Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Delightful Comfort Dish
If you’re craving the hearty flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want to keep things low carb, look no further! This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a delicious casserole packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and vibrant bell peppers. It’s the perfect option for a filling weeknight dinner or to impress guests. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should this casserole become a staple in your kitchen? For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile dish. Not only does it fit perfectly within a low-carb lifestyle, but it also strikes that uncanny balance of being satisfying while remaining easy to prepare. Plus, this recipe can be whipped up in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for people with busy schedules.
But don’t just take my word for it:
“This casserole brings all the flavors of my favorite cheesesteak without the guilt! My family devoured it, and I will definitely make it again!” – A Happy Home Cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Making this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by sautéing the vegetables, then ground beef comes into play, followed by a creamy blend of cheeses. Finally, it all gets baked to cheesy perfection. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Gather These Items
To craft this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred): This ensures a juicy texture.
- 1 large onion (diced): For that sweet and savory flavor.
- 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed, diced): Choose your favorites for color and taste.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic elevates the flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature): This creates a creamy texture.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient for depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings.
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced): The classic cheesesteak cheese.
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded): For that delicious, gooey top.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds—keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 7-8 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor, then reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until completely melted and creamy.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Layer torn provolone cheese over the beef, followed by shredded mozzarella for that perfect cheese pull.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Once your casserole is baked and ready, consider these creative ways to enjoy it:
- Serve with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Pair it with steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower for an additional low-carb side.
- For a fun twist, consider tortilla chips or lettuce wraps for a unique serving experience!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Want to save some leftovers? Here’s how to keep your casserole fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for later use! Just portion it out and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions.
Pro Chef Tips
Here are some insider tips to elevate your casserole experience:
- Customize your spices: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick or fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for added flavor depth.
- Mix the cheeses: Try combining cheddar with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Creative Twists
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to experiment with:
- Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef with lentils or a mixture of mushrooms and beans for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Different proteins: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced steak for a quick and easy alternative.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking for a spicy kick.
Your Questions Answered
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What is the prep time for this casserole?
- The prep time is about 15 minutes, making it a quick solution for busy nights.
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to swap provolone or mozzarella with your favorite melting cheeses.
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Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well and reheats beautifully.
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Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container, and they will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
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What can I serve with this casserole?
- This dish pairs nicely with a fresh salad, low-carb bread, or roasted veggies.
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How do I make it spicier?
- Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for added heat.
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What ground beef to use for the best flavor?
- An 80/20 fat ratio ground beef balances flavor and juiciness; leaner beef can be used but might yield a drier texture.
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Can I prep everything in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, just refrigerate it before baking.
Savor every cheesy bite of this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors while keeping your carb count in check!
Print
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A delicious casserole packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and vibrant bell peppers, perfect for a filling weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 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 spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 7-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and add softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Layer provolone cheese over the beef, then top with mozzarella.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole is versatile; feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken. Customize spices and mix cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg