Easy Low Carb/Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

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 A Low-Carb Take on the Classic Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Philly cheesesteaks are one of the most beloved comfort foods, known for their tender beef, melty cheese, and savory vegetables all tucked into a soft roll. But if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, traditional Philly cheesesteaks are a no-go due to the high carbohydrate content from the bread. That’s where a Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole comes in. This recipe allows you to enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but without the carbs that come from the bread. By using simple, keto-friendly ingredients and a casserole format, this recipe is an easy, weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings for hearty, cheesy comfort food.

Why This Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Works

The magic of a keto version of Philly cheesesteak lies in its ability to mimic the flavors of the original dish without the unnecessary carbs. Instead of using bread, you replace it with flavorful, low-carb ingredients like shaved steak, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Not only does this make it a perfect choice for anyone on a keto diet, but it also ensures that the dish is packed with protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs low.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this keto Philly cheesesteak casserole both delicious and nutritious:

  1. The Savory Steak: The star of any Philly cheesesteak is, of course, the beef. In this recipe, you’ll use shaved steak, which is tender and easy to cook. This type of beef is perfect for mimicking the tender texture of a traditional Philly cheesesteak without requiring a long cooking time. If you can’t find shaved steak, you can easily swap it for other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak.
  2. Sautéed Vegetables: The onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are a key component of the traditional Philly cheesesteak. These veggies add sweetness, earthiness, and texture to the casserole, helping to balance the richness of the cheese. The mushrooms in particular help provide a savory umami flavor that complements the beef.
  3. Rich and Creamy Cheese Sauce: No Philly cheesesteak would be complete without melted cheese. In this casserole, the cheese sauce is made from cream cheese and shredded provolone, resulting in a smooth, velvety sauce that binds everything together. Provolone cheese adds a mild, buttery flavor that melts beautifully, making it the perfect choice for this casserole.
  4. Easy and Versatile: What sets this casserole apart is its simplicity. The dish is baked in a casserole dish, which makes it easier to prepare than a traditional Philly cheesesteak that requires layering ingredients in a roll. It’s also a very customizable recipe. If you prefer ground beef or even chicken, feel free to swap the steak for those options. The casserole format also makes it easy to meal prep and store leftovers.
  5. Perfect for Keto Dieters: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this dish is a great option. With just 7.9g of carbs per serving, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to stay within their daily carb limit while still enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal. Plus, the high fat and protein content will help keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.

Key Ingredients in Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

To recreate the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this casserole so flavorful and filling:

  • Shaved Steak (1 lb): You’ll need about one pound of shaved steak, which is thinly sliced beef. This cut is tender and cooks quickly, making it perfect for casseroles. If you prefer a different cut of beef, feel free to swap it for sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the steak and the cheese sauce. Make sure to season generously for a well-balanced dish.
  • Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Black pepper adds a subtle heat and sharpness to balance the richness of the cream cheese and provolone.
  • Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Garlic powder adds depth of flavor to the steak mixture and complements the savory ingredients.
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and cook the steak. It adds a mild flavor and healthy fats to the dish.
  • Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Butter helps create a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It also adds flavor and richness to the vegetables and steak.
  • Onion (1 medium): A sliced medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. It caramelizes when cooked, contributing to the overall savory profile of the casserole.
  • Bell Pepper (1 medium): The bell pepper is sliced into 1/4-inch slices, providing a slight crunch and sweetness that contrasts with the savory steak and cheese.
  • Mushrooms (8 ounces): Baby Bella mushrooms are sliced and sautéed with the onions and peppers. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and contribute to the overall umami profile of the casserole.
  • Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic is sautéed with the vegetables and adds aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Beef Broth (1 cup): The beef broth serves as the base of the cheese sauce, helping to make it smooth and flavorful.
  • Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Worcestershire sauce is added to the sauce to enhance its umami flavor and provide a subtle tang.
  • Cream Cheese (4 ounces): Cream cheese helps create a smooth, creamy base for the cheese sauce. It also helps bind the flavors together and makes the sauce rich and luscious.
  • Provolone Cheese (16 ounces, shredded): Provolone is the ideal cheese for this casserole because it melts beautifully, providing that perfect cheesy texture and mild flavor. You’ll need 16 ounces of shredded provolone cheese, divided for both the cheese sauce and the casserole topping.

The Step-by-Step Process to Make Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Making this keto Philly cheesesteak casserole is easier than you might think. Here’s the step-by-step process to create this delicious low-carb dinner:

  1. Season and Prepare the Shaved Steak: Season the shaved steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces to make it easier to cook and eat.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Once the vegetables are done, transfer them to a bowl and set them aside.
  3. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Over medium-high heat, cook the sliced steak, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, turn off the heat and stir the vegetables back into the skillet, combining everything well.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready for baking.
  5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium and add the cream cheese, whisking constantly until the cream cheese has melted and fully incorporated into the broth. Stir in half of the shredded provolone cheese, and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine the Steak and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the steak and vegetables, stirring everything together until well combined.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the steak mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded provolone cheese.
  8. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
  9. Broil for a Crispy Top: To get a golden, crispy top, broil the casserole on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is bubbly and browned, remove it from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy your low-carb, keto-friendly Philly cheesesteak casserole!

Part 2: Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shaved steak
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (baby Bella recommended)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 16 oz shredded provolone cheese, divided

Instructions:

  1. Season shaved steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the vegetables (mushrooms, onions, peppers) until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Set aside.
  3. Heat remaining olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in the skillet. Cook steak over medium-high heat until browned. Remove from heat and combine with vegetables.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. In a saucepan, melt remaining butter, add beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, add cream cheese, and whisk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded provolone.
  6. Add the cheese sauce to the steak mixture and combine well.
  7. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with remaining provolone, and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes to brown the top.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving):

  • Calories: 635
  • Fat: 52.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 28g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 7.9g
  • Net Carbs: 6.6g
  • Fiber: 1.3g
  • Sugar: 2.9g

Enjoy your keto Philly cheesesteak casserole—a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for low-carb living!

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