Imagine all the bold, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone cheese—combined with soft, fluffy biscuit pieces in a single, scoopable casserole. That is exactly what this cheesesteak bubble up biscuit bake delivers. It is comfort food at its most effortless. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, you can have a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly dinner on the table in under an hour.
This cheesesteak bubble up biscuit bake is pure genius. Canned biscuit dough is torn into pieces and layered with seasoned ground beef (or thinly sliced steak), bell peppers, onions, and a generous amount of provolone cheese. As it bakes, the biscuits puff up and “bubble” around the filling, creating a casserole that is part cheesesteak, part cheesy biscuit pull-apart. It is fast, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
· All the Flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak.
· Ready in 45 Minutes.
· One Dish, Minimal Cleanup.
· Uses Canned Biscuits: No dough-making required.
· Soft, Fluffy, Cheesy Biscuit Pieces.
· Great for Weeknights or Game Day.
· Crowd-Pleasing and Kid-Approved.
· Easily Customizable.
Ingredients List
· 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye steak)
· 1 small yellow onion, diced
· 1 green bell pepper, diced
· 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 count)
· 8 oz provolone cheese, shredded or sliced, divided
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Optional: ½ teaspoon salt (the cheese adds saltiness)
· Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or thinly sliced steak), diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. If using mushrooms, add them now. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder and black pepper.
Step 3: Cut the Biscuits
Open the can of biscuits. Cut or tear each biscuit into 4-6 small pieces. Place the biscuit pieces in a large bowl.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked beef mixture and half of the provolone cheese to the bowl with the biscuit pieces. Toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining provolone cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the biscuits to set.
Cooking Tips and Pro Tips for Best Results
· Use ground beef for convenience: Ground beef is faster and more budget-friendly. For a more authentic cheesesteak flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin.
· Do not overmix the biscuit pieces: Toss gently to combine. Overmixing can break the biscuits down too much.
· Cut biscuits into uniform pieces: Small, even pieces ensure even baking. Aim for 4-6 pieces per biscuit.
· Use provolone for authentic flavor: Provolone is the classic cheesesteak cheese. White American, mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz also work.
· Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or French fried onions over the top before baking for extra texture.
· Make it a Philly cheesesteak bake with steak: If using ribeye, freeze it for 20 minutes to make slicing easier, then slice thinly against the grain.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Cheesesteak Bubble Up Bake:
Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of thinly sliced chicken breast. Cook until browned. Use provolone or mozzarella cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak Bubble Up with Mushrooms:
Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the peppers and onions. The mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth.
Spicy Cheesesteak Bubble Up:
Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 diced jalapeño. Use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone.
Low-Carb / Keto Cheesesteak Bake:
Substitute the canned biscuits with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella mixed with 2 eggs and ½ cup of almond flour (for a keto “dough”). Proceed with the recipe.
Breakfast Cheesesteak Bubble Up:
Add 4 scrambled eggs to the mixture. Serve for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner.
Vegetarian Cheesesteak Bubble Up:
Substitute the beef with 8 oz of sliced portobello mushrooms and 1 can of drained jackfruit. The mushrooms and jackfruit provide a meaty texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesesteak bubble up biscuit bake is a complete meal. Serve it:
· As Is: With a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
· With a Simple Green Salad: A light, tangy salad balances the richness.
· With Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
· With Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Pair with:
· Pickles or pickled vegetables
· Potato wedges or french fries
· A cold beer or soda
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The texture of the biscuits may soften, but the flavor remains good. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
· Oven (Best): Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
· Microwave: Heat individual portions for 60-90 seconds.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving – serves 6)
· Calories: 520
· Protein: 32g
· Fat: 30g
· Saturated Fat: 14g
· Carbohydrates: 34g
· Fiber: 2g
· Sugar: 6g
· Sodium: 1080mg
· Calcium: 25% Daily Value
· Iron: 15% Daily Value
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes. Use your favorite homemade biscuit recipe (about 2 cups of dough). Cut or tear into small pieces. The baking time remains the same.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella, white American, cheddar, or a blend all work. For an authentic Philly taste, use Cheez Whiz (drizzle over the top before baking).
3. Why are my biscuits not cooked in the center?
If the biscuits are doughy in the center, the pieces may be too large, or the oven temperature may be too low. Cut biscuits into smaller pieces. Ensure your oven is at 375°F and bake until golden brown.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Add sliced mushrooms, banana peppers, or even broccoli. Sauté them with the peppers and onions.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for the oven to get the biscuits fluffy and golden. A slow cooker would make the biscuits dense and soggy. Stick with the oven.
6. What is the best way to slice ribeye for cheesesteaks?
Freeze the ribeye for 20-30 minutes until firm but not solid. Using a sharp knife, slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. Pre-sliced “shaved steak” from the grocery store also works perfectly.