The Ultimate Comfort Dish — Easy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
⏱ Preparation Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
🥩 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, for sweetness and color)
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini — optional for a heartier casserole)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Veggies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sliced steak) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until veggies soften.
- Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add heavy cream (or milk) and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- If using pasta, fold it in now until evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and pour evenly over the beef mixture (this helps it set).
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or toasted hoagie rolls for the classic Philly experience!
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.