Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

If classic Philly cheesesteaks make you swoon but you’re looking for a weeknight-friendly and carb-conscious option, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is about to become your new hero. With all the savory, gooey goodness you adore—tender ground beef, caramelized peppers and onions, creamy cheese throughout, and a layer of perfectly melted provolone and mozzarella on top—this casserole keeps things easy and satisfying. Plus, it’s all baked up in one casserole dish! The flavors come together so beautifully that you’ll never miss the hoagie roll, and it’s the kind of dish the whole family will happily dig into.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item brings its own flavor or texture to the mix, from the rich beef and hearty veggies to that signature cheese pull up top. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a helpful tip for each:

• Ground beef (2 lbs): Using ground beef speeds up dinner and absorbs every ounce of that Philly-style flavor.
• Onion (1 large, diced): The sweet, caramelized onion is absolutely essential for authentic cheesesteak taste.
• Bell peppers (2, diced): Go for green, red, or a mix—each adds color, crunch, and a boost of sweetness.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a bit of garlic brings an appetizing aroma and a savory punch.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, 1 package): This is the secret to an irresistibly creamy filling—soften it first for easy melting.
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): A dash of this gives the casserole a deep, umami richness you can’t skip.
• Salt and pepper: Add just enough to bring all the flavors together—season as you go!
• Provolone cheese (8 oz, sliced): For that classic cheesesteak melt and subtle sharpness—layer it generously!
• Mozzarella cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Mozzarella melts like a dream and makes every bite perfectly gooey.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Just enough to sauté the veggies and help everything caramelize beautifully.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray—this ensures your casserole won’t stick and keeps cleanup blissfully easy. Having this ready ahead saves precious time when you’re bringing it all together later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and bell peppers, and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and the edges are just starting to caramelize. Just before the veggies are perfectly tender, toss in that minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds—this wakes up the flavors without letting the garlic burn.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Push your veggies to the side of the pan and add the ground beef right in. Break it up with a spatula, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until no pink remains—about 7-8 minutes. As it browns, it soaks up every delicious scrap left by the peppers and onions.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

Now, pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir to coat everything in the pan. This simple step infuses the meat and veggies with the kind of rich, savory notes you expect from a great Philly cheesesteak.

Step 5: Get Creamy

Lower the heat to keep things gentle, then drop in the softened cream cheese. Stir patiently until it melts and envelops the beef and veggies, creating a luscious, creamy base that’s totally irresistible.

Step 6: Layer and Assemble

Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and smooth it out so it’s nice and even. Layer the provolone cheese slices over the top so there’s cheesy coverage in every bite, then sprinkle all that shredded mozzarella right over the provolone for a truly melty, bubbly finish.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. When the cheese on top is melted and starting to turn a lovely golden brown, you know it’s ready. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—this simple wait lets everything set, so each square serves up perfectly.

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Garnishes

For a little extra zing, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a scattering of thinly sliced green onions over the top just before serving. If you like spice, a few dashes of hot sauce or some sliced pickled jalapeños can really kick up the excitement. These finishing touches add color and brighten every bite of your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp salads (think arugula or spinach with a tangy vinaigrette), a plate of roasted broccoli, or simply some steamed green beans. If your family is craving something a bit more, cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower is a filling, low-carb side that tastes just right alongside those savory, cheesy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy twist, serve your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch. Or, for an appetizer vibe, scoop some into small lettuce cups or low-carb wraps for perfectly portable bites. You could also top baked mini bell pepper halves with casserole filling for a playful and colorful plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover your baking dish with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors tend to develop even more, making next-day servings even tastier.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick comfort food fix, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave, or rewarm larger amounts in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you want that melty top again, uncover for the last 3-5 minutes to refresh the cheesy crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?

Absolutely! While beef gives that classic cheesesteak feel, ground chicken, turkey, or even thinly sliced steak all work nicely and soak up the cheesy, flavorful sauce just as well.

Is this casserole truly low carb?

Yes! By skipping the traditional bread or pasta, this dish keeps carbs minimal while still feeling hearty and indulgent. The focus is all on quality protein, veggies, and cheese.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake it when you’re ready. Or, bake it fully, let it cool, and portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches all week.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forget to leave the cream cheese out, unwrap it and microwave it in 10-second intervals until just soft—easy and fuss-free!

Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?

Of course! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even thinly sliced zucchini mix in perfectly and bring even more veggie power to your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine, Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers serious comfort without any of the carb guilt. Give it a try—you might be surprised at just how much everyone loves it, and it might just become your next go-to comfort food classic!

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