I love a cozy skillet full of melty cheese and browned beef. This recipe gives you that Philly flavor without the carbs. It feels like comfort food. It comes together fast. If you love a classic ground beef Philly cheesesteaks, you’ll adore this low carb casserole version.

why make this recipe

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It fills the house with a warm, cheesy aroma. It keeps well for lunches. It gives you all the Philly flavors without the bread. Kids and adults both reach for seconds.

how to make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

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), 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 tbsp olive oil

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil. Cook for 5–6 minutes until they soften and smell sweet. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 7–8 minutes until browned with no pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and coat the meat. Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it melts and the mixture is creamy. Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Tear provolone into pieces and layer them over the beef. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Bake 22–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This method reminds me of my family favorite Cattle Drive Casserole because of the hearty beef and cheesy layers.

how to serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Cut into squares and serve hot. I like it with a simple green salad. It also pairs well with pickles or a tangy mustard sauce. For big family meals, it sits nicely next to roasted veggies or a warm roll. You can even serve it spooned over cauliflower mash. For a crowd, try it alongside a hearty cowboy casserole to keep everyone satisfied.

how to store Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. You can microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, and they keep beautifully, just like my crazy good casserole. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and juiciness. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature so it melts smoothly. Don’t skip draining excess fat if it pools. Tear provolone for little melty pockets. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes so it sets and cuts clean. If you want more bite, add sliced banana peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a lower-sodium version, use reduced-sodium Worcestershire and cheese.

variation (if any)

Swap the provolone for Swiss for a different melt. Add mushrooms for an earthier flavor. Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or hot sauce. For a brunch spread, finish with a side sweet treat like the Easter dirt cake casserole for dessert. To make it cheesier, fold extra shredded mozzarella into the beef mixture before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works. Brown it well and add a bit more oil if it seems dry.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble it and store covered in the fridge. Bake when you are ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture will change slightly but the flavors still work.

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest