Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey cheese—and gives it a smoky twist. This easy, low-carb casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The Traeger grill adds a deep, smoky flavor that elevates this dish beyond the traditional skillet version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky and savory – The Traeger grill enhances the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
• One-pan meal – Everything comes together in a single dish, making cleanup easy.
• Low-carb & keto-friendly – No bread, just cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
• Family-friendly – A fun twist on a classic Philly cheesesteak that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ribeye steak (or ground beef for a budget-friendly option)
• Green bell peppers, sliced
• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Yellow onion, sliced
• Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cream cheese, softened
• Heavy cream
• Provolone cheese, sliced
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Butter or olive oil

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Traeger

1. Set the temperature – Preheat your Traeger grill to 250°F and allow it to heat for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

2. Slice the steak – Cut the ribeye into thin strips (or use ground beef for an easier version).
3. Sauté the vegetables – In a cast-iron skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Cook the beef – Add the steak to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

5. Mix in cream cheese – Stir softened cream cheese and heavy cream into the skillet until smooth and creamy.
6. Transfer to a baking dish – Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Top with cheese – Layer provolone slices over the top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella.

Step 4: Smoke the Casserole

8. Smoke for 1 hour – Place the casserole dish on the Traeger and smoke at 250°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

9. Garnish and enjoy – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Top with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Cheesy Loaded Version – Add an extra layer of cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
• Chicken Philly Casserole – Swap steak for smoked shredded chicken.
• Pasta Bake – Mix in cooked pasta for a heartier dish.
• Keto-Friendly – Stick with low-carb ingredients and serve over cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes! Ground beef works well for a more budget-friendly and easy-to-cook version.

What’s the best cheese for a Philly cheesesteak casserole?

Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese work well.

What wood pellets should I use for smoking?

Hickory, oak, or mesquite pellets add great smoky flavor to the beef and cheese.

Do I have to smoke it, or can I bake it instead?

You can bake it at 350°F for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have a smoker.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate, then smoke or bake when ready to serve.

What should I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms add a great umami flavor to the dish.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s low in carbs and perfect for a keto meal plan.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overcook it, and make sure to mix in enough cream cheese and heavy cream for a creamy texture.

Conclusion

Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a flavorful, cheesy, and smoky twist on the classic sandwich. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is easy, delicious, and packed with bold flavors. Fire up your Traeger and give this satisfying casserole a try!

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