If you’re craving the flavor of a classic Philly cheesesteak without the guilt of carbs or bread, you’ve just found your new favorite meal. This low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole is a quick, satisfying, and cheesy one-pan dish that brings together tender beef, melty provolone cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions for a dinner that fits perfectly into keto, low carb, and gluten-free diets.
In this article, you’ll learn everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to FAQs, customizations, and how to prep ahead for meals. Let’s dive in.
Why Choose a Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Low carb casseroles are more than just trendy, they’re a practical and nutritious solution for anyone following a keto, diabetic-friendly, or gluten-free lifestyle.
Here’s why this dish is a keeper:
- No bread = fewer carbs and no gluten
- High in protein and healthy fats
- One-pan = less cleanup
- Family-friendly and adaptable for picky eaters
And if you’re looking to build out a weekly rotation of beefy dishes, you’ll also love these savory garlic butter beef bites and healthy recipes with ground beef featured on Specialy Recipes.
Ingredients Needed For Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This casserole keeps things simple with whole ingredients and big flavor:
- 2 lb shaved steak (or ground beef for a budget-friendly twist)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 2 cups provolone cheese (shredded or sliced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or low carb alt like tamari)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Tip: Want something with a Tex-Mex flair? Try this chicken enchilada casserole next.
How To Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Follow this easy method to get dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
1. Prep the Oven & Skillet
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred) on medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil.
2. Brown the Steak or Beef
- Add sliced steak or ground beef.
- Season with garlic salt and pepper.
- Cook until browned.
- Remove meat and set aside (leave grease for veggies).
3. Sauté the Veggies
- Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to skillet.
- Cook until soft (5–7 minutes).
- Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cream cheese.
- Stir until the mixture is creamy and combined.
4. Combine and Bake
- Add the beef back into the skillet and mix everything.
- Top with provolone cheese (shredded or slices).
- Bake for 15 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese.
No oven-safe skillet? Just transfer everything to a casserole dish before baking.
Customization & Substitutes
This casserole is flexible. Try these tweaks:
Cheese Alternatives
- Mozzarella
- Colby Jack
- White cheddar
Meat Swaps
- Ground turkey
- Leftover pot roast
- Vegetarian: mushrooms or meat alternatives like Beyond Meat
Dietary Tweaks
- Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and vegan cheese.
- Extra spice? Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper.
What to Serve with Low Carb Cheesesteak Casserole
Balance your meal with these low carb sides:
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Zucchini noodles
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Keto cloud bread
For more indulgent twists, check out this ultra-creamy million dollar casserole, it’s not low carb, but it’s definitely comforting.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Make your life easier with these meal prep pointers:
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in oven at 325°F.
Pro Tip: Use meal prep containers to portion this casserole into individual lunches for the week.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole vs Traditional Sandwich
Let’s compare the classic Philly sandwich with this keto casserole:
| Feature | Classic Philly | Low Carb Casserole |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Hoagie roll | None |
| Cheese | Cheese Whiz / Provolone | Provolone / Mozzarella |
| Carbs | High | Low / Keto-friendly |
| Cooking | Griddle | Oven / Skillet |
| Diet-friendly | No | Gluten-free, Keto |
Reader Favorites & Variations
Here’s what home cooks are saying:
- “I used leftover Mississippi pot roast, this was incredible!”
- “Ground sirloin worked great for us. Easy and budget-friendly!”
- “Even my picky kids ate it up, and didn’t miss the bread!”
Want to upgrade your casserole skills? Read what makes a good casserole stand out every time.
FAQs About Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Is Philly cheesesteak casserole keto?
Yes! It’s high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs when you skip the bun.
Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Absolutely. It’s a great alternative for affordability and convenience.
Do I need to include cream cheese?
No, but it makes the texture creamy and rich, ideal for keto casseroles.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella and cheddar work great too.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes. Cool fully, then freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole is the perfect fusion of comfort food and healthy eating. Whether you’re cutting carbs, following a keto plan, or just want an easy one-pan dinner, this recipe checks every box.
It’s:
- Flavor-packed
- Customizable
- Meal prep-friendly
- Keto and gluten-free
Love creamy dishes? Don’t miss this creamy asiago chicken for another skillet sensation.
Print
Easy Low Carb Cheesesteak Casserole – One Skillet Keto Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, cheesy, and satisfying low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole made with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese. Perfect for keto, gluten-free, and family-friendly dinners.
Ingredients
2 lb shaved steak or ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
2 cups provolone cheese, shredded or sliced
4 oz cream cheese
½ cup beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add beef, garlic salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until soft.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Return beef to the skillet and combine with veggie mixture.
Top evenly with provolone cheese.
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top, if desired.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Ground beef can be used as a budget-friendly option.
Mushrooms are optional but add flavor and texture.
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish before baking.
This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Pairs well with cauliflower rice or a side salad for a complete low carb meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole, keto cheesesteak bake, ground beef casserole, gluten-free dinner, cheesy keto recipe