Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole packs all the iconic, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak into a simple, one-pan meal. It’s cheesy, meaty, and deeply satisfying, without any of the carb-heavy bread.
We’re talking tender slices of steak, sweet caramelized onions, and crisp bell peppers, all brought together in a creamy, savory sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted provolone cheese, this dish is pure comfort food. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a hearty, healthier meal, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! Everything comes together in a single oven-safe skillet, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Keto-Friendly Comfort: Indulge in the rich flavors you crave. This dish is designed to be low in carbs but high in satisfaction, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic lifestyle. Much like our popular low-carb pizza bowls, it proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combination of beef, peppers, onions, and melted cheese is a guaranteed hit with the entire family.
- Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this incredible casserole in the oven and ready for the table in under an hour.
The Perfect Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Ingredients
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy masterpiece to life.
- Sirloin Steak: Thinly sliced sirloin is perfect here. It’s a lean cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked quickly. Ribeye is another fantastic option for its rich marbling.
- Bell Peppers & Onion: You can’t have a Philly cheesesteak without them! We use a combination of green bell pepper and sweet yellow onion for that classic, slightly sweet, and savory flavor base.
- Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream: These are the secret to our ultra-creamy, savory sauce that coats every piece of steak and veggie.
- Provolone Cheese: With its distinct flavor and perfect melt, provolone is the quintessential cheese for this dish.
- Garlic & Seasonings: Freshly minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce create a deep, savory foundation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing your steak, bell peppers, and onion. Mince the garlic. It’s best to have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced steak. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the steak. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and a smooth sauce forms.
- Combine and Bake: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined. Top the entire mixture evenly with the slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
Want to take your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Slice It Thin: For the most tender steak, make sure to slice it very thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the steak for about 30 minutes can make it much easier to slice.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: The steak will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s best to just brown it in the skillet. This ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- Choose Your Cheese: While provolone is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! A mix of mozzarella and white American cheese also works beautifully. For a different twist, explore other savory options like our high-protein cheeseburger bowls.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh garlic, peppers, and onions will always yield the most flavorful results compared to their powdered or frozen counterparts.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This casserole is a fantastic meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of low-carb side dishes. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness. For another green vegetable option, consider honey balsamic brussels sprouts or simple steamed asparagus. A side of roasted cauliflower is another excellent choice to round out the meal.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Ground Beef: If you don’t have steak, lean ground beef is an excellent and budget-friendly substitute. Just be sure to drain the fat well after browning.
- Chicken Philly: Swap the steak for thinly sliced chicken breast for a delicious chicken cheesesteak casserole.
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a classic addition to any Philly cheesesteak and add a wonderful earthy flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes along with the bell peppers. For more spicy inspiration, check out our keto cajun sausage and cabbage skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole without baking it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire skillet back in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Absolutely! This recipe was specifically designed to be low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein, making it perfectly suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Thinly sliced sirloin steak is a great choice as it’s lean and becomes very tender. Ribeye is another excellent option for its rich flavor and marbling. If you’re on a budget, ground beef also works well.
This casserole is very filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower rice to complete the low-carb meal.
Enjoy Your New Favorite Low-Carb Meal!
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. It’s proof that you can enjoy hearty, comforting meals without compromise. We know you’ll love it as much as we do!
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! We love hearing from you. For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
The Recipe
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the steak, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced steak. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
- Top the mixture with the provolone cheese slices. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded provolone if possible, as it melts better than pre-sliced varieties.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
