Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers all the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak without the bread or excess carbs. This recipe transforms a beloved sandwich into a satisfying baked casserole that fits perfectly into a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Rich beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheese come together in a comforting dish that feels indulgent while staying diet-friendly.
I developed this casserole when I wanted something hearty and familiar that would still align with low-carb goals. The result is a dish that is filling, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Everything cooks together in one pan, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you are following keto strictly or simply reducing carbohydrates, this casserole proves that comfort food can still be nutritious, satisfying, and full of flavor.
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Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (Easy One-Pan Dinner)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cheesy, hearty Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole made with seasoned beef, peppers, onions, and melty cheese—low carb comfort food without the bread.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or steak and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in half of the provolone and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use shaved ribeye for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Add mushrooms for extra texture if desired.
- Leftovers reheat well and keep for up to 4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef provides a rich, hearty base and mimics the savory filling of a traditional cheesesteak.
Green bell peppers add sweetness and a slightly crisp texture that balances the richness of the beef.
Onion contributes depth and classic cheesesteak flavor as it softens during cooking.
Garlic enhances the overall savoriness and aroma of the dish.
Cream cheese creates a creamy, cohesive sauce that binds all ingredients together.
Provolone cheese delivers authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and melts smoothly.
Mozzarella cheese adds stretch and extra creaminess to the casserole topping.
Beef broth adds moisture and helps prevent dryness while baking.
Olive oil supports sautéing and enhances flavor.
Salt balances richness and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
Black pepper adds mild heat and depth.
Italian seasoning introduces subtle herb notes without overpowering the dish.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking for five to seven minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Lower the heat and add cream cheese and beef broth, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with provolone and mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes before serving to help it set.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25 minutes. Total time from start to finish is roughly 40 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
This casserole is easy to customize while keeping it keto-friendly. Thinly sliced steak can replace ground beef for a more traditional texture, though it requires slightly longer cooking. Mushrooms are a popular addition and add both flavor and volume without extra carbs.
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. Cheese can also be adjusted to taste. Sharp cheddar creates a bolder flavor, while Swiss cheese offers a milder, nutty profile. If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the cream cheese slightly or add a splash of heavy cream.
This dish also works well as a meal-prep option. It reheats beautifully and maintains its texture, making it ideal for lunches or busy weeks.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose Full-Fat Dairy
Full-fat cheese improves flavor and keeps the dish keto-compliant.
Slice Vegetables Evenly
Uniform slicing ensures even cooking and better texture.
Rest Before Serving
Allowing the casserole to rest helps it hold together when sliced.
Avoid Overbaking
Overbaking can cause cheese to become oily and dry.
Season Gradually
Taste and adjust seasoning before baking for best results.
FAQs
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and suitable for keto diets.
Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Yes, thinly sliced steak works well for a classic texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to two months.
What cheese works best?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella or cheddar also work.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Dairy-free alternatives may work but will change texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Can I add more vegetables?
Low-carb vegetables like mushrooms are excellent additions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it contains no gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, it reheats evenly in the oven or microwave.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a satisfying, flavorful alternative to the classic sandwich. Easy to prepare, rich in protein, and low in carbs, it is a dependable recipe for anyone seeking comfort food without compromise.
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