Mediterranean flair:
Mix in sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta before baking for a bright, savory twist.

Layer for more texture:
If you’re using steak slices instead of ground beef, layer the cooked meat and vegetables in the dish rather than mixing them. It gives the casserole a more traditional “cheesesteak” bite.

Use the right cheese:
Provolone melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even fontina work well too. For a sharper taste, try a mix with Parmesan.

Boost the veggies:
Add more color and nutrients with red bell pepper, zucchini, or baby spinach. Sauté them lightly first so they don’t release too much moisture into the casserole.

Make it creamy without heavy cream:
If you prefer something lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or milk mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil.

Add herbs and spices:
Mediterranean flavors pair beautifully with oregano, basil, thyme, or a small pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

Make it ahead:
Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes first, then bake as directed.

Serve it your way:
This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or warm pita bread. You can even serve it in sandwich rolls for a handheld version of a Philly cheesesteak.

Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground chicken, turkey, or even thinly sliced chicken breast work well. Just season generously since they’re milder than beef.

Q: How can I make this lower in carbs?
This recipe is already low-carb, but you can go even lighter by using lean beef and light cream or milk instead of heavy cream.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
You can. Swap the cream for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese. The texture will still be creamy and rich.

Q: How long does it keep?
This casserole keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave. It also freezes nicely for up to a month.

Q: What can I serve it with?
Try it with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or herbed rice. It’s also great with pita wedges or a drizzle of tzatziki on top for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Nutrition

(per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~330

Protein: 27 g

Carbohydrates: 5 g

Dietary Fiber: 1 g

Total Fat: 22 g

Saturated Fat: 10 g

Cholesterol: 200 mg

Sodium: 380 mg

Sugar: 2 g

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers the bold, cheesy comfort of a traditional Philly sandwich—without the bread or heaviness. The combination of tender beef, sautéed peppers, and creamy cheese baked together creates a hearty, balanced meal that’s both satisfying and simple. It’s a great weeknight dinner that reheats beautifully and brings a Mediterranean brightness to a classic American favorite.