This delicious low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a satisfying, keto-friendly dish that delivers all the flavors you love without the bread. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese for a comforting meal that fits your low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large bell peppers, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish with cooking spray or lightly grease with butter.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is completely browned and cooked through, draining excess fat if necessary.
- Create the Creamy Base: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and add the cream cheese in chunks. Continue cooking and stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a creamy mixture that coats the beef and vegetables.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the provolone cheese slices over the top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set properly.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (serves 8):
- Calories: 485
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Net Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
This low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole provides an excellent source of protein while keeping carbohydrates minimal, making it perfect for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Variations: Replace provolone with sharp cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese for different flavor profiles. You can also use a Mexican cheese blend for a southwestern twist.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value by adding sliced mushrooms, diced jalapeños for heat, or cherry tomatoes during the sautéing process. Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking the beef mixture.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for different flavors and fat content. Leftover steak, diced and added to the vegetable mixture, creates an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based cheese alternatives for those with dairy sensitivities, though this will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when covered tightly. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes. The casserole can also be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
For freezing, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring closer to room temperature, then bake as directed.
What can I serve with this low carb casserole? This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, or steamed green beans. For those not following a low-carb diet, garlic bread or dinner rolls complement the flavors nicely.
Can I use different types of ground meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a mixture of meats work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey or chicken may require adding a bit more olive oil to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry.
How do I know when the casserole is properly cooked? The casserole is done when the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The edges should be slightly crispy, and a knife inserted in the center should come out hot.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use two 9×13 inch pans or one large roasting pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes when using a larger, deeper dish, so monitor the cheese browning and internal temperature carefully.
This low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating goals. With its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation while keeping you on track with your low-carb lifestyle.