Name: Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced; 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re craving that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor but want to keep things low carb and super simple, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s like your favorite sub, turned into a cozy, cheesy casserole that comes together quickly on a weeknight. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count and it’s always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for when you want comfort without the carb overload.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it packs all the rich, savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak into one dish. The combination of ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and creamy cheeses gives you that melty, satisfying bite every time. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great leftover-friendly dinner that you’ll actually look forward to eating the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe come together perfectly to balance savory and creamy textures. Each component is easy to find, and choosing quality produce and cheese really elevates the final dish.

Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 fat ratio because it keeps the meat juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Onion: Diced onions add that sweet and slightly sharp bite that works perfectly with beef.
Bell peppers: I love using a mix of red and green for color and a hint of sweetness; you can even throw in yellow if you want.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings out that aromatic depth—never skip it!
Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly into the beef mixture for creamy richness.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon that amps up the umami flavor in the meat.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential—season to your taste to bring everything together.
Provolone cheese: Sliced provolone melts beautifully, giving that classic cheesesteak taste and stretch.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded to add gooey melty layers that pull apart with every bite.
Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies just right, locking in their natural sweetness.

Variations

I love making this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to play around with the veggies and cheeses to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Add mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sliced mushrooms with the peppers for extra earthiness—it adds a great depth without overpowering the flavors.
Use turkey or chicken: For a leaner version, ground turkey works well but I find you’ll want to add a bit more seasoning since it’s milder.
Try different cheeses: Switching provolone for cheddar or Monterey Jack gives a nice twist—my family loves this when I make it spicy with pepper jack.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños brings a fiery note that I often crave on a chilly evening.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Soft and Sweet

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and bell peppers, and cook them until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften—usually about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; add it in during the last minute so it doesn’t burn but gets fragrant. This step really develops the base flavors you want in your casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Season Well

Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 8 minutes. Once cooked through, stir everything together and add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This is where the meat absorbs tons of flavor—don’t rush it. Taste a little and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Mix in Cream Cheese Until Creamy

Lower the heat, and drop the softened cream cheese into the skillet with the meat and veggies. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients. This creamy layer is a game-changer—it keeps everything moist and luscious without needing any heavy cream or sauces.

Step 4: Layer the Cheese and Bake

Transfer the beef and veggie mixture into a greased casserole dish. Layer the sliced provolone cheese evenly on top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over that. Pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown in spots. If you want a perfectly browned top, use the broiler for an extra minute or two—just watch it closely!

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

A white ceramic baking dish filled with a layered casserole; the top layer is golden brown and slightly crispy melted cheese with scattered small pieces of green toppings. The inside shows two thick layers: the top inner layer is crumbled cooked brown meat mixed with small bits of green and red vegetables, and the bottom layer is a creamy white sauce with a smooth texture. A silver spatula lifts a square portion from the dish, showing these two distinct layers clearly. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a dash of hot sauce on top adds a nice little zing that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli also make excellent low-carb sides that complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins which makes it feel extra fancy and perfect for dinner guests. You can even top each portion with a little extra shredded cheese and broil it just before serving for that melty, golden crust everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes the next day’s meal even better.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable with this casserole. I let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to keep that cheesy top from getting rubbery. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use steak instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you want a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience, thinly sliced ribeye steak can be used. Just sauté it quickly with the veggies, but keep in mind that cooking times and textures will differ from ground beef.
Is this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally contains no gluten since there are no bread or flour-based ingredients. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes, but the texture and flavor will change. I recommend testing with small batches to find combinations you enjoy.
How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves about 6 people as a main dish. It’s great for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially when I want something hearty without the guilt of heavy carbs. The combination of familiar Philly flavors with the ease of a one-dish bake means you really can’t go wrong. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do—it’s definitely worth making your own, tweaking to your tastes, and sharing with the people you love.