Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that brings all the savory flavors of your favorite sandwich in a wholesome, easy-to-make casserole form, look no further than this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Bursting with juicy ground beef, tender sautéed peppers and onions, and a double layer of creamy, melty cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without the carbs. The best part? Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, and you’re halfway to a bubbling, irresistible meal the whole family will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious casserole comes together with simple, no-fuss ingredients you may already have on hand. Each item plays a key role in building layers of classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, texture, and that iconic cheesy top you’ll want to dig into!

• Ground beef: The heart of this dish, providing richness and satisfying protein in every bite.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and a classic cheesesteak aroma.
• Bell peppers: Use green, red, or a mix for sweet flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring a fragrant punch and depth of flavor.
• Cream cheese: Melts into the beef to create a creamy base that holds everything together.
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce amps up the umami and gives the casserole that unmistakable steakhouse taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing in just-the-right seasoning.
• Provolone cheese: The must-have cheese for classic Philly flavor! Sliced for maximum meltiness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds extra gooey, stretchy texture and a bit of mild flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies perfectly, adding a hint of richness.

How to Make Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a trusty 9×13 baking dish. Give it a light spray with non-stick spray—this step ensures that none of the cheesy goodness sticks, making cleanup a breeze and serving picture-perfect slices later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and develop that sweet aroma. Don’t rush; this step is where much of the classic cheesesteak flavor builds. Toss in the minced garlic, letting it bloom for another 30 seconds until it’s deliciously fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly into the skillet with the softened veggies. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as you break up the meat with a spatula. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until every bit is browned and there’s no pink left. This gives you a savory, juicy filling for your casserole base.

Step 4: Flavor with Worcestershire Sauce

Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir well, allowing the deep, savory notes to coat the meat and veggies. This punch of flavor takes your casserole from basic to absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese

Lower the heat and drop in the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts entirely, coating every morsel in a rich, creamy sauce. Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This creamy mixture is the soul of your casserole—don’t skimp on mixing!

Step 6: Layer on the Cheese

Here’s where the magic happens: top the meat mixture with sliced provolone cheese in a single layer so every portion gets gooey, authentic flavor. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top for that irresistible golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and turn lightly golden at the edges, signaling it’s ready to devour. Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for that classic casserole finish everyone loves.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Patience pays off! Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps everything settle, flavors meld, and your slices come out clean. Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly onto plates for a show-stopping, low carb main course.

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over your casserole just before serving. A drizzle of hot sauce, a few chili flakes, or even a dollop of creamy ranch can really elevate each bite. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—after all, once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly is just the beginning of the fun!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with crisp, simple sides. Try a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette, oven-roasted broccoli, or even some sautéed zucchini noodles if you want to keep things low-carb. The rich, cheesy casserole shines brightest with lighter, veggie-packed companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner chef and serve this casserole “Philly-style” in boat-shaped bell pepper halves or inside hollowed-out large mushrooms for a playful, portion-controlled presentation. Or, cut it into bite-sized squares for a party appetizer platter—once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for whatever shape you dream up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they meld—making those next-day lunches extra tempting. A quick reheat and you’re back in comfort food heaven without the fuss.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled portions tightly in foil or store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Individual slices reheat well in the microwave—just cover and warm for 1-2 minutes. If you’re reheating a larger portion, the oven works best: cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, and enjoy that just-baked texture once again. Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to help everything warm through evenly.

FAQs

Can I swap the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even thinly-sliced steak all work well and bring their own flavor. Be sure to cook thoroughly and season to your taste for the best result.

Do I have to use both provolone and mozzarella?

You can go with just provolone for a sharper bite or add even more mozzarella if you love super-stretchy cheese. Mix and match based on what you have—just aim for enough cheese to cover the top generously after once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions for added umami and texture. They blend in seamlessly with the classic cheesesteak vibes.

How do I keep it low carb?

This recipe is naturally low carb by ditching the bread, but always check your Worcestershire and cheese labels for sneaky carbs if you’re counting closely.

Can I make this casserole ahead and bake later?

Definitely. Assemble up to the cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold. Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly before chilling or baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for the easiest, cheesiest way to enjoy all the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak without the carbs, give this casserole a try. Don’t forget: once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and get ready to bake your way to weeknight dinner greatness!

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