If you love the savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but want a low-carb, easy-to-make alternative, this Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is the perfect dish for you! Packed with juicy ground beef, sautéed bell peppers and onions, melted provolone cheese, and a rich egg-based custard, this dish delivers all the cheesy, meaty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak—without the bread.
Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or keto-friendly diets, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. With minimal prep and a short bake time, it’s an easy weeknight meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
For the Casserole (Serves 6-8)
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef – Provides a rich, savory base.
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced thin – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- ½ yellow onion, sliced thin – Enhances flavor with a mild, slightly sweet bite.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced – Brings aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt – Elevates the overall taste.
- 4 large eggs – Helps bind the casserole and creates a creamy texture.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream – Contributes richness and a velvety texture.
- 8 slices provolone cheese – Creates a gooey, melty top layer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven (5 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef (10 minutes)
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbled.
- Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables (5-7 minutes)
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic.
- Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Season with seasoned salt and stir well.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture (5 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole (5 minutes)
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the egg mixture over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Arrange 8 slices of provolone cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole (25-30 minutes)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve (5-10 minutes)
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
✔ With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
✔ With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower for a well-rounded meal.
✔ With Keto-Friendly Bread: Enjoy with low-carb garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
✔ For Extra Flavor: Add mushrooms or red bell peppers for more depth.
✔ For a Crispier Cheese Topping: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
✔ For a Spicier Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
✔ For a Cheesier Casserole: Mix ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the beef mixture before baking.
Substitutions & Variations
1. Make It Dairy-Free
- Replace heavy whipping cream with coconut cream.
- Use dairy-free cheese slices or omit cheese entirely.
2. Use Different Proteins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a unique twist.
3. Add a Crunchy Topping
- Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour on top before baking for extra texture.
4. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Instead of a casserole, stuff the beef and cheese mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
2. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
4. How can I reheat this casserole?
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
5. Can I add more cheese?
Yes! Try adding grated Parmesan, cheddar, or extra provolone for even more cheesiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380-420 |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: No bread, but still packed with Philly cheesesteak flavor!
✔ High-Protein & Filling: Perfect for meal prep and keeping you satisfied.
✔ Easy & Quick: Less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone in the family will love this cheesy, hearty dish.
Conclusion
This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is a cheesy, protein-packed meal that brings all the flavors of the classic sandwich into an easy-to-make, low-carb dish. Whether you’re following a keto diet, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a deliciously satisfying dinner, this casserole is a winner!
So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Philly cheesesteak—no bun required!