If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy dishes with bold flavors, this Smoky Cheesesteak Casserole is about to become your new favorite. It combines the rich, savory taste of tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and creamy cheese, all with a smoky twist that elevates it beyond the traditional skillet version. Perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply enjoying as a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why this casserole will win over your heart (and stomach). Here’s why:
- Smoky and Savory: The Traeger grill or smoker adds a deep, irresistible smokiness that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With no bread or unnecessary carbs, this dish is perfect for those following a keto lifestyle.
- Meal Prep Marvel: Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.
- Family Favorite: Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, this dish is a hit with its gooey cheese and tender meat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a mix of fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and creamy cheeses. Here’s a preview of what goes into this flavorful casserole:
- Protein: Ribeye steak (or ground beef for a budget-friendly option) provides the base of this dish. Thinly sliced ribeye offers a luxurious texture, while ground beef simplifies preparation without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetables: Green and red bell peppers, yellow onion, and mushrooms (optional) add color, crunch, and depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper bring out the best in the beef and veggies.
- Cheese Sauce: Cream cheese, heavy cream, provolone slices, and shredded mozzarella create a luscious, melty layer that ties everything together.
- Cooking Fat: Butter or olive oil ensures the vegetables and beef cook evenly and develop a rich caramelized flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Traeger
Set your Traeger grill or pellet smoker to 250°F and allow it to heat for about 15 minutes. This step ensures the smoker is ready to infuse the casserole with its signature smoky flavor. If you don’t have a smoker, don’t worry—you can still achieve great results using an oven at 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by slicing the ribeye steak into thin strips. If using ground beef, skip this step and simply brown the meat later. Next, sauté the vegetables in a cast-iron skillet. Melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to one side of the skillet and add the steak. Season generously with salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces if using ground beef.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
For the creamy component, stir softened cream cheese and heavy cream into the skillet. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with slices of provolone cheese, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
Step 4: Smoke the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole dish directly onto the Traeger grill and smoke at 250°F for 1 hour. During this time, the smoky aroma will permeate the dish, enhancing its flavor profile. If using an oven, bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and mild heat.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This casserole serves 6–8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. If you prefer something heartier, serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes for a crispier texture.
Freezing for Later
This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Simply transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Variations to Try
Customize this casserole to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Extra Cheesy: Layer additional cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Chicken Substitute: Swap the steak for smoked shredded chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Pasta Bake: Stir in cooked pasta for a heartier, carb-loaded dish.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect this recipe:
Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a convenient and budget-friendly substitute that works just as well.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese also pair beautifully.
What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking?
Hickory, oak, or mesquite pellets provide excellent smoky flavors that complement the beef and cheese.
Do I have to smoke it, or can I bake it instead?
You can bake it in the oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have access to a smoker.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Incorporate jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or pepper jack cheese for added heat.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Smoke or bake when you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes! With minimal carbs and plenty of protein and fat, it fits perfectly into a keto diet.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Avoid overcooking, and ensure there’s enough cream cheese and heavy cream in the sauce for a creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Smoky Cheesesteak Casserole is a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. Its combination of tender beef, smoky aromas, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
So fire up your Traeger, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a casserole that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see how you’ve made this recipe your own!
Smoky Cheesesteak Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or ground beef)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger grill or pellet smoker to 250°F (or oven to 350°F). Allow it to heat for about 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add sliced ribeye (or ground beef) and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, mushrooms (if using), and garlic until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir softened cream cheese and heavy cream into the skillet until smooth and creamy. Mix in shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Layer slices of provolone cheese on top of the casserole.
- Place the dish on the Traeger grill and smoke at 250°F for 1 hour (or bake in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes), until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.