Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is one of my all-time favorites. It’s packed with savory flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty ingredients that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight or hosting a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

The best part? You can make it ahead of time! Just whip it up on the weekend, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. It’s a protein-rich delight that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this casserole baking in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy goodness and flavorful beef.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep—just store it in the fridge until dinner time.
• Low Carb Goodness: Enjoy all the flavors without the carbs, making it great for any diet.
• Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delicious casserole. You might already have most of these items in your kitchen!

For the Casserole

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or a mix), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheese: Use cheddar or gouda instead of provolone for a different cheesy twist.
• Spice it up: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat in your dishes.

How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and becomes perfectly bubbly and golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften. When you add the minced garlic for another 30 seconds, you’ll notice how fragrant your kitchen becomes—this is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with those wonderful veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spatula until completely browned—about 7-8 minutes. This step adds depth to our casserole as we let those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor with Worcestershire Sauce

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce. This ingredient enhances all those savory flavors we’ve built up so far. Let it coat everything evenly for that perfect bite!

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

Reduce heat to low and add that softened cream cheese into your skillet. Stir until it melts completely and coats all those yummy veggies and meat—creating a creamy texture that makes every spoonful delightful.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Once fully combined, transfer this luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every part gets its fair share of cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Layer on Cheese

Now comes one of my favorite parts! Layer sliced provolone cheese over that beef mixture first, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. This creates that irresistible bubbly crust we all love.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top—a beautiful sight indeed!

Step 9: Let It Rest Before Serving

After removing from the oven, allow your casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps all those fantastic flavors meld together perfectly while making serving so much easier.

Enjoy every bite of this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

With just a few extra tips, you can elevate your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole to perfection!

• Use high-quality ground beef: Opting for grass-fed or organic ground beef not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of your dish.

• Don’t rush the veggies: Sautéing the onions and bell peppers until they’re nicely softened brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the overall flavor.

• Experiment with cheeses: While provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to mix in some cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick! This adds a unique twist and can cater to different taste preferences.

• Make it ahead: Preparing this casserole a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge; when you’re ready, pop it in the oven for a quick meal!

• Customize with toppings: Consider adding sliced jalapeños or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top after baking for a fresh finish that brightens up each bite.

How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Serving your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole can be as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to present this cheesy dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors.

• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top right before serving to give it an extra kick.

Side Dishes

• Garlic sautéed green beans: Tender green beans sautéed in garlic and olive oil offer a crisp texture and vivid green color that balances the richness of the casserole.

• Cauliflower rice: Light and fluffy, cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative that can soak up any extra cheesy goodness from your casserole.

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides freshness and crunch, making for a well-rounded meal.

• Zucchini noodles: For another low-carb option, zucchini noodles (or zoodles) tossed in olive oil and herbs make a delightful side that pairs perfectly with this hearty casserole.

Enjoy cooking and sharing this comforting dish with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later. Here’s how to make sure your delicious casserole stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to label it!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you!

Can I use a different type of meat in the Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed.

Is this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole is fantastic for meal prep as it stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I add other vegetables to my casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to include mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach according to your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with the Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed broccoli makes great side dishes that complement this hearty casserole without adding carbs.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole as delightful as I do! It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavors that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your meal plan on track. Enjoy making it for yourself and your loved ones; it’s perfect for sharing. Happy cooking!