Are you craving the classic, savory flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak but want to keep it low-carb and keto-friendly? This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole delivers all the deliciousness without the guilt. It’s an incredibly easy and satisfying meal, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Get ready to enjoy a cheesy, meaty bake that’s packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This delightful Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s why you need to add it to your rotation:
- Quick & Straightforward: This recipe simplifies classic flavors into an easy weeknight meal. You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: It perfectly fits your dietary needs, allowing you to indulge in comfort food without compromising your goals.
- Rich & Cheesy Satisfaction: Layers of tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and gooey cheese create an incredibly comforting dish.
- Excellent for Meal Prepping: Prepare a batch on the weekend and enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals throughout the week.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will love the familiar and savory taste of this easy Philly cheesesteak bake.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds Butcher Box sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning (or your favorite blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sliced green bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 4-5 slices provolone cheese, sliced into small pieces
Notes & Substitutions
- Steak: Sirloin works wonderfully, but feel free to use flank steak, ribeye, or even shaved steak for an authentic touch. For a twist, ground beef or shredded chicken can also work in this low-carb Philly cheesesteak recipe.
- Cheese: Provolone and Parmesan Reggiano create a classic flavor profile. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even sharp cheddar are delicious alternatives if you prefer.
- Vegetables: While green peppers, onions, and mushrooms are traditional, you can add other bell pepper colors or omit mushrooms if they aren’t your favorite.
- Flavor Boosts: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a dash of soy sauce or coconut aminos can add depth. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best richness.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy casserole.
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) or a large non-stick skillet
- 8×11 or 9×9 inch baking dish
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or cooking spoon
Instructions
Creating this delicious Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×11 or 9×9 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- Cook Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced Butcher Box sirloin steak. Season the steak generously with steak seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping to brown both sides, until it’s just seared but not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced green bell peppers, chopped onion, chopped garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the steak. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the meat is no longer pink, typically 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Excess Liquid: This is a crucial step! If there is any excess fat or liquid in the skillet, carefully drain it away. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery or soupy at the bottom.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese into the steak and vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese has fully melted and is well combined, coating everything evenly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Remove the skillet from the heat. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, and shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the savory steak and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Drizzle the liquid egg and cheese mixture over the top of the steak and vegetable layer.
- Add Provolone: Arrange the small pieces of provolone cheese slices over the top of the casserole. This will create that classic gooey cheesesteak finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the egg mixture is set. Mine usually finishes around 18 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes for easier serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips for your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- Thinly Slice Steak: Slice your steak against the grain into very thin strips. This ensures a tender texture that melts in your mouth and cooks quickly.
- Drain Excess Fat: Don’t skip draining excess fat from the skillet. This prevents a greasy, watery casserole and ensures a creamy, flavorful end product.
- Don’t Overcook Steak: Sear the steak just until it’s browned. It will continue cooking in the oven, keeping it tender and juicy, not tough.
- Cheese Strategy: Layering the provolone on top allows it to get perfectly melted and slightly browned. You can also mix some shredded cheese into the egg mixture for extra gooeyness.
- Flavor Layering: Season the steak, then season again after adding vegetables. Building flavor at each stage makes a huge difference in the final taste of your casserole.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your delicious Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Keto Bread or Cauliflower Rice: Serve alongside your favorite keto-friendly bread for dipping, or with a bed of cauliflower rice.
- Low-Carb Wraps: Offer lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas for guests to create their own mini cheesesteak wraps.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It makes for excellent packed lunches!
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Variations
- Protein Swaps: Easily adapt this recipe by using ground beef, shredded chicken, or even thinly sliced pork loin instead of steak.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or a smoky gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Added Vegetables: Feel free to stir in a handful of spinach, diced jalapeños for a kick, or even some zucchini noodles for extra veggies.
- Spice Level: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet, or serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this savory Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
| Serving | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 6 servings | 387 kcal | 5 g | 36 g | 24 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always calculate your own macros for complete accuracy.
The Best Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This delicious low-carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole features tender sirloin steak, colorful peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the sirloin steak to a skillet on medium-high heat, then season with steak seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once.
- Stir in the green peppers, onion, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking until the vegetables are soft and the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent a soupy residue in the casserole.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese to the skillet and cook until the cream cheese has melted.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, shredded parmesan reggiano cheese, and heavy cream.
- Spray an 8×11 or 9×9 baking dish with oil or cooking spray, then pour the steak mixture into the prepared dish.
- Drizzle the liquid egg and cheese mixture evenly on top, then arrange the provolone cheese slices over it.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly; mine was ready around 18 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to cool before serving.
Notes
Drain any excess fat from the skillet before adding Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese to prevent a soupy residue. Ensure to cool the casserole before serving for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making a delicious Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
- Is steak good for a keto diet? Absolutely! Steak is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making it a staple in a ketogenic lifestyle.
- Are bell peppers considered keto-friendly? Yes, bell peppers are generally considered keto-friendly in moderation. Green peppers are slightly lower in carbs than red or yellow.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? You can definitely assemble the casserole mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
- How can I prevent the casserole from being watery? Draining excess fat and liquid from the cooked steak and vegetables before adding other ingredients is crucial for a perfectly creamy casserole.
- What’s the best steak to use for this recipe? Sirloin, flank, or ribeye are all great choices for this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole due to their flavor and tenderness.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole offers an irresistible combination of savory steak, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese, all while keeping it low-carb. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep. We encourage you to try this delicious and satisfying recipe for a healthy take on a classic comfort food. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how much you loved it!
