INTRODUCTION
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a simple, tasty dish. It keeps the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors but removes the bread. This makes it a good option for people who eat low carb or keto. The dish uses ground beef, peppers, onions, cheese, and cream cheese to make a creamy, hearty casserole. It bakes quickly and feeds a family or makes good leftovers.
If you like comfort food that fits a low carb plan, this casserole will please you. For a light, warm side soup that pairs well with casseroles, try the broccoli cauliflower and cheese soup recipe which matches low carb meals well.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for its bold, straightforward taste. The beef and peppers give a classic cheesesteak flavor. The cream cheese and melted provolone make it rich and smooth. It is fast to make and does not need bread or special low-carb ingredients. You can serve it at a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats without losing flavor.
This casserole is flexible. You can change the peppers or cheese to match what you have. It is filling and full of protein. If you like simple casseroles like a slow-cooked casserole for busy days, you may enjoy the easy comfort of a crockpot hamburger potato casserole as another family favorite.
HOW TO MAKE Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This section gives a clear view of how the recipe comes together. You will brown the beef with the vegetables, add flavor with Worcestershire, melt in cream cheese, then top with provolone and mozzarella and bake until bubbly. Follow the steps and you will have a warm, cheesy bake ready in under an hour.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula for breaking up meat
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Cheese grater (if your mozzarella is not pre-shredded)
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred), 1 large onion (diced), 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed, diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature), 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper (to taste), 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced), 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 tbsp olive oil
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper, cooking for 7-8 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and let it coat the meat mixture for enhanced flavor. Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Layer torn provolone pieces over the beef, then top with shredded mozzarella for that perfect cheese pull.
Bake for 22-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
HOW TO SERVE Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Serve warm straight from the oven. A five-minute rest helps the casserole set so it slices neat. You can spoon it over a bed of shredded lettuce for a very low carb meal or serve with a crisp green salad. For variety, offer sliced pickles or a few hot pepper rings on the side. If you want a more filling plate, serve a small scoop of mashed cauliflower beside the casserole.
For a simple complete plate idea, pair the casserole with a fresh green salad and a lemon vinaigrette similar to the light flavors in the slow-cooker lemon herb chicken with fluffy rice to bring bright contrast to the rich cheese.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm a serving in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or place portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, cut the cooled casserole into meal-size portions and wrap each portion in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a make-ahead freezer meal, assemble the casserole in a foil pan, freeze before baking, and then bake from thawed or add a bit of extra time if baking from frozen.
If you like make-ahead comfort food options, the hearty nature of this casserole pairs well with recipes like slow-cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls that also store and reheat well.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a crisp green salad and simple vinaigrette.
- Spoon over lettuce for a cheesesteak-style salad bowl.
- Add a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for extra greens.
- Top with sliced green onions or a spoon of pickled peppers for extra zest.
- Offer hot sauce or sugar-free ketchup for those who like a tangy kick.
VARIATIONS
- Turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option. Adjust salt and fat since leaner meats can dry out faster.
- Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking onions and peppers.
- Extra veggies: Mix in sliced mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Dairy-free: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free spread and use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives.
- Single-serving: Make this recipe in small individual ramekins for personal portions and a neat presentation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef?
A: Yes. If you use thinly sliced steak, cook the onions and peppers first, then cook the sliced steak until just browned. Combine with cream cheese and proceed to bake. Watch cook time so the steak stays tender.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. The recipe uses high-fat cheese and beef and no bread, so it fits a keto plan when you watch portion size and total carbs from vegetables.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try dairy-free cream cheese and shredded dairy-free cheese. The texture will change and may be less creamy, but the flavor will still be good.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce and lower-sodium cheeses. Taste before adding extra salt, since cheeses and Worcestershire add salt naturally.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes. You can cook the beef mixture, cool it, then refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake. See the make-ahead tips below.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can double it, but use two baking dishes or a larger dish and adjust baking time. Ensure the casserole is heated through.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Prepare the beef and vegetable mixture up to two days ahead. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On baking day, warm slightly, stir in the cream cheese if needed, then assemble and bake.
- You can assemble the casserole fully and cover it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge.
- For freezer make-ahead, assemble and wrap tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If baking from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) and add 15-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a quick, family-friendly dish that keeps the classic flavor without the bread. It is easy to make, stores well, and offers room for simple swaps and additions. For more low-carb casserole inspiration and a similar take on cheesesteak flavors from a trusted keto source, see the Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Kicking Carbs recipe for ideas you can adapt. If you want another cheesy casserole variation, check out the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Wholesome Yum for a different method and serving ideas.
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, cooking for 7-8 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and let it coat the meat mixture for enhanced flavor.
- Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Layer torn provolone pieces over the beef, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.