Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
Once cooked, transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Using the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the beef.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet.
Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the beef mixture. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
The mixture should be thick, creamy, and packed with colorful vegetables.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Top with shredded provolone cheese and mozzarella cheese, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Step 8: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite.
Chef’s Tips
Use Quality Cheese
Provolone is the traditional cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks, providing authentic flavor. Combining it with mozzarella creates a perfectly gooey and stretchy cheese topping.
Add Mushrooms
For extra flavor and texture, sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions.
Meal Prep Friendly
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Freeze for Later
You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing.
Variations
Steak Version
Replace ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye steak for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak experience.
Spicy Philly Cheesesteak
Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Extra Cheesy
Increase the cheese by an additional cup for an even richer casserole.
Bacon Lovers
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon before baking for additional smoky flavor.
What to Serve With Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Since this casserole is already hearty and filling, pair it with simple low-carb sides such as:
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic butter green beans
- Caesar salad (without croutons)
- Steamed asparagus
- Zucchini noodles
- Cucumber salad
These side dishes complement the rich flavors without adding unnecessary carbohydrates.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. This casserole contains minimal carbohydrates and is high in healthy fats and protein, making it ideal for a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes. Monterey Jack, white cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese all work well in this recipe.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes. All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always verify labels to ensure no hidden gluten-containing additives are present.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 40g
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 620mg