A creamy, cheesy, low-carb casserole inspired by the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
📝 Recipe Card
Hook
Keto Fusion Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Tender beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms, layered with melty cheese and baked into a comforting low-carb casserole. A family favorite with just 5g net carbs per serving!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 32 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Net Carbs: 5 g
Dietary Badges
🥩 Keto | 🌾 Gluten-Free | 🧀 Low-Carb Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or shaved steak for authentic flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free if available)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In same skillet, add remaining oil. Cook onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning.
- Mix Filling: Return beef to skillet. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with shredded provolone or mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let cool 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Brief Introduction
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole takes everything you love about the classic sandwich — savory beef, caramelized onions, peppers, mushrooms, and gooey cheese — and gives it a keto-friendly twist. Instead of bread, the filling is baked into a bubbly casserole that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Cook Beef
Ground beef keeps this dish easy, but thinly sliced steak makes it more authentic.
Step 2 – Sauté Veggies
Onions, peppers, and mushrooms create that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor base.
Step 3 – Make It Creamy
The cream cheese + heavy cream mixture creates a luscious, keto-friendly sauce.
Step 4 – Bake to Perfection
Top with provolone (or mozzarella) and bake until golden and bubbly.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Beef Options: Ground beef = easy, shaved steak = authentic. Ground turkey or chicken also work.
- Cheese: Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work well.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess; can substitute with mascarpone.
- Veggies: Stick to peppers, onions, and mushrooms for tradition — but zucchini or spinach can be added.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Loaded Version: Sprinkle cooked bacon on top before baking.
- Meal Prep Bowls: Serve with cauliflower rice for a complete keto dinner.
-
Serving Ideas:
- With a side salad for balance 🥗
- In lettuce wraps for a “sandwich” feel 🌯
- With roasted cauliflower or broccoli as a side 🥦
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (without cheese topping) up to 2 months. Add cheese and bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble the casserole up to the cheese topping, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well.
Q: What if I don’t like mushrooms?
A: Simply leave them out, or swap with zucchini for extra veggies.
Personal Note
This casserole has become one of my weeknight dinner go-tos — it’s filling, low-carb, and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day. Even non-keto family members love it!
Call to Action
If you try this Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, let me know your twist! ⭐ Did you keep it classic with provolone, or spice it up with jalapeños and pepper jack? Share your version to inspire more keto comfort food lovers!
