- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and lightly caramelized.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Using the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef or sliced steak. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking up the meat if using ground beef, until fully browned.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 4: Season the Filling
Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
Mix well.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet.
Stir continuously over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and mix everything together.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Top with:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Provolone cheese slices
- Parmesan cheese
Spread evenly to cover the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
For a crispier cheese topping, broil on high for 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy warm.
Cooking Time & Heat Levels
| Step | Time | Heat Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté Vegetables | 7–8 minutes | Medium-High |
| Cook Garlic | 1 minute | Medium |
| Brown Beef | 8–10 minutes | Medium-High |
| Prepare Sauce | 3–4 minutes | Medium-Low |
| Bake | 18–20 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
| Broil (Optional) | 2–3 minutes | High |
| Rest | 5 minutes | Room Temperature |
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Use thinly sliced ribeye steak for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should remain slightly crisp.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Make it even cheesier by mixing in cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
Variations
- Add spinach for extra nutrients.
- Replace ground beef with sliced chicken for a keto chicken cheesesteak casserole.
- Stir in cauliflower rice for additional texture.
- Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese if you enjoy extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic butter green beans
- Steamed asparagus
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower mash
- Avocado slices
- Pickled vegetables
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin creates a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this meal keto-friendly?
Yes. It’s high in protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Net Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 690mg
- Potassium: 610mg
- Calcium: 320mg
- Iron: 3.8mg