There are few sandwiches as iconic and beloved as the Philly cheesesteak. That glorious combination of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and gooey, melted cheese served on a crusty roll is pure comfort food. However, for those of us following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, that traditional hoagie roll is a definite no-go. But what if you could capture all that incredible flavor without the carbs? Well, you absolutely can with this amazing Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. This recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty, family-friendly bake that’s incredibly easy to make. Consequently, you can enjoy all the savory goodness you crave while staying true to your health goals.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or even serving to guests who won’t even realize it’s low-carb. It’s cheesy, meaty, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the ultimate low carb casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. In short, get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this particular dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. First and foremost, it delivers on flavor. This isn’t a bland, diet-food substitute; rather, it’s a robust and satisfying meal that truly captures the essence of a classic Philly cheesesteak. The savory beef, sweet peppers and onions, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce come together in perfect harmony. You get all the satisfaction without the carb-heavy bread.
In addition to being delicious, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is incredibly simple to prepare. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can easily whip this up on a busy weeknight. Most of the cooking happens in one skillet before a final bake in the oven, which means cleanup is also a breeze. Furthermore, it’s an ideal recipe for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time or bake a full batch and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal whenever you need it. For another great meal prep idea, check out this easy low-carb keto taco casserole.
Finally, this casserole is naturally keto-friendly and gluten-free. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, which helps keep you full and satisfied. According to Healthline, a well-formulated ketogenic diet can have numerous health benefits. Therefore, this recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a great choice for your overall well-being. It’s a meal the whole family can enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences.
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Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: The 7 Ultimate Steps for Cheesy Perfection
All the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak — savory beef, sweet peppers, onions, and melted cheese — transformed into a rich, creamy, low-carb casserole that’s perfect for keto diets and weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 lbs thinly sliced ribeye steak or lean ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper (optional), thinly sliced
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
6–8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If not using an oven-safe skillet, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers, sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook shaved steak or ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Lower heat and add cream cheese. Stir until melted and fully combined with the beef.
5. Pour in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Return peppers and onions to the skillet and mix to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
7. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly.
8. Top with provolone slices, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Use shaved ribeye for authentic flavor, or ground beef for a budget-friendly option.
Add sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for extra depth or spice.
Swap provolone with Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
For meal prep, store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, allow to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
The Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
The magic of this casserole lies in using the right ingredients to replicate that classic cheesesteak taste. While the components are simple, their quality makes a significant difference. Let’s break down the essential elements.
The Meat: Choosing the Best Beef
Traditionally, a Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced ribeye steak. This cut is well-marbled, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked quickly. You can often find pre-shaved ribeye or steak-ums in the freezer section of your grocery store, which is a fantastic time-saver. However, if you can’t find it, you can easily make your own. Simply place a boneless ribeye steak in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes until it’s firm, then use a sharp knife to slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. As an alternative, lean ground beef also works wonderfully in this casserole and is a more budget-friendly option. It creates a different texture but is equally delicious.
The Veggies: Classic Peppers and Onions
No Philly cheesesteak is complete without sautéed onions and peppers. For this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, we use a combination of sliced yellow onions and green bell peppers. The onions become sweet and caramelized as they cook, providing a perfect contrast to the savory beef. Meanwhile, the green bell peppers add a slightly bitter, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. For extra color and a slightly sweeter flavor, you can also add some red or yellow bell peppers to the mix.
The Cheese: A Perfect Melty Blend
Cheese is arguably the star of the show here. For the most authentic flavor, Provolone cheese is a must. Its sharp, slightly tangy taste is the signature of a true Philly cheesesteak. We’ll use slices of Provolone for the top layer of the casserole to get that perfectly golden, bubbly finish. To create the creamy, rich base of the casserole, we’ll use a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream. This mixture coats the beef and vegetables, ensuring every single bite is decadent and cheesy. A little garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce are also added to the cheese sauce to deepen the flavor and add a wonderful umami kick.
Essential Kitchen Tools
One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy or specialized equipment. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen. Here is a simple list of tools that will make preparing this low carb casserole a smooth and easy process:
- Large Skillet: A 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a large non-stick frying pan is perfect for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can go straight from the stovetop to the oven, saving you a dish.
- Casserole Dish: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you’ll need a standard 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish to assemble and bake the final product.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the beef (if not using pre-shaved) and chopping the onions and peppers.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients in the skillet and breaking up the meat.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Now it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a cheesy, delicious casserole that will become an instant favorite. This process is straightforward and results in a truly comforting meal.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are not using an oven-safe skillet, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Afterwards, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. Using quality oil is important; you can learn about the amazing benefits of olive oil here.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add your shaved steak or ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned all over. If you’re using ground beef, be sure to drain any excess grease from the pan. Then, season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet with the beef. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and has coated the beef. This step creates the rich foundation for our Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
- Combine the Ingredients: Now, pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet and mix everything together. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole: If you used an oven-safe skillet, you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Finally, arrange the slices of Provolone cheese over the top of the mixture, overlapping them slightly to ensure full coverage. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is fantastic as is, but there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to help you make it your own, as well as instructions for storing any leftovers.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking the beef and vegetables, make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches if necessary ensures everything browns nicely instead of steaming.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest sauce, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Low-fat versions can sometimes separate when heated and won’t provide the same luxurious texture.
- Season Every Layer: Remember to season the vegetables and the beef separately. Building layers of flavor is key to a delicious final dish.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms are a classic addition to many cheesesteaks. Sauté them along with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. A little heat pairs beautifully with the rich cheese sauce.
- Switch Up the Cheese: While Provolone is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a Swiss cheese blend would also be delicious.
- Try Different Meats: This casserole method works well with other proteins. For example, try it with shaved chicken for a Chicken Philly Casserole or even with Italian sausage for a completely different but equally tasty meal. If you enjoy keto-friendly chicken dishes, you’ll love this Marry Me Chicken Soup.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, proper food storage is crucial for safety and quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the carbs. It’s a satisfying, comforting meal that is remarkably easy to prepare for any night of the week. Packed with savory beef, sweet peppers and onions, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Furthermore, its versatility allows for fun variations, and it’s perfect for meal prepping. Therefore, give this recipe a try and discover how delicious and simple low-carb eating can be. This hearty casserole proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of beef is best for a Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
The most authentic choice is thinly sliced ribeye steak due to its flavor and tenderness. You can often find this pre-shaved at the grocery store. However, lean ground beef is an excellent and more economical alternative that also works wonderfully in this recipe.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, absolutely! This casserole is specifically designed to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet. All the ingredients, from the beef and vegetables to the full-fat cheeses and cream, are keto-approved.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. For another low-carb side, you could serve it with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or roasted asparagus.
