When comfort food meets a low-carb twist, you unlock a delectable world of flavor that keeps you coming back for just one more bite. This Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes everything you love about the classic sandwich—hearty beef, sweet peppers, tender onions, and ooey-gooey cheese—and layers it all into one satisfying dish. Each forkful bursts with savory goodness, the zing of Worcestershire sauce balancing the richness of cream cheese, while shredded provolone and mozzarella melt together in perfect harmony. It’s a recipe designed for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, making it a fantastic introduction to casserole cooking if you’re new to the kitchen scene.
Beyond its simple assembly, this casserole is pure magic when it comes out of the oven. You’ll notice a golden-brown cheese crust that crinkles delightfully under your spoon, revealing a creamy, flavorful filling that feels like a warm hug. Prep time is just 15 minutes, cooking time around 25, and a quick five minutes of resting lets everything set so you get perfect slices every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting friends for dinner, or simply indulging in some much-deserved comfort food, this dish delivers on taste and convenience. And with only about 450 calories per serving and no carb-heavy bread, you can enjoy a generous helping without guilt. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY LOW CARB PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a special part in creating that familiar Philly flavor without the carb overload. From savory beef to melty cheeses and bright vegetables, each component brings texture, taste, and richness to the party.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base soaks up all the seasonings and sauces, providing a meaty backbone for this casserole.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of this healthy fat prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity note as you brown the beef.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onion sweats down to sweetness, balancing the savory meaty flavors and adding tender, caramelized bits.
- Green bell peppers: These bring a crisp, slightly bitter snap that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, making every slice look as good as it tastes.
- Garlic powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the pan.
- Onion powder: Enhances the natural onion flavor and deepens the savory profile of the filling.
- Paprika: Provides a mild smokiness and warm color, elevating the overall depth of the casserole.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning every element of the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity, cutting through the richness of the cheeses.
- Cream cheese: Creates a luxuriously creamy base that binds everything together.
- Provolone cheese: Offers a mild, slightly tangy meltiness that’s signature to Philly cheesesteak.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings stretch and gooey indulgence, crowning the casserole with a bubbly top.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses an umami boost and a hint of tang that ties the meat and veggies together.
- Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle of chopped herbs for brightness and a pop of color at serving time.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY LOW CARB PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
Rolling up your sleeves and crafting this casserole is a breeze. Each step builds on the last, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish. Follow along carefully to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and hot ensures even baking and a beautiful golden top.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Add the sliced onion and both green and red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to caramelize, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat every morsel in seasoning.
5. Reduce the heat to low, and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and creates a creamy sauce around the meat and veggies.
6. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and half of the shredded provolone cheese. Stir until the provolone is melted and the mixture turns irresistibly creamy.
7. Transfer the beef-and-vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, carefully spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
8. Top the filling with the remaining provolone and the mozzarella cheeses, covering every inch for that signature cheesy crust.
9. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY LOW CARB PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
Once your casserole is bubbling hot and golden, you have endless possibilities for presenting and enhancing it. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving ideas will elevate your experience.
- Serve with cauliflower rice: Lightly steam or sauté riced cauliflower until tender, then season with a pinch of garlic powder and salt. The grain-like texture soaks up the cheesy juices without adding carbs.
- Pair with a crisp green salad: Toss mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced cucumbers with a tangy vinaigrette. The refreshing crunch contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole.
- Offer pickled jalapeños on the side: For those who love a kick, this acidic heat cuts through the creamy layers and adds a lively punch.
- Garnish each serving with fresh parsley and lemon zest: Finely chop parsley and grate a little lemon zest on top. The zesty brightness highlights the savory depth of the dish and makes each bite pop.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY LOW CARB PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
Making a big batch means you’ll have leftovers worth savoring, and proper storage ensures that each reheated portion tastes just as good as day one. Follow these tips to maintain freshness, texture, and flavor without compromising your low-carb goals.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers: After the casserole has cooled to room temperature, divide portions into BPA-free, sealable containers. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep the layers intact and the cheese creamy.
- Use freezer-safe dishes: If you plan to freeze, place the entire casserole—or individual portions—in a freezer-safe, ovenproof dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to one month.
- Label and date every package: This simple step helps you track freshness and rotate your meals. Always store the casserole on a flat surface to maintain an even layer.
- Reheat properly: For refrigerated portions, uncover and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. Frozen portions benefit from a slow thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the cheesy texture.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for joining me on this cheesy, savory adventure through the Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole! We’ve covered everything from the essential ingredients—like ground beef, peppers, and that luscious blend of cream cheese and provolone—to step-by-step instructions that guide you to cheesy perfection. Along the way, you learned how to prep in under 15 minutes, bake to a bubbly golden top in 25 minutes, and even crafted tips for storing and reheating so your leftovers stay delicious. You can print or save this article for easy reference the next time you’re craving comfort food that fits your low-carb lifestyle. Don’t forget there’s a handy FAQ section below for quick answers to common questions.
I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out—did you try the jalapeño add-in for extra heat? Or perhaps you paired it with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad? Leave a comment if you have any questions, need help troubleshooting, or just want to share your feedback. Your stories and tips help our cooking community grow and make meal times even more delightful. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cheesy, satisfying dinners ahead!
Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Description
This hearty casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, sautéed peppers, and a creamy cheese blend, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add the sliced onion, green, and red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
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Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture, stirring to combine well.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and mixed throughout.
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Add the Worcestershire sauce and half of the shredded provolone cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
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Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top with the remaining provolone and mozzarella cheeses.
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Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For a bit of extra heat, add sliced jalapenos to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Feel free to swap the ground beef with sliced rib-eye steak for a more traditional flavor.
- Pair this dish with a side of cauliflower rice for an ultra-low-carb meal.
- The casserole can be frozen for up to a month; thaw before reheating in the oven.
