Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

I’ve got a delightful dish for you that’s about to bring some serious comfort to your dinner table: Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole! Now, I know what you might be thinking—Philly cheesesteak in casserole form? Absolutely! This original spin honors that iconic flavor explosion but keeps it keto-friendly, so you can enjoy every cheesy bite guilt-free.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me tell you, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser in every sense. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy blanket after a long day—only better, because you’re about to devour it! The deep, savory notes from the ground beef mingle beautifully with caramelized onions and bell peppers, while the cream cheese gives it that velvety richness that you can’t resist. And the best part? The bubbling cheese blanketing it all, the kind that stretches for miles. It’s the perfect cross between cozy comfort food and smart eating.

But this dish is not just a pretty face in the kitchen; it’s packed with goodness. Ground beef is a fantastic source of protein, the cream cheese adds a delightful creaminess without the carbs, and the colorful bell peppers contribute a crunch that balances everything beautifully. In essence, this casserole is a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down—perfect for any dinner!

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that authentic cheesesteak experience:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred): The marbling in 80/20 beef is key. It keeps the dish juicy rather than dry. Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want to lighten things up!

• 1 large onion (diced): This adds that sweet, caramelized flavor. Seriously, don’t skip this—onions are the unsung heroes of savory dishes.

• 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed, diced): Use any color you like! They add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.

• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. You can adjust to your taste, but don’t be shy!

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature): This is your secret weapon for creaminess. It binds everything together and prevents it from feeling heavy.

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This brings a depth of flavor. Just a dab will do ya!

• Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that packs a punch. Don’t forget to taste as you go!

• 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced): The gooey cheese that gives it that classic Philly feel. Try mixing in some cheddar for a sharp twist.

• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded): Because who doesn’t appreciate that glorious cheese pull?

• 1 tbsp olive oil: A little fat goes a long way; it helps to sauté your veggies beautifully.

Preparing Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Alright, let’s dive into making this dreamy dish together! Trust me, it’s simpler than you think.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. We don’t want anything getting stuck, right?

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until they soften and their fragrances start dancing around the kitchen.

3. Next, throw in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just enough for it to release its aromatic magic.

4. Now add your ground beef. Break it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until it’s browned through—no pink allowed! Drain excess fat if needed; we want to keep it deliciously manageable.

5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, letting it coat every bit of beef for flavor that packs a punch. Lower the heat and mix in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy; this is where the magic happens!

6. Transfer the beef mixture into your prepped baking dish and spread it out evenly. Layer torn pieces of provolone over the top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella like it’s confetti for your taste buds.

7. Pop it into the oven for about 22-25 minutes. You want to see it all melting, bubbling, and lightly golden when it’s done. Let it rest for 5 minutes before diving in—allow those wonderful flavors to cozy up together!

How to serve it

This casserole is a showstopper on its own, but let’s elevate the experience a bit! For a balanced meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette—think greens, cucumbers, and maybe some cherry tomatoes. The freshness will cut through all that rich, gooey goodness beautifully!

Feel free to serve it with a side of your favorite low-carb bread or some crusty artisanal loaf for those that aren’t carb-conscious. And for that extra flair? A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving adds an aromatic touch that makes the dish feel gourmet!

Keeping leftovers fresh

You might be amazed at how well this dish keeps! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s good for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through. If you want to keep it for a longer stretch, consider freezing portions in individual containers. They’ll taste as good as day one after reheating!

Pro chef tips

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to elevate your cooking game:

• Don’t rush the sautéing process; caramelizing the onions and peppers creates deeper flavors.
• If you’re a fan of spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
• You can customize the cheese—mix in aged cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Explore other veggies! Mushrooms or zucchini could be fantastic additions, just sauté them until they’re slightly softened before adding to the mix.

Creative Twists

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand. Perhaps substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or add sautéed mushrooms for that umami punch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends or even add some spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.

Your questions answered

1. What can I serve with this casserole?
   A simple side salad or low-carb bread works beautifully!

2. Can I freeze this dish?
   Absolutely! It freezes well in airtight containers.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
   You can microwave it or warm it up in the oven until heated through.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Yes! Kids love cheesy, meaty dishes, and this one is a hit.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead?
   Certainly! Ground turkey is a great low-fat option.

This casserole is not only a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together rich flavors that remind us why we love cooking in the first place. So, roll up your sleeves, tie that apron, and bring a little magic into your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your twists and turns in this cheesy journey; I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

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Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy High Protein Low Carb W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 45 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheesesteak with a healthy, low-carb twist.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Meat and Cheese

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
• 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Vegetables

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed, diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Other Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prepare

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté Vegetables

   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until softened.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook Garlic

   Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
   Mark as complete

4. Brown the Beef

   Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Flavor

   Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and mix in the softened cream cheese until melted and creamy.
   Mark as complete

6. Transfer and Layer

   Transfer the beef mixture to the baking dish, layer provolone on top, and sprinkle mozzarella.
   Mark as complete

7. Bake

   Bake for 22-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 10g4%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 400 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 600 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 6 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.25 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to add spices or different cheeses to customize the flavor.

Keywords: Low Carb, Casserole, Philly Cheesesteak, Keto-Friendly, Comfort Food