Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
A Delicious Keto Twist on a Classic Sandwich
The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich beloved for its juicy beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese. But what if you’re cutting carbs or following a ketogenic lifestyle? That’s where the Cheesy Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole comes in—a creative, crave-worthy dish that captures all the flavor of the original without the bread.
Introduction to Low-Carb Comfort Food
Comfort food is typically heavy on carbs—think pasta, bread, and rice—but that doesn’t mean you have to give it up entirely. With smart substitutions and fresh, wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy rich, satisfying meals without derailing your diet.
Tips for Perfect Casserole Texture and Flavor
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Drain excess grease from the beef before mixing with cream cheese.
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Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts more easily.
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Don’t overbake—you want juicy beef and melty cheese, not dried-out casserole.
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Use fresh shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better meltability.
Add-Ons and Customizations
Add Protein:
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Ground beef as a more affordable option.
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Sliced chicken breast for a Philly Chicken Casserole.
Add Veggies:
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Mushrooms (sliced and sautéed)
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Spinach (fresh or wilted)
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Jalapeños for heat
Make It Creamier:
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Add ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
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Mix in 1 cup ricotta for a lasagna-style vibe.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead:
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Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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You can also freeze it unbaked—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
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Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
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Microwave: Use medium heat and cover loosely to prevent splattering.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake: Using the wrong cut of beef
Fix: Stick to shaved steak, ribeye, or sirloin. Avoid stew meat or anything too tough.
Mistake: Greasy casserole
Fix: Drain the beef well after browning, especially if using higher-fat cuts.
Mistake: Watery texture
Fix: Sauté vegetables until they release moisture, and don’t cover while baking.
Variations: From Spicy to Mushroom-Lover’s Edition
Spicy Cheesesteak Casserole:
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Add diced jalapeños to the veggies.
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Stir hot sauce or crushed red pepper into the beef.
Mushroom Swiss Version:
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Replace peppers with sautéed mushrooms.
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Use Swiss cheese instead of provolone.
Pizza Cheesesteak Bake:
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Add pepperoni slices.
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Top with mozzarella and marinara instead of cream cheese.
Buffalo Cheesesteak Casserole:
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Toss beef with buffalo sauce.
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Add blue cheese crumbles to the topping.
Final Thoughts + Recipe Card Summary
The Cheesy Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers everything you love about the sandwich—but without the carbs. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make recipe that’s great for families, meal prep, or anyone looking for low-carb comfort food.
Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye if preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (if using steak)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (or more provolone for a milder flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook Meat and Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced peppers, onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until veggies are softened.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Add Cream Cheese and Flavorings:
Stir in cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce until melted and well combined. Remove from heat. - Assemble Casserole:
Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded provolone/mozzarella evenly on top.
Add cheddar cheese over that for an extra cheesy top layer. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optionally broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top. - Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with a side salad or low-carb veggie like roasted broccoli or zucchini.