Few dishes bridge the gap between indulgence and simplicity quite like a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. It’s everything you love about a classic cheesesteak sandwich; tender beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, but transformed into a hearty, baked dish you can whip up in under an hour. And if you’re looking for a low carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole version that skips the bread but keeps the bold flavor? You’re in for a treat.
This is one of those recipes born out of a fridge raid and a craving. I had leftover roast beef, a few peppers, and a brick of cream cheese begging to be used. What came out of the oven was so satisfying my husband asked if I could “forget the bread from now on.” That’s when I knew I was on to something. This baked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has been a weeknight regular ever since.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks every box for flavor, convenience, and comfort. You get the creamy, cheesy goodness of a layered casserole without the carbs of a hoagie roll. It’s a great fit for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even game day spreads.
What makes this dish stand out is the cream cheese base. It gives the casserole that “cheesesteak sauce” vibe without being too heavy. If you’re already a fan of light baked casseroles like Low Carb Chicken Casserole, this will quickly earn a spot in your rotation. You can also prep it ahead and bake it later; ideal for meal prep.
Whether you’re keeping it keto or just craving something cozy, this low carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers.
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Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is cheesy, low-carb, and packed with flavor. Everything you love about a classic cheesesteak sandwich baked into a hearty, easy-to-make dinner!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: provolone slices
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook onions and bell peppers until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat.
4. Mix in cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese or provolone slices.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use thinly sliced steak for a more authentic feel.
Add mushrooms or jalapeños for a flavor twist.
Can be prepped ahead or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this simple but satisfying casserole, gather the following:
- 1 lb ground beef (or shaved steak)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: provolone slices for topping
This combo gives you a creamy, cheesy, savory bite every time. If you’ve ever tried our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll recognize the power of a cream cheese base. And for those sticking to keto, every ingredient fits perfectly within your macros.
You can also use thinly sliced steak if you prefer a more traditional cheesesteak texture, but ground beef keeps it budget-friendly and easy to cook.
How to Make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Making this baked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is easier than you think. Just a few simple steps:
- Sauté veggies: In a large skillet, cook onions and bell peppers in a bit of oil until soft and slightly browned.
- Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add creamy base: Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it melt and combine.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone slices.
- Bake: Place in a 375°F oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the flavors settle. It’s reminiscent of our Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef; crowd-pleasing and quick to disappear.
Tips and Variations
Want to mix it up or make it even easier? Here are some quick tips:
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to give your casserole a kick.
- Add mushrooms: Traditional cheesesteaks often include mushrooms, toss some in for an earthy twist.
- Use steak: For a more authentic flavor, sub ground beef for shaved ribeye or sirloin.
- Cheese swap: Mozzarella and provolone are classic, but pepper jack or cheddar can add a different flavor.
- Freeze for later: Assemble and freeze unbaked. Just thaw and bake when ready.
If you’re into comfort food casseroles like Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, this variation should be next on your list. It’s flexible, forgiving, and always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal.
Is this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low carb and keto-compliant as long as you don’t serve it with bread or pasta. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and guilt-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
What’s the best cheese for a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Provolone is traditional, but mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that stretchy texture. A mix of both works best.
Conclusion
This baked Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is comfort food with a twist; the cheesesteak flavor you crave, made family-friendly, weeknight-easy, and surprisingly low carb. It’s cozy, creamy, and completely customizable.
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that skips the bread but brings the flavor, this low carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has your name all over it. From busy nights to lazy weekends, it’s a recipe that’s always welcome at the table.
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