If you are craving the classic, hearty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want to keep things light and low carb, the Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is an absolute game changer. This dish takes the beloved combination of seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, mushrooms, and ooey-gooey provolone and mozzarella cheese, then bakes it all into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It’s rich, flavorful, and super satisfying without the bread, making it an ideal way to enjoy all the Philly cheesesteak goodness while staying on track with your low carb goals.

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to the irresistible taste and perfect texture of this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Each component lends its own unique flavor and richness that harmonize beautifully when combined.

1 lb ground beef: The hearty, savory base that brings protein and deep flavor to the casserole.
1 medium onion, sliced (about 1 cup): Adds sweetness and soft texture when caramelized with the beef.
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced (about 1 cup): Provides a fresh, slightly crisp bite and vibrant color.
8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Bring earthiness and a juicy, meaty texture that complements the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a punch of aromatic depth that ties the flavors together.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious sauce that keeps the casserole moist and rich.
1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds that iconic Philly cheesesteak cheesiness with a creamy melt.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Contributes gooey stretch and a mild, smooth flavor.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami notes and enhances the beef’s savoriness.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors perfectly.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, bringing a mild fruity richness and helping caramelize the vegetables.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note at the end.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated to give your casserole a golden, bubbly finish when it goes in later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. This process creates a flavorful base and releases delicious beef juices. If necessary, drain excess fat to avoid greasiness while keeping the taste rich.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in sliced onions, green bell pepper, and mushrooms with the beef. Cook these for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to develop sweetness. The vegetables add wonderful texture and layers of flavor that make this casserole truly special.

Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancers

Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together for an additional couple of minutes until the garlic is fragrant. These seasonings deepen the savory profile you expect from a Philly cheesesteak.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, mixing it well with the meat and veggies. Then remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the shredded provolone and mozzarella, allowing the cheese to melt and join the sauce. This step makes sure every bite is creamy and cheesy.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining provolone and mozzarella over the top, which will brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden. This final step melds all the flavors together and creates that irresistible crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley if you want to add a bright, herbal finish that also adds a lovely pop of color.

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the warm casserole for a subtle freshness and eye-catching green contrast. If you enjoy a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can give an exciting kick that complements the savory richness.

Side Dishes

The Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed low-carb veggies like broccoli or asparagus creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal that keeps things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or bake smaller casserole cups for easy, personal servings at gatherings. You can also top each serving with a fried egg for an extra indulgent treat that adds color and richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes it great for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week without compromising flavor or texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbly and heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can help restore that fresh-baked vibe.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While provolone and mozzarella are classic choices for that Philly cheesesteak flavor, you can substitute or add cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Is this recipe suitable for freezer meal prep?

Yes, the Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead, then freeze before baking, or bake first and freeze leftovers. Either way, it reheats well and keeps its delicious flavors intact.

Can I use steak slices instead of ground beef?

Definitely! Thinly sliced steak can be used if you prefer a more classic Philly cheesesteak texture. Just cook it until nicely browned before proceeding with the vegetables and other steps.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, and use dairy-free shredded cheese options. The flavors will still come through wonderfully.

What’s a good way to add more veggies?

You can easily increase the veggie content by adding sliced zucchini, spinach, or extra bell peppers. Just sauté them along with the other vegetables so they soften and blend well into the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has quickly become one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy the flavors of a cheesesteak without the carbs weighing you down. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with so much deliciousness that every bite feels like a special treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular part of your dinner rotation — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for a satisfying low-carb meal. Packed with ground beef, sautéed vegetables, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, it’s an easy dish to prepare and bake, offering all the rich Philly cheesesteak flavors without the bread.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onions, green bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and flavors meld together.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well seasoned.
Mix in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Remove from heat and stir in half of the provolone and mozzarella cheese until melted and combined into a creamy mixture.
Prepare Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking and melting.
Add Topping and Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining provolone and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
For added spicy flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for a rich and melty cheese topping.
If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though it will be less creamy.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Low Carb, Philly Cheesesteak, Casserole, Ground Beef, Keto, Low Carb Dinner, Cheese Casserole