Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

If you’re a fan of Philly cheesesteaks but looking to keep things low carb, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It captures all those layers of savory, melty goodness you love in a sandwich—without the bread! Plus, it’s super easy to throw together on a busy weeknight or whenever you want a comforting meal that feels indulgent but fits your goals.

I’ve made this casserole countless times, especially when I want something hearty but don’t want to fuss over cooking multiple components separately. The blend of ground beef, peppers, and gooey cheeses creates this rich, satisfying dish. Trust me, once you try this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to the traditional version!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to build that iconic Philly cheesesteak flavor while keeping carbs low. Make sure to grab fresh bell peppers and good quality cheese, because the cheesiness and texture really make the dish sing.

• Ground beef: I like to use 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
• Onion: Diced finely so it softens nicely and melds with the beef.
• Bell peppers: Green, red, or a mix—adds great color and a bit of sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic makes a big difference in the depth of flavor.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and the perfect creamy texture.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings that umami punch that Philly cheesesteaks are famous for.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste to enhance all the savory flavors.
• Provolone cheese: Thinly sliced to layer over the top and melt beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded, for that stretchy, melty goodness.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies until tender and flavorful.

Variations

I love tweaking this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family prefers. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Variation: Sometimes I swap out ground beef for thinly sliced steak when I want a bit more authentic Philly cheesesteak texture and flavor—it takes a little more prep but is so worth it.
• Variation: For those who want a little spice, adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the beef works wonders.
• Variation: If you want to make this dairy-free, try using a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese slices, though I haven’t tested that version as much.
• Variation: You can toss in some mushrooms for a classic Philly cheesesteak twist—just sauté them along with the peppers and onions.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and bell peppers and cook until they’re soft and slightly caramelized—about 7-10 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute to keep that fresh garlic flavor from burning. This step is key because those caramelized veggies bring a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the veggies to the side, then add your ground beef to the same skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce as it cooks. Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Mix in Cream Cheese for Creaminess

Lower the heat and add softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it into the beef and veggie mixture until it melts and everything becomes creamy and well combined. This is what really turns it from a simple skillet into a decadent casserole base.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Cheese Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire dish, then layer the provolone slices on top. This combo gives you that melty, stringy, delicious cheese pull Philly cheesesteaks are famous for.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the casserole in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with just a hint of golden brown on top. You don’t want to overbake it or the cheese can get tough. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely and isn’t too hot to enjoy.

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions to brighten up the rich casserole before serving. A little extra cracked black pepper on top adds a nice finishing touch, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few red pepper flakes can lend a little subtle heat.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty filling on its own, I like serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed broccoli is another favorite—keeps with the low carb theme and adds some green crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or a casual get-together, I sometimes bake this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It makes it feel extra special and perfect for portion control. Serve with toothpicks to let guests scoop out their own cheesy portions—that’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools to room temperature, I like to transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. That way, it’s easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner without extra hassle.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I usually portion it out into individual containers before freezing so I can thaw just what I need. It keeps well for up to 3 months and still tastes fantastic once reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm them gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Covering the dish loosely with foil in the oven helps keep the cheese from drying out. I find reheated leftovers just as satisfying as the fresh bake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is one of my go-to comfort foods that you can feel good about eating. It brings all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak in a family-friendly, easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a crowd, or meal prepping, I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your rotation like it has in mine. Give it a try—you won’t miss the bread at all!

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