Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is my solution for when I’m craving those classic Philadelphia flavors but want to skip the carb-heavy hoagie roll. This protein-packed casserole layers seasoned ground beef with sautéed peppers and onions, then smothers everything in a creamy blend of cream cheese, provolone, and mozzarella. I get all the satisfaction of a Philly cheesesteak with none of the guilt.

The first time I made this low carb casserole, I was skeptical that it could really capture that iconic cheesesteak taste without the bread. But one bite proved me completely wrong. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, tender beef, sweet peppers, and that triple-cheese layer creates pure comfort food magic. This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has become my favorite keto-friendly dinner, and my family doesn’t even miss the bread. It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in under 45 minutes.

Building Your Cheesesteak Casserole

I always use 80/20 ground beef for this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole because that ratio gives you the most tender, juicy results. Pro tip: make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before adding it, or it won’t melt smoothly into the beef.

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

Personal tip: I love using a mix of red and green bell peppers for color and slightly different flavors. Yellow onions work best because they get sweet when cooked, just like in a real Philly cheesesteak. For this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, don’t use pre-shredded cheese if you can help it. Block cheese that you shred yourself melts so much better.

Making Your Low Carb Cheesesteak

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside while you prepare the filling. Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. The onions should turn translucent and the peppers will brighten in color. You want them tender but still with a little bite. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The kitchen should smell amazing at this point.

Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. I use about 1½ teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, but adjust to your taste. Keep breaking up the meat into smaller pieces and stirring everything together. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining anywhere. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety. If there’s excess fat pooling in the pan, drain it off now.

Step 4: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and let it coat all the meat mixture. This adds that signature tangy, umami flavor that makes this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole taste authentic. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, breaking it into chunks as you add it. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and creates a creamy, luscious coating on all the beef. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should look rich and cohesive.

Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tear the provolone slices into smaller pieces and layer them over the top of the beef mixture. The pieces don’t need to cover every inch perfectly. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the provolone layer, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges. This double cheese layer is what gives you that irresistible cheese pull.

Step 6: Slide the casserole into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. The edges should be slightly browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and let the Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the cheeses set slightly and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes on top before baking. If you want an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak taste, use Cheez Whiz instead of cream cheese, though that’s not quite as keto-friendly.

More Satisfying Low-Carb and Comfort Beef Recipes

This low-carb Philly cheesesteak casserole proves that comfort food can be both delicious and lighter on carbs. For another cheesy, satisfying casserole option, try my Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole featuring layers of seasoned beef and tender potatoes baked to golden perfection.

When you want a complete one-dish meal with Mexican flavors, my Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are always a crowd favorite. For a hearty casserole that feeds a family, the Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef combines simple ingredients into pure comfort food everyone will love.

Perfect Pairings for Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is satisfying and complete, but these low-carb sides enhance the meal without adding many carbs.

Mixed greens salad with olive oil vinaigrette: A crisp, fresh salad with tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the cheesy beef. The raw greens add fiber and nutrients while keeping the meal light.

Roasted Brussels sprouts: These caramelized little cabbages add a slightly bitter contrast that balances the creamy, savory casserole beautifully. They’re perfect for fall and winter meals.

Garlic butter asparagus: Tender-crisp asparagus spears with garlic butter complement the beef without overwhelming it. The green vegetables add color and vitamins to your plate.

Cauliflower rice: If you want something to soak up all that delicious cheese sauce, cauliflower rice keeps the meal low-carb while adding volume. It’s mild enough to let the cheesesteak flavors shine.

Low carb crispy broccoli cheese rounds: These add extra vegetables and more cheesy goodness. They’re crunchy on the outside and tender inside, making a perfect textural contrast.

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Questions

Print