Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

There’s something instantly comforting about the moment a hot skillet of beef and peppers hits the air — that savory aroma of browned meat mingling with sweet onions and melting cheese. This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole captures that scent and packages it into a warm, bubbling casserole that pulls apart in cheesy ribbons and gives you the same satisfying bite as a classic sandwich, without the bun. The texture balances tender, seasoned ground beef with soft-roasted peppers and two kinds of melty cheese, while the cream cheese adds a silky, indulgent base that keeps each forkful luxurious.

This casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want comfort without fuss, for game-day feeds where everyone wants something hearty and shareable, and for low-carb meal prep that reheats beautifully. If you’re craving a lighter take on a Philly classic, but still want the nostalgia and chew of cheese and beef, this is your new go-to. If you enjoy other low-carb philly-style dishes, try these roll-ups for snacks and lunch prep: delicious keto Philly cheesesteak roll-ups.

Dish Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes (approx. 10 minutes stovetop + 22–25 minutes baking)
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate (one-pan stovetop, finished in the oven)

Nutrition Highlights

The following nutrition estimates are per serving (recipe yields approximately 8 servings). Values were calculated by summing ingredient nutrition data using standard food composition databases such as USDA FoodData Central and rounding to reasonable precision. For personalized dietary guidance, consult reputable health resources like the CDC or Mayo Clinic.

Per serving (approximate)

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Net Carbohydrates: ~7 g
• Total Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: ~19 g
• Sodium: variable depending on added salt and cheeses (estimate: 700–900 mg)

Notes on accuracy and health context:

• These are estimates based on typical commercial ingredient values (80/20 ground beef, full-fat cheeses, regular cream cheese). Substituting leaner beef or reduced-fat cheeses will change totals.
• The dish is high in fat and protein and relatively low in net carbs, which aligns with ketogenic and low-carb eating patterns. For general heart-health recommendations, organizations like the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic recommend moderating saturated fat and sodium intake; consider leaner meat, lower-sodium cheeses, or smaller portion sizes if needed.

Why You’ll Love It

• Irresistible flavor and aroma: Browning the beef and peppers releases savory, caramelized notes that pair perfectly with a sharp, melted provolone top and creamy mozzarella finish.
• Comfort without the carbs: All the hallmarks of a Philly — sweet peppers, onions, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese — in a low-carb casserole form that satisfies cravings without bread.
• Crowd-pleaser and meal-prep champion: It’s easy to scale, reheats well for lunches, and presents beautifully for potlucks or family dinners.
• Time-smart: Minimal chopping, one skillet to brown the filling, and a straightforward bake make this a busy-weeknight winner.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced or torn into pieces)
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Swap ground turkey or lean ground beef (90/10) for fewer calories and less saturated fat.
• Use smoked provolone or add a few slices of Swiss for a different melty character.
• Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper for smoky or spicy notes.
• For dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese and use dairy-free shredded cheeses (note: texture will differ).

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• 9×13-inch baking dish (sprayed with non-stick spray)
• Spatula, cutting board, knife

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil, cooking for 5–6 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for 7–8 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if needed for your preference.
6. Stir in 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and let it coat the meat mixture for enhanced flavor. Reduce heat to low and add the softened 8 oz cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creamy, creating a cohesive mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. Layer torn provolone pieces over the beef, then top with shredded mozzarella for that perfect cheese pull.
9. Bake for 22–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Practical tips

• Avoid overmixing the beef after adding cream cheese — stir just enough to combine so the texture remains chunky and not paste-like.
• If using leaner beef, you may not need to drain fat; for 80/20 you may choose to drain 1–2 tablespoons to reduce grease.
• Check the cheese at 20 minutes; oven temperatures vary and you want melted and bubbly, not burned.
• For extra browning, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

(For a playful sloppy-joe-style twist and additional philly inspiration, you might enjoy this creative riff on a classic: Gordon Ramsay Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes.)

Best Pairings

• Low-carb sides: Serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted broccoli for a satisfying low-carb plate.
• Lettuce-wrapped: Spoon warm casserole into large butter lettuce leaves for a handheld, bun-free option.
• Breakfast twist: Top a scoop of casserole with a sunny-side-up egg for a decadent brunch.
• Lighter pairing: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Drinks: Pairs well with strong coffee in the morning or a medium-bodied beer or dry red wine for dinner.

Serving idea with more Philly-style inspiration: if you want a traditional sandwich version using ground beef, see this ultimate ground beef Philly cheesesteak guide: ground beef Philly cheesesteaks — ultimate recipe.

Storing Leftovers

• Room temperature: Do not leave the casserole out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (food safety guideline).
• Refrigerator: Store covered in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating tip: To retain cheesiness, reheat uncovered in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes; covering briefly with foil helps prevent excessive browning.

Chef’s Advice

• Fat balance: Using 80/20 beef yields rich flavor and a classic texture; if you prefer less fat, choose 85/15 or 90/10 and expect a slightly drier mouthfeel — add a splash of beef broth or an extra tablespoon of cream cheese to preserve creaminess.
• Cheese layering: Place provolone directly on the meat for direct contact melting, and finish with shredded mozzarella for soft pull and golden color.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce: It adds umami depth that brings the casserole from good to crave-worthy.
• Texture cues: The onions and peppers should be softened but not mushy before adding beef — they will finish cooking in the oven and retain texture.

Creative Twists

• Veggie-forward: Mix in sliced mushrooms and zucchini for bulk and extra nutrients — sauté them with the peppers and onions.
• Spicy philly: Add 1–2 sliced jalapeños and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, or swap half the mozzarella for pepper jack.
• Mediterranean twist: Stir in a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato paste and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil and feta instead of provolone.
• Keto-friendly crust: For a “pie” version, press an almond flour + egg crust into the 9×13 before adding the filling and bake as directed (adjust time slightly).

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if the filling is cold.

Q: Can I use sliced steak instead of ground beef?
A: You can, but the method changes. Sliced steak requires quick high-heat searing and should be added near the end to avoid overcooking; the recipe is optimized for ground beef.

Q: How can I reduce the carbs further?
A: Reduce onions (they contribute most of the carbs) or replace some of the peppers with lower-carb vegetables like spinach. Using full-fat cheeses and meat keeps fat high but carbs remain low.

Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly after baking?
A: Yes — cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Q: My casserole was greasy — how to fix?
A: For future batches, drain excess fat after browning the beef. You can also blot the top with a paper towel after baking, though draining before baking is most effective.

Conclusion

I hope this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole becomes a regular in your recipe rotation — it’s hearty, comforting, and versatile enough to adapt to many dietary needs. If you’d like more low-carb philly casserole approaches and inspiration, check out this detailed version with keto tips at Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Kicking Carbs. For another easy, family-friendly keto casserole take with slightly different seasoning, see Easy, Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheese Steak Casserole – Stay Snatched. And if you want a tested, wholesome recipe with swaps and serving ideas, this resource is excellent: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Wholesome Yum.

If you make it, please share a photo or comment with your favorite tweak — I love seeing reader variations and tips. Happy cooking!