All the flavor of a Philly cheesesteak โ no bread required. Protein-packed, veggie-loaded, and perfect for meal prep.
๐ Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Dietary: High Protein ยท Low Carb ยท Bariatric-Friendly ยท Gluten-Free
โ Ingredients Checklist
- Extra-lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- Low-sodium chicken bone broth
- Light cream cheese
- Bell peppers (color mix)
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper + sea salt
- Reduced-fat provolone (or mozzarella)
๐น Quick Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Grease an 8ร8 dish.
- Cook ground beef with seasonings until browned.
- Add onions + peppers, sautรฉ until softened.
- Stir in broth + cream cheese, melt to creamy.
- Transfer to dish, top with cheese slices.
- Bake 15 min until bubbly (broil 2 min if browned top desired).
- Rest 5 min before serving.
Notes:
- Perfect for bariatric portions.
- Can be baked in ramekins for grab-and-go meals.
- Freezes and reheats beautifully.
๐ฅ Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Brown the Meat
- Heat a skillet over medium. Add 1 lb extra-lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken).
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until no pink remains, breaking into crumbles.
2. Sautรฉ the Veggies
- Add ยฝ onion (sliced) and 1 cup bell peppers (any colors).
- Cook 3โ4 minutes, until slightly softened and fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Base
- Stir in ยฝ cup chicken bone broth and 4 oz light cream cheese.
- Mix until the cream cheese melts and everything is creamy.
4. Bake & Finish
- Transfer mixture into a greased 8ร8 baking dish.
- Top with 4 slices reduced-fat provolone (or mozzarella).
- Bake 15 minutes at 350ยฐF. Optional: broil 2 min for golden cheese top.
- Let rest 5 minutes for flavors to set.
๐ฅ Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Protein: Lean beef gives โauthenticโ Philly flavor; turkey/chicken = lighter option.
- Cheese: Provolone = classic; mozzarella = lighter; pepper jack = spicy kick.
- Veggies: Use mushrooms or spinach in place of peppers/onions for variety.
- Bone broth: Adds flavor + protein. Swap with low-sodium beef broth if preferred.
๐ Variations & Serving Ideas
- Philly Bowl: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a heartier meal.
- Breakfast Style: Crack 2โ3 eggs over the casserole before baking.
- Meal Prep: Portion into ramekins for built-in bariatric-friendly servings.
- Keto Boost: Add more cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
๐ง Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into ramekins or containers, freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350ยฐF until hot. Microwave in short bursts if portioned.
๐ FAQ
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use vegan slices.
Can I add bread?
Yes, spoon into toasted hoagie rolls for a lighter take on a true Philly.
Will it work with shredded cheese instead of slices?
Yes โ sprinkle evenly over the top before baking.
How do I keep it from getting watery?
Drain excess fat/liquid after cooking the beef before adding broth + cream cheese.
โก Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~240 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 12g
(Values depend on protein and cheese choice.)
๐ก Engagement
Tried this low-carb Philly Casserole? Drop a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ rating, share your favorite veggie add-ins, or tag a friend whoโd love a cheesy, protein-packed meal!