Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Imagine slicing into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole and being greeted by the heady aroma of caramelized onions and roasted peppers mingling with sizzling, savory beef and molten provolone. The first forkful gives you a luscious, creamy bite from the cream cheese, a satisfying chew from tender beef, and that irresistible cheese pull from melted mozzarella. Textures contrast — soft vegetables, shredded cheese, and juicy meat — while the flavor swings from bright Worcestershire tang to warm, caramelized sweetness. This dish feels like a hug on a plate.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend brunch, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers all the comfort of an iconic sandwich without the carbs. If you like exploring variations, you can compare it with another low-carb version that emphasizes different veggies and spices.

Dish Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (skillet + bake time)
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 8 (generous portions)
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for novice cooks and busy households

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (makes 8 servings). These values are calculated using ingredient totals and USDA FoodData Central reference datasets; use them as an accurate approximation. For clinical dietary concerns consult a registered dietitian or authoritative resources such as the Mayo Clinic.

Per serving (approximate)

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 34 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Dietary Fiber: ~1 g
• Net Carbs: ~6 g
• Total Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: ~20 g
• Sodium: variable (depends on added salt & cheese)

Why this matters: The casserole is high in protein and fat and very low in digestible carbs, making it appropriate for low-carb or ketogenic-style meal plans. Estimates were compiled using USDA food composition data and cross-checked with general nutrition guidance from the Mayo Clinic.

Perfect For…

• Weeknight dinners when you want comforting food without carbs.
• Potlucks or game-day spreads — it travels well and feeds a crowd.
• Meal prep: baked, portioned, and reheated, it keeps through the week.
• Anyone following low-carb or keto-friendly eating who still wants bold, familiar flavors.

This recipe pairs the nostalgic Philly cheesesteak profile with a casserole format so it’s easy to share, plate, and reheat — great for family meals or stress-free entertaining.

Preparation Guide

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)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 170 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for lower saturated fat.
• Use sliced Monterey Jack or cheddar instead of provolone for a different cheese note.
• Add sliced mushrooms or chopped spinach for extra veggies.
• For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a full-fat cashew cheese and choose dairy-free shreds (note: nutrition and texture will change).

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil, cooking 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
4. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Add 2 lbs ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook 7–8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and cook 1 minute to let it coat the meat. Reduce heat to low and add 8 oz softened cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
7. Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Layer torn provolone pieces (8 oz) over the beef, then top with 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella.
8. Bake 22–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If you want extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to settle.

Practical tips

• Avoid overcooking the onions and peppers in step 3 — you want them softened and caramelized, not mushy.
• Drain rendered beef fat if you want a leaner casserole (you’ll reduce total fat/calories).
• When melting the cream cheese, reduce heat to low and stir constantly for a smooth sauce.
• For crispier edges, use a metal baking dish rather than glass.
• For more guidance and variations, see this original low-carb recipe source for inspiration.

Serve It Up

• Serve straight from the baking dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions for color and freshness.
• Low-carb options: spoon onto warmed low-carb tortillas, keto-friendly bread, or a bed of cauliflower rice.
• Make it a complete plate: side salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli.
• For brunch: top individual portions with a fried egg. For a snack, serve in small ramekins as appetizers.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Room temperature: Do not leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours (follow food safety guidelines).
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven or microwave until hot throughout.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pro tip: Freeze in single-serving portions for fast lunches and controlled reheating.

Chef’s Advice

• Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and moisture; using leaner beef will reduce fat but can make the dish drier — compensate with a splash of beef broth or an extra tablespoon of cream cheese if you go lean.
• Let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature before stirring in — this prevents lumps and ensures a silky sauce.
• Build layers thoughtfully: evenly distributed provolone gives pockets of melty, stringy cheese, while shredded mozzarella creates a cohesive golden top.
• If you want sharper flavor, add 1 tsp smoked paprika or 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper to the beef while cooking.

Fun Flavor Ideas

• Southwestern Twist: Add 1 tsp chili powder, a pinch of cumin, and swap provolone for pepper jack; top with diced avocado and cilantro.
• Mushroom & Thyme: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the onions, add 1 tsp fresh thyme, and finish with a grating of Parmesan.
• Philly-Stuffed Peppers (Low-Carb): Spoon the cooked beef and cheese mix into halved bell peppers and bake 18–20 minutes until peppers are tender.
• Vegetarian (not strictly low-carb): Substitute meat with seasoned crumbled tempeh or sautéed portobello and increase the cream cheese for creaminess.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes — assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature 20–30 minutes before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: How can I lower the saturated fat?
A: Use 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef or ground turkey and reduce the cream cheese slightly, replacing with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt after baking if you like.

Q: My casserole is watery after baking. How do I fix that?
A: Drain excess fat before adding cream cheese. Also avoid overcooking veggies in step 3 — slightly undercooking them prevents excess moisture release during baking.

Q: Is this suitable for keto?
A: Yes — at roughly 6–7 g net carbs per serving, it aligns with most ketogenic macros; adjust cheeses and portions as needed.

Conclusion

If you love the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors but want to keep carbs low, this casserole is a reliable, crowd-pleasing winner — creamy, hearty, and loaded with that familiar savory profile. Try it for a cozy family dinner, prep it for busy workweeks, and tweak the variations to match your taste.

For a closely related take on the keto Philly idea, check out Kicking Carbs’ Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, and for another easy, low-carb adaptation see Stay Snatched’s Easy Keto Philly Low-Carb Casserole.

Share your photos and tweaks — I love seeing how readers make this recipe their own.