If you’re craving that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor but want to keep things low carb, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort meal. It’s packed with all the savory goodness of a cheesesteak—juicy beef, onions, bell peppers, and melty cheese—without the bread that usually hikes up the carbs. Trust me, this casserole is a total game-changer when you want the taste of Philly cheesesteak but need to keep your meal lighter or keto-friendly.

I remember the very first time I made this recipe; my family was skeptical about ditching the traditional hoagie roll. But once the casserole came out of the oven, bubbly and golden, everyone was hooked. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping because it’s super simple to throw together, reheats beautifully, and keeps well in the fridge. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is how the ingredients complement each other to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. Each component plays a role in balancing richness, freshness, and that perfect melty texture—here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.

Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 fat ratio because it keeps the meat juicy and flavorful without drying out in the oven.
Onion: Diced onions add sweetness and depth—using a yellow onion works well for this dish.
Bell peppers: I usually mix green and red for color and a slight sweetness contrast, but any color combo works.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that aromatic punch that cheesesteaks are known for.
Cream cheese: Having it softened ensures it mixes smoothly into the beef mixture, adding creamy richness.
Worcestershire sauce: A touch here amps the savory umami, making the flavors pop like a real cheesesteak.
Salt and pepper: Season thoughtfully as these are critical for bringing everything together.
Provolone cheese: Thin sliced provolone melts perfectly over the top, creating that classic cheesesteak vibe.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds gooey meltiness and stringiness in every bite.
Olive oil: For sautéing veggies, helping develop flavor and soften them just right.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or dietary needs. I often switch things up depending on what I have on hand or what we’re craving at the moment.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin for an even meatier texture and a more authentic cheesesteak feel—just make sure to cook it quickly to keep it tender.
Variation: If you want to add a veggie boost, toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini with the peppers and onions.
Variation: For a dairy-free version, try using a nut-based cream cheese and a non-dairy cheese alternative; it works surprisingly well if you’re creative with seasoning.
Variation: Add a little heat by stirring in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they’re soft and slightly caramelized—around 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn, but you want them to develop a nice sweetness that complements the beef. Right before finishing, add in the minced garlic for the last minute so it doesn’t turn bitter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the veggies to the side of the skillet, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce while cooking. Drain any excess fat if there’s a lot, but leaving some fat helps keep the casserole moist.

Step 3: Combine Cream Cheese and Meats

Reduce the heat to low, add the softened cream cheese to the beef and veggie mixture, and stir until it’s fully melted and the mixture looks creamy and well combined. This step is key—it brings a luscious, rich texture to the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Cheese

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then lay the provolone slices neatly across the casserole. The layers of cheese melt differently to create that signature gooey, cheesy cheesesteak taste.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. I like to keep an eye on it in the last 5 minutes to avoid over-browning. Once it’s ready, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so everything sets nicely.

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

A close-up image of a white ceramic dish filled with a layered casserole being lifted by a silver spoon. The casserole has three visible layers: the top layer is golden brown and bubbly melted cheese with small green onion pieces scattered on it; the middle layer is a creamy white sauce mixed with small soft pieces of green and red peppers; the bottom layer contains browned ground meat mixed with bits of cooked vegetables. The background shows the white marbled texture surface blurred softly, highlighting the warm and hearty dish, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe with fresh chopped parsley or green onions—they add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich, cheesy casserole. Sometimes I’ll even sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes for a tiny kick without overwhelming that classic Philly flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus is my favorite way to round out the meal. If you want extra veggies, a side of sautéed mushrooms or even some cauliflower rice works beautifully to keep it low carb and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own cheesy, bubbly portion, which feels a little fancy! You can also layer it in a clear glass dish so the colorful peppers and melty cheese show through, making it an appealing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The casserole holds up well without getting soggy, and the flavors often deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before storing to maintain best texture.

Freezing

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe freezes really well if you want to make it ahead. I recommend freezing it before adding the provolone slices on top—add those fresh after thawing and during reheating so they melt beautifully. That way, your casserole stays fresh and avoids any waxy texture the cheese can get from freezing.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop leftovers into a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover loosely to keep moisture in, heating in short bursts to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat for this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is my go-to for ease and flavor, you can swap in thinly sliced ribeye or even ground turkey if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking, especially for sliced meats which cook quickly.
Is this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! It stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it easy to prepare in bulk and enjoy for several meals throughout the week.
What’s the best cheese combination to get that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor?

The blend of provolone and mozzarella I use mimics the classic cheesesteak’s melty, stringy cheese texture. Provolone brings that sharp, savory note while mozzarella adds gooey stretch—together they nail the flavor and texture beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

For dairy-free, try using plant-based cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese alternatives—brands have gotten much better lately in melt and flavor. For a vegan twist, swap beef for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and follow the same method.
How can I reduce cooking time for a weeknight meal?

Use pre-diced frozen peppers and onions, and cook the beef while the veggies sauté to cut down prep and cooking time. You can also make the casserole the night before and just bake before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s as comforting and flavorful as the traditional sandwich but without the carbs weighing you down. I love how versatile and forgiving it is—you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand, your dietary goals, or the occasion. If you’re a cheesesteak fan looking to enjoy those iconic flavors guilt-free, give this casserole a try. I promise it’ll become one of those recipes you come back to again and again, just like I do.