Whipped up dinner this evening, and my hubby and I nearly finished more than half of it on our own.

The Southern style Philly cheesesteak casserole is a delightful fusion of classic Philadelphia flavors with a comforting Southern twist. This dish combines the savory goodness of thinly sliced beef, sautéed peppers, and onions with the creamy richness of melted cheese, all baked to perfection in a casserole form. It's a fantastic option for those who love the flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak but are looking for a dish that's easy to prepare and serve to a crowd. This casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of coleslaw to balance out the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted potatoes or a warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce. A crisp, cold beer or a glass of iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully.

Servings: 6

1 pound thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Return the beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef and vegetable mixture, and sliced provolone cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also substitute the beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.