Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls

This hearty keto-friendly Philly cheesesteak roll recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a low-carb delight that satisfies those cravings without the bread. The savory beef filling wrapped in a cheesy almond flour dough creates the perfect handheld meal for lunch or dinner.

I first created these when my husband was missing his favorite sandwich after starting keto. Now they've become our Friday night tradition whenever we're craving comfort food without the carb overload.

Ingredients

• Ground beef 80/20 The higher fat content keeps the filling juicy and adds essential fat for keto macros
• Almond flour Creates a versatile dough base that holds together beautifully while staying low in carbs
• Shredded cheddar cheese Adds structure to the dough while bringing that classic cheesesteak flavor profile
• Bell peppers Provides color crunch and essential nutrients while keeping carbs minimal
• Yellow onion Caramelizes beautifully for sweetness that balances the savory beef
• Eggs Works as the binding agent for the dough ensuring everything holds together
• Olive oil Helps brown the beef and vegetables perfectly while adding healthy fats

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace

Heat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Make sure your ingredients are all measured and ready before starting.

Create The Dough

Combine the almond flour and shredded cheddar in a large bowl mixing thoroughly. The cheese will eventually melt and help bind everything together. Add the eggs and mix until you have a uniform sticky dough that holds together when pressed. If it seems too wet add a tablespoon more almond flour.

Cook The Filling

Heat your skillet over medium heat until hot then add the olive oil. Add ground beef breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When beef is about halfway browned add the sliced onions and peppers. Continue cooking until the beef shows no pink and vegetables have softened about 8 minutes total. The caramelization on the vegetables adds crucial flavor.

Assemble The Rolls

Divide your dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each into a circle about 5 inches across. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the edges up and over creating a sealed roll. Press the edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Bake To Perfection

Transfer your assembled rolls to the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart. For extra browning brush the tops with a little melted butter or an egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes watching carefully until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the rolls to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the cheese in the dough set slightly so the rolls hold their shape when picked up and eaten.

Bookmark

The almond flour is truly the unsung hero in this recipe. I spent weeks perfecting the ratio of almond flour to cheese to create a dough that wouldn't fall apart but would still have that satisfying bite. My teenage son who normally avoids anything labeled as keto actually requested these for his birthday dinner last year.

Make-Ahead Options

These rolls maintain their texture beautifully when refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For freezing wrap each cooled roll individually in plastic wrap then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. The individual wrapping prevents freezer burn and allows you to grab just what you need.

Flavor Variations

While the classic Philly flavors are hard to beat this versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try Italian style with ground Italian sausage provolone cheese and a sprinkle of Italian herbs in the dough. For a breakfast version use cooked crumbled bacon diced ham and scrambled eggs as filling. Vegetarian friends might enjoy a filling of sautéed mushrooms spinach and feta cheese instead of the beef mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are substantial enough to serve as a complete meal but pair wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar offers refreshing contrast to the rich rolls. For a more substantial meal serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli which can be cooked on the same baking sheet during the last 15 minutes of baking time. A side of sugar-free ketchup or mayonnaise makes a delicious dipping sauce.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your dough seems too sticky work with wet hands or chill it for 15 minutes before forming the rolls. Should your rolls crack while baking simply press them back together while still hot from the oven. The cheese in the dough will help them reseal. For those finding the almond flour too grainy try using superfine almond flour which produces a smoother texture in the finished product.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with thinly sliced steak (more traditional for Philly cheesesteak), ground turkey, or even chicken. Just ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked before adding to the rolls.

→ How do I store leftover cheesesteak rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the almond flour dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, but allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling.

→ What can I serve with these cheesesteak rolls?

These rolls pair well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower fries for a complete keto-friendly meal. A side of sugar-free ketchup or aioli also makes a delicious dipping option.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

You can make a dairy-free version by substituting the cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture might be slightly different, but the rolls will still be delicious. You may need to adjust the almond flour slightly to compensate for the different melting properties.

→ How can I ensure my rolls don't fall apart?

Make sure to let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes before rolling it out. Don't overfill the rolls, and seal the edges well by pinching them together. Allowing the rolls to cool slightly before serving also helps them set and hold together better.