Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Introduction
If you love the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want to keep things low carb, then this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is perfect for you! This dish combines ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and gooey cheese into a comforting one-pan meal. It’s simple to prepare and satisfies your cravings without the carbs. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just one pan.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Comforting & Satisfying: A savory mix that fills you up and warms you on chilly nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or gatherings; everyone will love it.
- Low Carb: Enjoy the rich flavors of a cheesesteak without the carbs!
The unique combination of flavors and the cheesy goodness makes this casserole a standout, ensuring it becomes a repeat item on your dinner menu.
Ingredients Needed
- For the meat base:
- 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
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the creamy sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- For the cheesy topping:
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Additional:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they start to soften and smell fragrant.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it cooks quickly.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor. Turn the heat to low and mix in the softened cream cheese, stirring until it becomes fully melted and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer torn pieces of provolone cheese over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve slices of the casserole hot, perhaps with a fresh salad or low carb side. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. To store leftovers, keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until hot.
Helpful Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cook it slightly longer if baking from cold.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to mix in other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a kick if you like it spicy!
Conclusion
This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings all the beloved flavors of a classic cheesesteak in a healthy, low-carb format. It’s quick to make and perfect for sharing. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and a star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to share this on Pinterest or Facebook, and let me know what tasty variations you tried below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will still be delicious and provide a leaner option.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free, but always check your Worcestershire sauce label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating.
Print
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A comforting low carb version of the classic Philly cheesesteak, made with ground beef, bell peppers, and gooey cheese.
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
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then mix in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer torn provolone cheese followed by shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add extra low-carb vegetables or spices for additional flavor. This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
