Name: Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or a mix), diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese; 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced; 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is pure comfort food magic, turning the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak into a swoon-worthy, creamy, cheesy bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or dazzling your weekend crowd. What makes this dish truly irresistible is the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and a duo of melty cheeses. The secret to casserole bliss? Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly — this step ensures every cheesy, savory bite is layered with those bold flavors you crave.

Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Philly cheesesteak casserole is how straightforward and familiar the ingredients are — each one playing a special role in building layers of savory goodness, gooey texture, and that signature steakhouse flavor. With just a handful of simple items, you’re on your way to a dish that hits all the right notes!

Ground beef: Rich and satisfying, this is the backbone of our casserole, bringing hearty depth and traditional cheesesteak flavor.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a comforting aroma as it cooks down with the peppers.
Bell peppers: Colorful and crisp, these bring sweetness, a splash of color, and that indispensable cheesesteak quality.
Garlic: A little goes a long way to round out the flavor base and add a tempting punch.
Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that melts beautifully for a luxuriously creamy casserole.
Worcestershire sauce: A flavor powerhouse, it gives richness and a little tang that brightens up the beef.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Provolone cheese: Slices that melt into luscious pools, bringing an unmistakable Philly cheesesteak essence.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and bubbly, it adds perfect stretch and a beautiful golden finish on top.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and ties the base flavors together.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by setting the stage for success. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab your trusty 9×13 baking dish. Give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray — you want every delicious bit to come out without sticking!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, and let them sizzle, turning soft and fragrant after about 5–6 minutes. When the kitchen smells irresistible, toss in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds; this preserves its freshness and flavor without burning.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef right into the skillet with your savory veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. As the beef cooks, break it up with a sturdy spatula so every bite gets a little bit of everything. Cook until it’s well-browned and there’s no pink left—about 7–8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Cream Cheese

Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir well, letting those bold flavors mingle with the beef and veggies. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. At this moment, magic happens — stir and watch as the cheese turns everything into a spectacularly creamy mixture.

Step 5: Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This process is crucial: it ensures that every layer of the casserole is uniform and every bite is balanced, making sure you get gooey, beefy, cheesy perfection from edge to edge.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Toppings

Layer the provolone cheese slices all over the top of your creamy beef mixture, getting good coverage. Then grab your shredded mozzarella and sprinkle it generously on top. Your casserole is now fully dressed and ready for the oven!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden. This is when you know the flavors have melded and the top has the perfect cheesy crust!

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This brief pause lets the cheese set a bit and makes serving much easier. Now, grab a big spoon and enjoy!

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, don’t be shy! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a bit of fresh flavor. If you want to channel those Philly sandwich vibes, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a scatter of diced pickled peppers would be fantastic. After all, once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, but don’t forget that extra flourish before you serve.

Side Dishes

This casserole is filling on its own, but it shines next to some crisp, fresh sides. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Roasted broccoli or green beans are excellent for extra veggies. If you’re not strictly low-carb, a piece of toasted baguette or keto bread on the side is perfect for scooping up any melty cheese that’s left behind after you once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile it into hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a playful, low-carb boat. If you’re making it for game day, you can offer it as the ultimate dip-style dish with sturdy veggie sticks or low-carb crackers for scooping—your guests will never realize they’re eating something so wholesome!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift with this casserole! Let any extra cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, remaining just as flavorful as the day you baked it. Once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, then portion leftovers for easy lunches.

Freezing

This casserole is an absolute star when it comes to freezing. To freeze, let the baked dish cool fully, then wrap it well in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. For best results, freeze before baking, and simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you’ve got individual portions, freeze them in airtight containers!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot, or reheat the whole casserole covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. The cheesy topping refreshes beautifully — just keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out. For extra gooeyness, add a sprinkle of mozzarella right before warming!

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef?

Absolutely! Both ground chicken and turkey are fantastic lighter alternatives that still soak up all those rich cheesesteak flavors. You may want to add a dash of extra seasoning, since they tend to be milder than beef.

Do I need to use both mozzarella and provolone cheese?

You don’t have to, but the combination is what gives this casserole its signature stretch and creamy-tangy top. Provolone is classic for Philly cheesesteak, while mozzarella brings superb melt. If needed, you can swap in Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to the point where you once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, then cover and refrigerate. Just add the cheese right before baking! When ready, bake as directed, possibly adding a few minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Absolutely! The Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for anyone following a keto or low carb lifestyle.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love spice, add some diced jalapeños in with the bell peppers, or stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the beef. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top after baking is also a quick way to amp things up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the taste of a Philly classic but want something easy, filling, and low in carbs, this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a must-make. Gather your loved ones, follow those important steps — especially when you once fully combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly — and savor every creamy, melty, flavor-packed bite. Happy cooking!