Ever found yourself staring longingly at a picture of a classic Philly Cheesesteak, the gooey cheese dripping over thinly sliced steak, the onions and peppers caramelized to perfection, but then sighing at the thought of all those carbs? Or maybe you just wish you could conjure up that iconic flavor without the trip to the City of Brotherly Love, or the complicated prep of a traditional sandwich? Well, get ready to ditch the bread and embrace a new, utterly delicious obsession! Introducing the sensational Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – all the savory, cheesy, meaty goodness you crave, magically transformed into an easy, low-carb, and incredibly satisfying dish. Say goodbye to carb-guilt and hello to your new favorite weeknight hero!

Why You’ll Love This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

A Keto & Low-Carb Dream Come True: If you’re following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, this casserole is about to become your new best friend. It delivers all the rich flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak without the carb-heavy bun, making it a perfect fit for your dietary goals. Enjoy comfort food without compromise!
Effortless & Quick Dinner Solution: With a mere 5 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is designed for busy weeknights. It’s incredibly simple to put together, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, homemade meal with your loved ones.

Ultimate Comfort Food Without the Guilt: This dish truly hits that comfort food sweet spot. The creamy, savory ground beef mixture topped with melted provolone cheese is incredibly satisfying and soul-warming. It brings all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheesesteak, but in a healthier, more balanced format.
A Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Who doesn’t love a cheesesteak? This casserole version takes those universally loved flavors and packages them in a way that even picky eaters will adore. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes for fantastic leftovers, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy.

Ingredients for Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to create this low-carb masterpiece:

🥩 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
🫑 1 green bell pepper, chopped
🧅 1 small onion, chopped
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🥄 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
🧀 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
🧀 6 slices provolone cheese

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Ready to create magic? Follow these easy steps to bring your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole to life:

Preheat & Prepare: First things first, fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab an 8×8 casserole dish and lightly grease it. A little cooking spray or butter goes a long way here, making cleanup a breeze later!
Brown the Beef & Veggies: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. The bell pepper and onion will start to soften and release their aromatic goodness.
Drain the Grease: Once the meat is cooked, it’s crucial to carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step ensures your casserole isn’t oily and keeps it lighter and healthier, contributing to that perfect texture.

Season the Mixture: Return the flavorful beef and veggie mixture to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Now, it’s time to infuse it with incredible flavor! Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Next, add the Worcestershire sauce and the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Continue to stir everything together until the cream cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated. It will create a rich, creamy, and irresistible sauce that truly elevates this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
Assemble the Casserole: Scoop this delectable, creamy mixture evenly into your prepared 8×8 casserole dish. Spread it out with the back of a spoon to create an even layer.

Top with Cheese: The grand finale before baking! Arrange the 6 slices of provolone cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Make sure they cover the entire surface, promising a blanket of melty, golden cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Place your casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is wonderfully bubbly and has turned a lovely golden-brown color. That’s your cue that it’s ready!
Rest & Serve: Once out of the oven, let the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole cool for a few minutes. This short rest allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Then, dig in and savor every healthy, delicious bite!

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas for Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

While this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is utterly delicious straight from the dish, here are some fun and flavorful ways to serve and present it, enhancing your meal experience:

Classic Comfort: Simply scoop generous portions onto plates. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal, especially with its rich protein and healthy fats.
Green & Lean: Serve it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad perfectly complements the richness of the casserole.

Lettuce Wraps: For an extra low-carb and fun option, spoon the casserole into large lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts). It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Bell Pepper Boats: Halve some extra bell peppers (any color!), scoop out the seeds, and fill them with the casserole mixture before baking for an extra 10-15 minutes until the pepper softens.
Roasted Veggie Medley: Pair it with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. A simple drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper is all they need.

Garnish & Glee: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that elevates the presentation.

Storing and Reheating Your Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

One of the best things about this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week!

Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This casserole is also freezer-friendly! For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely. You can freeze the entire casserole (covered tightly with foil, then an additional layer of plastic wrap) or portion it into individual freezer-safe containers. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- From the Fridge: For individual portions, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the entire casserole, cover with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly.
- From Frozen (Thawed): Reheat as you would from the fridge.

FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic for a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, you can experiment with mozzarella, white cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just be aware it might slightly change the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? Are there substitutes?
Cream cheese adds a unique creaminess and tang. While there isn’t a direct perfect substitute that offers the same texture and flavor, you could try a blend of sour cream and a little shredded cheese, though the consistency will be different. For best results, stick with cream cheese!

Can I add other vegetables to my Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Yes, definitely! Sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, or even a few handfuls of spinach (added in step 4 to wilt) would be delicious additions and increase your veggie intake.
Is this casserole truly freezer-friendly for meal prepping?
Yes, it is! As mentioned above, it freezes very well. Cooked and cooled, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months, making it excellent for meal prep.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings, or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture with the Worcestershire sauce. A few sliced jalapeños on top before baking would also work!

Can I use actual steak instead of ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Thinly sliced sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak (cooked and then chopped or shredded) would work beautifully for a more traditional texture. Just cook it separately until done before combining with the veggies and seasonings.
What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?
85/15 ground beef is a great choice as it has enough fat for flavor but isn’t overly greasy. 90/10 or leaner also works well, just ensure you don’t overcook it to prevent dryness.
Can I prepare this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can cook the beef and veggie mixture, stir in the seasonings and cream cheese, and spread it into the casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the provolone cheese and bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes if cooking from cold.

What are some good low-carb sides to serve with this casserole?
Aside from the suggestions above, roasted cauliflower florets, steamed green beans with butter, or even a simple side of sautéed zucchini would pair wonderfully.
Is this recipe suitable for someone on a strict keto diet?
With only 5g total carbs and 4g net carbs per serving, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is absolutely ideal for a strict keto diet. It’s high in healthy fats and protein, keeping you full and satisfied.