Introducing a true weeknight winner: Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. This comforting casserole layers smoky, thinly sliced beef with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all bound together in a creamy cheese mixture and finished with melted provolone. It’s perfect for family dinners, feeding a crowd, or preparing ahead for quick meals during the week. Simple to assemble and full of bold flavors, this dish is also naturally low in carbohydrates when served without bread—making it a great option for keto and gluten-free diets.
Traeger Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
What is Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole? It’s a layered hot casserole built from smoked, thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich cream cheese base topped with provolone. Cooking the steak in a smoker or pellet grill like a Traeger adds a subtle, savory smoke note that elevates the familiar cheesesteak flavors. Because it’s served in a casserole, it’s easy to portion for gatherings or to keep in the fridge for reheating throughout the week.
Why make this dish? It’s comfort food made effortless. The smoky beef and melty cheese deliver big, satisfying flavor, while the hands-off nature of the bake step makes it simple to prepare. The recipe is adaptable—swap proteins, adjust seasonings, or experiment with different cheeses—so you can tailor it to what you have on hand or to your family’s preferences.
Keto Cheesesteak Casserole
Following a low-carb or keto lifestyle? Skip the bread and enjoy this casserole on its own or serve it over a bed of greens. Without rolls, the dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. If you want a bread-like accompaniment, consider a low- or zero-carb bread alternative prepared separately.
Why you’ll love this dish
- Easy to prepare with straightforward steps
- Bold, smoky flavor from the smoked beef
- Feeds a crowd and reheats well for leftovers
- Keto and gluten-free friendly when served without rolls
- Customizable to swap proteins or cheeses
Browse Traeger recipes and smoky casseroles for more inspiration
Recipe Shopping List
Below are the primary ingredients you’ll need. Refer to the recipe quantities in the recipe card section further down for exact amounts.
- Thinly sliced beef steak
- Avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
- Bell peppers (any color), sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Granulated garlic
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sliced provolone cheese
How To Make This Recipe — Overview
This overview outlines the main steps so you know what to expect. Full ingredient amounts and a step-by-step recipe are provided in the recipe card below.
- Smoke the steak: Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to low (around 200°F). Lay the thinly sliced beef in a single layer on a wire rack and smoke for about 20 minutes to add a delicate smoky flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat oil and cook the sliced peppers and onions until soft and slightly translucent. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and blend: Add the smoked beef to the skillet, briefly cook together, then remove from heat and stir in softened cream cheese until smooth and combined.
- Assemble and top: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread evenly, and top with provolone slices to cover.
- Bake or grill: Place the pan in a preheated oven or onto a grill at 350°F and heat 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm. Toasted French loaf or sub rolls work well on the side if not following a low-carb plan.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. The casserole holds up well when refrigerated and reheats smoothly in single portions. It’s ideal for meal prep or having a ready-to-serve family meal after busy days.
Thinly sliced steak works best for this casserole because it cooks quickly and layers easily. Pre-sliced steak from the market or thinly sliced roast works well.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or reheat the entire casserole covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
More thinly sliced steak recipe ideas and casserole variations available in your recipe collection
Traeger Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds thinly sliced beef steak
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (or neutral oil)
- 2 large bell peppers, seeded and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 200°F. Arrange the thinly sliced beef in a single layer on a grill-safe rack and smoke for 20 minutes. Remove and increase the temperature to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, sauté the peppers and onions in avocado oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until the onions become slightly translucent.
- Season the vegetables with granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the smoked beef and stir; cook 2–3 minutes more to combine flavors.
- Turn off the heat and stir the softened cream cheese into the beef and vegetable mixture until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly. Layer the provolone slices over the top to cover the surface.
- Place the casserole in an oven or on a grill preheated to 350°F and bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from heat, let rest briefly, and serve warm. Toasted bread or rolls are optional for serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 694 | Total Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 213mg | Sodium: 824mg | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Protein: 54g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.