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
Step 1: Preheat the Traeger
- Set the temperature – Preheat your Traeger grill to 250°F and allow it to heat for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the steak – Cut the ribeye into thin strips (or use ground beef for an easier version).
- 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.
- 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
- Mix in cream cheese – Stir softened cream cheese and heavy cream into the skillet until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to a baking dish – Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with cheese – Layer provolone slices over the top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella.
Step 4: Smoke the Casserole
- 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
- 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!
PrintSmoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey cheese—and gives it a smoky twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings, this easy casserole is packed with rich, cheesy goodness and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Meat & Vegetables:
- 2 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
For the Topping:
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Smoker:
- Set your Traeger or pellet smoker to 225°F. Use hickory or oak pellets for the best smoky flavor.
2. Cook the Steak & Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and peppers until soft (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the cream cheese and heavy cream together.
- Stir in shredded provolone (or mozzarella) and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish, layer the cooked steak and veggies.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Lay provolone slices over the casserole and sprinkle with crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
5. Smoke the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the smoker and smoke at 225°F for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Increase the heat to 350°F and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy as-is or serve over hoagie rolls for a smoked Philly cheesesteak sandwich!
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add sliced jalapeños to the peppers and onions.
- Lower carb option: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Make it ahead: Assemble everything the day before and smoke it when ready to eat.