Imagine coming home after a long day and diving into a warm, cheesy casserole that feels as good as a hug from your favorite person. This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole offers delicious comfort without the extra carbs, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday family meal. Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheeses, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, especially those who crave bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is not only a crowd-pleaser but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy evenings. With its inviting flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your meal without anyone noticing!
“This casserole has quickly become a staple in our home! It’s easy to make, and everyone loves it—even the kids!”
How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Creating this dreamy casserole is a straightforward process that elevates everyday ingredients into something special. You’ll be cooking everything on the stovetop before layering it into a baking dish and letting the oven do its magic.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this casserole:
- 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)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Quick Substitution Tips: If you’re looking to cut calories further, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or switch to low-fat cheese varieties.
Directions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re fragrant and beginning to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, cooking for about 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce until the meat is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the torn provolone over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden hue. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful casserole fresh from the oven, and consider pairing it with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the rich flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, top your servings with a dollop of sour cream or some spicy jalapeños for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual portions for up to a month. When reheating, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Pro Tips
For the ultimate flavor boost, sear the beef before adding it to the skillet. This will create a caramelized outer layer that enhances the richness of the dish. Also, feel free to prepare the ground beef mixture the day before and refrigerate it, making the baking process a breeze on a busy night.
Variations
Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist, or try using different types of cheese such as Gouda or cheddar for unique flavor profiles. For a spicier version, jalapeños or pepper jack cheese can be wonderful additions. You can also switch up the veggies—zucchini or broccoli would be delicious alternatives!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this casserole is completely gluten-free!
3. Can I use a different meat?
Certainly! This casserole is versatile; ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be excellent substitutes for the beef.
- Easy ground beef recipes
- Casserole ideas for busy nights
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A comforting low carb casserole made with ground beef, bell peppers, and gooey cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights.
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)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 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 prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re fragrant and beginning to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, cooking for about 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce until the meat is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the torn provolone over the beef mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden hue. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, sear the beef before adding it to the skillet. You can prepare the ground beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg