Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting, keto-friendly dish that captures all the savory goodness without the carbs. The melted cheese blanket over seasoned beef and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners.

I first made this casserole when my husband started his keto journey and was missing his favorite comfort foods. The first bite had him convinced he wasn't missing out on anything after all.

Ingredients

• Ground beef 2 lbs Choose 80/20 for the best flavor balance without excess grease
• Onion large diced Adds sweetness when caramelized that complements the beef perfectly
• Bell peppers 2 large diced The traditional Philly flavor enhancer that adds color and nutrition
• Garlic 2 cloves minced Fresh is best for that aromatic punch
• Cream cheese 8 oz Creates the creamy base that binds everything together
• Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp The secret ingredient that gives authentic cheesesteak flavor
• Provolone cheese 8 oz sliced Traditional Philly cheese that creates the perfect melt
• Mozzarella cheese 1½ cups shredded Adds that gorgeous cheese pull and mild flavor
• Olive oil 1 tbsp Use a good quality oil for better flavor when sautéing
• Salt and pepper to taste Season generously for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your baking dish with non-stick spray. This temperature allows for even cooking without burning the cheese topping. Make sure to coat the sides of the dish as well to prevent sticking.

Cook the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add diced onions and bell peppers, allowing them to sweat and soften for 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should become translucent but not browned. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds to prevent burning.

Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, continuing to break up larger chunks until no pink remains. The beef should be evenly crumbled for the best texture in the final dish.

Add Seasonings

Pour Worcestershire sauce over the meat mixture and stir well to incorporate. Allow it to simmer for about a minute, letting the savory umami flavors penetrate the meat. This step mimics the distinctive taste of a traditional Philly cheesesteak.

Incorporate Cream Cheese

Lower the heat to prevent scorching. Add cream cheese in chunks to the skillet and stir continuously until completely melted and incorporated. This creates a creamy sauce that binds the casserole together. The mixture should look glossy and well-coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners. Press down slightly to create a compact layer that will hold together when served.

Top with Cheese

Layer provolone slices across the entire surface, slightly overlapping each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top for complete coverage. This double cheese layer creates the authentic Philly experience and forms a beautiful golden crust.

Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for bubbling around the edges and a light golden brown color on the cheese. The casserole should be hot throughout.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into portions. This crucial step helps the casserole set up properly and prevents the filling from spreading when served.

Bookmark

The Worcestershire sauce is truly the magic ingredient here. I discovered its importance when I once tried to make this without it and my family immediately noticed something was missing. Those few tablespoons bring all the savory umami notes that make this taste like an authentic Philly cheesesteak.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the cheese a bit rubbery. For longer storage, portion and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations to Try

The basic recipe is fantastic as written but can be customized to your taste preferences. Try adding sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions for an earthier flavor profile. Swap provolone for white American cheese for a creamier result. For heat lovers, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. For a more authentic Philly experience, try using thinly sliced ribeye instead of ground beef.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For family members not following keto, offer toasted hoagie rolls on the side to make mini sandwiches with the casserole filling. A pickle spear adds the perfect tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors. For a complete meal that stays low carb, serve alongside roasted broccoli or cauliflower.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use sliced beef instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin for ground beef. Cook it quickly over high heat until just browned before mixing with the vegetables. This will provide a more traditional Philly cheesesteak texture, though ground beef creates a heartier casserole base.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place the entire casserole (in an oven-safe dish) in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare it completely, allow to cool, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, approximately 25-30 minutes.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

For a complete low-carb meal, serve with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted cauliflower. If carbs aren't a concern, garlic bread or a side of sweet potato fries complement the flavors nicely.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the meat and vegetable mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, transfer to a baking dish, add the cheese toppings, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

→ What cheese substitutions work well?

While provolone and mozzarella are traditional, you can substitute with white American, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of sharp cheddar or pepper jack to the cheese blend.