Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

A cheesy, hearty low-carb casserole inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak. It combines tender beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, mushrooms, and plenty of melted cheese in one comforting dish.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1½ lb (680 g) thinly sliced ribeye steak or shaved beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Extra provolone
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• A few thinly sliced jalapeños for heat

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onion, green pepper, red pepper, and mushrooms.
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
5. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.

3. Cook the Beef

1. Add the shaved beef to the same skillet.
2. Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
4. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5. Drain excess liquid or grease if necessary.

4. Make the Creamy Cheesesteak Mixture

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet with the beef.
3. Stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
4. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet.
5. Stir everything together until evenly combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
2. Spread it into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar evenly over the top.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.

For a more golden top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Prep & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 520–560 kcal
• Protein: 35–40 g
• Fat: 38–42 g
• Carbohydrates: 8–10 g
• Fiber: 2–3 g
• Net Carbs: 5–7 g
• Sugar: 4–5 g
• Sodium: 700–900 mg

Nutrition will vary depending on the cut of beef, cheese brands, and portion size.

Nut & Allergen Information

Nuts: This recipe contains no nuts.

Dairy: Contains cream cheese, heavy cream, provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar.

Gluten: The casserole itself can be gluten-free, but Worcestershire sauce may contain gluten depending on the brand. Check the label if preparing it for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Eggs: None.

Soy: Usually none, but check processed cheese and Worcestershire sauce labels.

Low-Carb Tips

• Use full-fat cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Avoid adding potatoes, pasta, rice, or breadcrumbs.
• Use a low-carb Worcestershire sauce if needed.
• For an even lower-carb version, reduce the onion and use extra mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Serve with a green salad, steamed broccoli, cauliflower mash, or roasted asparagus.

Recipe Q&A

Q: What is the best beef for this casserole?
Thinly sliced ribeye gives the most traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor. Shaved beef or thinly sliced sirloin also works well.

Q: Can I use ground beef?
Yes. Ground beef makes an easy and budget-friendly version. Brown about 1½ lb of ground beef and continue with the recipe as written.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the creamy cheese sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use only provolone?
Absolutely. Provolone gives the casserole the most classic cheesesteak flavor.

Q: Can I make it without mushrooms?
Yes. Simply omit them and add extra bell peppers or onions if desired.

Q: How do I make it spicy?
Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a small amount of hot sauce.

Q: Is this keto-friendly?
It can fit into many keto meal plans because it is high in protein and fat and relatively low in carbohydrates. Check the nutrition labels of your specific ingredients.