🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or thinly sliced ribeye for authentic flavor)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives
🔪 Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize, about 7–8 minutes. The goal here is to draw out their natural sweetness and achieve that iconic Philly cheesesteak flavor foundation.
If you want an extra layer of depth, sprinkle a small pinch of salt halfway through cooking — it helps release moisture and intensifies flavor. Once done, remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
🥩 Step 2: Brown the Beef
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika. If using ribeye slices instead of ground beef, cook them just until browned but still tender.
Drain any excess fat if necessary, though keeping a little adds richness and moisture. Once the beef is cooked, stir the sautéed vegetables back into the pan and mix well.
🧀 Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Add the softened cream cheese directly into the hot beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until it melts and coats everything evenly, creating a luscious, creamy texture. This step transforms your filling into a velvety base that will meld beautifully with melted cheese when baked.
If you prefer a richer consistency, you can also add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of heavy cream or beef broth to loosen the mixture slightly.
🥘 Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom. Smooth the surface with a spatula, ensuring the ingredients are distributed evenly for consistent baking.
🧶 Step 5: Add the Cheese Layer
Now comes the best part — the cheese! Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and provolone over the top. These cheeses melt beautifully and give that signature stretchy, golden topping that makes this dish irresistible.
For extra flavor, consider blending in some Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. If you’re a cheese lover, there’s no harm in adding a little extra!
🔥 Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For a golden-brown finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes — but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the cheese to thicken slightly.
🍴 Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole warm, straight from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even cauliflower rice for a complete, balanced keto meal.
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is excellent for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings for about 90 seconds.
The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
These values may vary depending on ingredients used, but it’s an excellent choice for maintaining ketosis while still enjoying a hearty meal.
💡 Useful Cooking Tips
- Use quality beef: Ribeye or sirloin gives a more authentic flavor.
- Avoid watery vegetables: Drain moisture after sautéing for the best texture.
- Add spice: A pinch of red chili flakes or jalapeño slices can give a spicy kick.
- Cheese choice matters: Provolone gives authenticity, mozzarella adds stretch, and cream cheese brings creaminess.
- Don’t overbake: Overcooking can dry out the casserole — bake just until bubbly.
🧀 Creative Variations
- Mushroom Lovers’ Casserole: Double the mushrooms for a rich umami boost.
- Tex-Mex Version: Add chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of cheddar for a southwestern twist.
- Loaded Cheesesteak Bake: Top with crumbled bacon and a drizzle of keto-friendly ranch.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed tofu or a mix of zucchini and cauliflower.
🍷 What to Serve With It
Pair your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with:
- A side of cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles
- A crisp arugula or kale salad
- Roasted asparagus or garlic butter green beans
- And if you’re not keto, serve with toasted baguette slices for scooping
🕒 When to Make This Recipe
This dish fits perfectly into many occasions:
- Family dinners: A filling one-dish meal everyone will love.
- Meal prep Sundays: Make ahead and portion for easy lunches.
- Game day food: Serve in smaller ramekins as cheesy appetizers.
- Holiday gatherings: A great alternative to carb-heavy casseroles.
❤️ The Magic of One-Pan Meals
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole embodies everything that makes one-pan meals so popular: simplicity, flavor, and minimal cleanup. You sauté, mix, bake, and serve — all using just a few utensils. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
🌟 Conclusion
The Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is proof that eating low-carb doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. With rich flavors, gooey cheese, and satisfying textures, it delivers comfort in every bite. It’s a keto-friendly meal that feels indulgent yet aligns perfectly with healthy goals.
Once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation — not just because it’s low-carb, but because it’s absolutely delicious.
🧾 Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients: Ground beef, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cream cheese, mozzarella, provolone, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions:
- Sauté vegetables until tender.
- Brown beef and season.
- Combine with cream cheese.
- Layer mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheeses.
- Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!