Looking for a hearty dinner that doesn’t blow your carb count? This cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe delivers all the comforting flavor of the classic sandwich—minus the bread. If you’re following a keto lifestyle or just trying to eat fewer carbs, this easy-to-make casserole is a dinnertime win. In this article, I’ll share a flavorful family-favorite dish, packed with beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese. Plus, I’ll show you how to prep it ahead, what sides to serve, and answer your top Philly cheesesteak casserole questions. Get ready for a low carb meal that truly satisfies!
Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro
A Philly-Inspired Family Favorite
I still remember biting into a Philly cheesesteak for the first time while visiting family on the East Coast. The hot griddled beef, sautéed onions, and melty cheese tucked into a crusty roll was pure bliss. Years later, I wanted to enjoy that same nostalgic flavor without the carb crash. So I turned the classic into a cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe—a skillet-to-oven wonder that tastes just like the original but skips the bread.
What Makes This Dish a Hit
This casserole has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, tender peppers and onions, cream cheese, and a gooey golden topping. No fancy ingredients required, and it’s ready for the oven in minutes. Whether you’re keto, low carb, or just craving something comforting, it hits the spot.
I often pair this with a cool cucumber side like my Mediterranean ground beef stir fry when I want to double up on protein-packed flavor. And if you’re in the mood for a different cheesy classic, my keto chicken parmesan casserole makes an excellent variation.
For busy nights, I batch prep this one ahead—pop it in the fridge, then bake when ready. The leftovers? Even better the next day.
Building the Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, budget-friendly ingredients:
- Ground beef – 85/15 or 80/20 works best for flavor
- Bell peppers – green for classic, or mix colors for variety
- Yellow onion – sliced thin
- Cream cheese – for creamy depth
- Provolone or mozzarella – melts beautifully on top
- Garlic – fresh or powdered
- Salt, pepper, smoked paprika
If you’re looking for other flavorful, beef-forward meals, you’ll love the summer beef casserole recipe—a great make-ahead crowd-pleaser.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Bell Peppers | 2 medium |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz |
| Shredded Cheese | 1 cup |
Prep Tips That Make a Difference
Start by browning the ground beef and draining excess fat. Sauté the onions and peppers separately until tender, then combine everything in a skillet with garlic and cream cheese. Stir until creamy. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Want something with a crispy twist? Try the walking taco casserole—it offers the same beefy comfort but with bold Tex-Mex flair.
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This dish is rich and filling, so a light, crisp side is your best friend. I often pair it with a cool cucumber salad or roasted vegetables to balance the cheesy goodness. Another easy option? A slice of cottage cheese flatbread for a high-protein, low-carb “bread” side.
If you want a cozy weekend spread, serve this casserole alongside crispy zucchini chips—they make a perfect crunchy contrast that stays low in carbs.
You can even serve it over riced cauliflower or roasted mushrooms for a veggie-boosted plate.
Customizing the Recipe Your Way
While I love this version with ground beef and provolone, the beauty of this casserole is its flexibility. Want to use steak strips instead of ground beef? Go for it. Craving spice? Swap regular bell peppers for poblanos or add jalapeños to the mix.
You can even transform this into a wrap filling using something like my cheesy garlic chicken wraps as inspiration—just skip the baking and roll it up in low-carb tortillas.
Need to keep it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese blend. Watching sodium? Season with herbs like thyme or oregano and go lighter on added salt.
Meal prepping for the week? Divide the casserole into portions and store in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave and tastes even better the next day.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Your Top Questions
How to Store & Reheat This Casserole
One of the best parts of this cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe is how well it keeps. After cooling completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot—add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to revive that gooey layer on top.
If you’re meal prepping, bake it in a foil container and freeze portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until bubbly. It’s ideal for busy weeks or make-ahead dinners—just like my burger bowls, which are another great low carb prep-ahead option.
And if you’re craving a cheesy post-dinner treat, balance your meal with something like the high protein cheesecake fluff—low carb and totally satisfying.
Print
Cheesy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole is loaded with savory beef, sautéed veggies, cream cheese, and melted provolone—an easy, keto-friendly dinner you’ll make on repeat.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain excess fat.
3. Sauté onions and peppers in the same skillet until soft.
4. Return beef to skillet. Add cream cheese, spices, and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute steak strips for ground beef.
Use any melty cheese like white American or cheddar.
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Is Philly cheesesteak casserole keto friendly?
Yes! This casserole is naturally keto-friendly. It’s made without bread, uses low-carb vegetables like peppers and onions, and includes healthy fats from cheese and beef.
What sides go with Philly cheesesteak casserole?
Great options include roasted veggies, cucumber salad, zucchini chips, or cauliflower mash. Try crispy zucchini chips or cottage cheese flatbread for quick, low-carb pairings.
Can I make Philly cheesesteak casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the full dish a day in advance and bake when needed. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal planning.
What cheese is best for Philly cheesesteak casserole?
Provolone is a classic, but mozzarella, white American, or even cheddar work beautifully. Choose what melts well and fits your taste.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re eating low carb full-time or just trying to reduce bread in your meals, this cheesy low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, simple, family-approved, and packed with flavor. With only one pan and a handful of ingredients, this recipe turns into a comfort meal that satisfies every time.
