If you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak but want to keep things low-carb, then this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is for you! It’s packed with all the savory, cheesy goodness of a traditional cheesesteak but without the bread. Perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, this casserole is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and loaded with flavorful beef, gooey cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Low in carbs and keto-friendly
✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔️ Great for meal prep and leftovers
✔️ Packed with protein and healthy fats
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a meal for a gathering, this dish will quickly become a family favorite! Let’s dive into this delicious Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
🥩 Ingredients for Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ribeye steak or ground beef (thinly sliced or crumbled)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
🥘 Directions: How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
Step 2: Cook the Steak or Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- If using ribeye steak, slice it thinly and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. If using ground beef, cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt cream cheese with heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
- Stir continuously until smooth.
- Add shredded provolone and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked beef evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables on top.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and veggies, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽 Servings and Cooking Time
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize your Philly cheesesteak casserole? Try these delicious variations:
- Protein Choices: Instead of ribeye steak, use ground turkey, chicken, or thinly sliced roast beef.
- Cheese Options: Swap provolone for Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a different twist.
- Extra Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Low-Carb Additions: Mix in cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for extra texture.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
🤔 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole keto-friendly?
Yes! This casserole is low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for a keto diet.
2. What is the best cut of beef for this casserole?
Ribeye steak is the best choice for tender, juicy meat, but ground beef works well too!
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts much better because it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.
5. What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a side salad, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower mash for a full low-carb meal.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
7. How do I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
8. Can I use frozen peppers and onions?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery casserole.
9. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy?
Drain excess grease from the beef before layering it into the casserole dish.
10. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours until bubbly and hot.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a mouthwatering, cheesy, and protein-packed dish that satisfies cravings without the extra carbs. It’s a fantastic keto-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep.
Looking for more low-carb recipes? Try a Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for another delicious and satisfying dish!
Enjoy this easy, comforting, and flavorful casserole, and let me know how it turns out! 😋