Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Comfort Food With Fewer Carbs

Love the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want to skip the bread and sugar crash? This Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings all the juicy beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese—without the bun. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and weeknight easy.

You’ll prep it in one skillet, finish it in the oven, and have a bubbly, golden dish that hits every craving. Even non-keto friends will go back for seconds.

Why This Recipe Works

• Low-carb friendly: You get the rich cheesesteak flavor without the roll, keeping carbs in check.
• One-pan convenience: Brown, sauté, and bake in the same skillet to save dishes and time.
• Balanced texture: Tender beef, soft onions, and peppers topped with gooey cheese—nothing bland or dry.
• Flexible ingredients: Works with ground beef, shaved steak, or leftover roast—whatever you have on hand.
• Meal-prep ready: Reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for lunches or busy nights.

Shopping List

• Protein: 1.5 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean) or thinly shaved steak
• Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 8 ounces mushrooms (optional but recommended), 3 cloves garlic
• Dairy: 6–8 ounces provolone slices (or mozzarella), 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone, 2 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Fats: 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional), 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check labels for sugar), red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
• Fresh finish: Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). If your skillet is oven-safe, you’ll go straight from stove to oven.
2. Prep the produce: Thinly slice the onion and peppers.

   Wipe and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic.

3. Sauté the veggies: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onions and peppers with a pinch of salt.

   Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add mushrooms and cook 3–4 more minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   Transfer veggies to a bowl.

4. Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.

   Spoon off excess grease if needed.

5. Add flavor boosters: Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Return the cooked veggies to the skillet and mix well.
6. Create the creamy base: Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream.

   Stir until the cream cheese melts and lightly coats the beef and veggies. It should be creamy but not soupy.

7. Assemble the casserole: If using an oven-safe skillet, smooth the mixture into an even layer. If not, transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   Top with sliced provolone, slightly overlapping to cover, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.

8. Bake to bubbly: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely.
9. Rest and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley.

   Serve as is or over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Keeping It Fresh

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or a 325°F oven.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat covered until warmed through.
• Reheat tip: Add a splash of cream if it looks dry.

  Cover with foil to keep the cheese soft, then uncover at the end for a little browning.

Why This is Good for You

• Low in carbs: Skipping the hoagie roll cuts a major carb source, helping you stay on track with keto goals.
• Satiating fats and protein: The beef, cheese, and cream deliver a steady, satisfying meal to keep hunger at bay.
• Micronutrient boost: Peppers, onions, and mushrooms add fiber, vitamin C, and minerals without crowding your carb count.
• Blood sugar friendly: Without refined carbs, this dish is less likely to spike blood sugar or trigger cravings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining excess fat: Too much grease can make the casserole heavy. Spoon off some fat after browning.
• Overcooking the veggies: You want them soft with a little bite. Mushy peppers will make the casserole feel soggy.
• Skipping seasoning: Salt in layers—veggies, beef, then the final mix—to build full flavor.
• Watery mushrooms: Cook them until their moisture evaporates.

  This keeps the final dish creamy instead of wet.

• Cheese overload on top only: The cream cheese and cream provide structure inside. Relying only on a thick cheese cap can make a greasy top and bland center.

Variations You Can Try

• Shaved ribeye version: Swap ground beef for thinly sliced ribeye for a true cheesesteak vibe. Brown quickly to keep it tender.
• Chicken cheesesteak: Use ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken thighs.

  Add a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

• Hot and spicy: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese also works well.
• Mushroom-forward: Double the mushrooms and use Swiss or provolone for deeper, savory notes.
• Extra-creamy: Add 1/2 cup ricotta to the cream mixture for a richer, lasagna-like texture.
• On-the-go cups: Portion into greased muffin tins and bake 12–15 minutes for meal-prep-friendly servings.
• Dairy-light: Use less cream cheese and swap part of the cheese topping for a dairy-free melt alternative. Check carb counts on substitutes.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead?

Yes.

Assemble the casserole up to the cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What’s the best cheese for a cheesesteak flavor?

Provolone is classic and melts beautifully. You can mix in mozzarella for extra stretch or use a mild cheddar for a sharper bite.

Is Worcestershire sauce keto?

Many brands include a small amount of sugar, but the serving size here is small.

Choose a lower-sugar brand, or swap in coconut aminos plus a dash of fish sauce for depth.

Can I skip the mushrooms?

Absolutely. The casserole is still great with just peppers and onions. If you skip mushrooms, don’t reduce other ingredients—volume and texture will still work.

How do I make it more saucy?

Stir in an extra 2–4 tablespoons of heavy cream or add a splash of beef broth.

Let it simmer for a minute to thicken slightly before topping with cheese.

What should I serve it with?

Cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad all pair nicely. For non-keto guests, serve with toasted rolls on the side.

Can I use leaner beef?

Yes, but add a bit more butter or oil during cooking to keep it juicy. Fat carries flavor and helps the casserole feel satisfying.

How do I prevent a greasy top?

Drain excess fat after browning and balance the cheese amounts.

The cream cheese should bind the filling, while the top layer should be even, not overly thick.

Wrapping Up

Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a smart way to enjoy big, familiar flavors with a lighter carb load. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for busy nights or meal prep. With tender beef, melty cheese, and well-seasoned vegetables, it delivers comfort without compromise.

Make it once, and it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.