There’s something about the aroma of sizzling beef, caramelized onions, and melting cheese that instantly transports me back to the streets of Philadelphia. As someone who embraced the low-carb lifestyle but refused to give up beloved comfort foods, creating this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight was a game-changer in my kitchen. This casserole captures all the mouthwatering flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, minus the carbs that come with those crusty rolls.
When the evening rush hits and you’re craving something hearty yet healthy, this casserole delivers both comfort and convenience without compromising your low-carb goals. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor, this dish has quickly become a fan favorite among families seeking wholesome weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight
- Truly Low-Carb: With less than 7g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into keto and low-carb lifestyles
- Family-Friendly: Even carb-lovers won’t miss the bread when they taste this cheesy, savory goodness
- Meal-Prep Marvel: Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunches
- Budget-Conscious: Uses simple ingredients available at any grocery store
- Customizable: Easy to adapt based on what’s in your refrigerator
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor payoff
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited
This casserole is the answer to “what’s for dinner?” when you want something that satisfies your craving for classic comfort food while keeping your carb count in check. The combination of thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese creates that authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, all baked into a delicious casserole form that’s perfect for feeding the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1½ pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, slice your ribeye or sirloin steak into very thin strips. Pro tip: Placing the meat in the freezer for about 20 minutes beforehand makes it easier to slice thinly. Slice your bell pepper and onion into thin strips as well, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the hot pan. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced beef to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is just browned. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Vegetables
Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will add richness and bind the casserole together.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top, then use a spatula to carefully spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded provolone (or provolone-mozzarella mix) and cheddar cheeses over the top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown on top. For an extra golden top, you can broil for the final 2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Beef: Ribeye is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks and offers great marbling and flavor, but sirloin is a leaner, more budget-friendly option that works well too.
- Slice Meat Properly: For authentic texture, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. If buying pre-sliced meat, look for “shaved steak” or ask your butcher to thinly slice it for you.
- Don’t Overcook: The beef will continue cooking in the oven, so it’s best to keep it slightly underdone when sautéing.
- Cheese Variations: While provolone is traditional, American or Cheez Whiz fans can substitute those cheeses for an authentic South Philly taste.
- Add Mushrooms: For a variation, add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and sauté them with the peppers and onions.
- Control Moisture: If your vegetables or meat release excess liquid during cooking, drain it before assembling the casserole to prevent a soggy result.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 485 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 38g
- Net Carbs: 6.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Total Carbs: 7.5g
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight is perfect for keto dieters with its high fat content and minimal carbs. The protein content makes it satisfying and helps keep hunger at bay for hours.
Storage and Leftovers
This casserole is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir.
- Oven: Place in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
While this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight is a complete meal on its own, here are some perfect pairings to round out your dinner:
- Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for added nutrients without adding carbs.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole over some seasoned cauliflower rice.
- Pickle Spears: The acidity cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
- Low-Carb Garlic Bread: Use almond flour-based bread brushed with garlic butter for the ultimate comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best cheese to use for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor? Provolone is the most traditional cheese for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, but many South Philly purists also use American cheese or Cheez Whiz. For this casserole, the combination of provolone and cheddar provides great flavor while maintaining the low-carb profile.
Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak? Yes, while not traditional, ground beef works in a pinch and can be more budget-friendly. If using ground beef, choose 80/20 for best flavor and drain excess fat after browning.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Definitely! This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion into individual containers after cooling for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix. You can also include some hot sauce in the cream cheese mixture or serve it on the side.
Time to Enjoy Your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight!
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight proves that following a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up the flavors you love. With its perfect balance of tender beef, savory vegetables, and creamy, melted cheese, it captures everything wonderful about a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich—minus the carbs!
Whether you’re feeding a family with diverse dietary needs or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this versatile casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite. The best part? It comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it accessible even on your busiest days.
Give this delicious Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight a try tonight and discover a new favorite in your meal rotation. Your taste buds—and your waistline—will thank you!
Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below, and if you make any tasty modifications, we’d love to hear about those too. Happy cooking!
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Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight: A Keto-Friendly Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Delight captures the authentic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich without the carbs. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a keto-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or a mix of provolone and mozzarella)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your ribeye or sirloin steak into very thin strips. Slice bell pepper and onion thinly, and mince the garlic.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and thinly sliced beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
- Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the dish. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the top, and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2 minutes for extra browning, if desired.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
- To reheat, use a microwave for 2-3 minutes or an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 510
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 7.5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: low carb philly cheesesteak casserole, keto philly cheesesteak, cheesesteak casserole, low carb dinner, keto casserole