Cheesy Beef Casserole Delight

This Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting, protein-packed dish without the carbs. The melty cheese blanket covers seasoned ground beef and tender vegetables for a dinner that satisfies that Philly cheesesteak craving while keeping things keto-friendly.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that would feed my family for multiple meals. Now it's requested at least twice a month as my teenagers can't seem to get enough of the cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The foundation of our casserole providing rich flavor and satisfying protein. Look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor
• Onion and bell peppers: These classic Philly cheesesteak vegetables add sweetness and texture. Choose firm peppers with bright colors
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves provide aromatic depth. Always opt for fresh over jarred for the best flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates a rich creamy sauce that binds everything together. Allow it to soften at room temperature before using
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and that distinctive Philly flavor. The secret ingredient that makes this taste authentic
• Provolone cheese: Traditional Philly cheesesteak cheese that creates perfect melt and flavor. Get sliced from the deli counter for best quality
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds extra gooey cheesy goodness and perfect stretch. Shred your own instead of using pre-shredded for better melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the oven:

Turn your oven to 350°F and give your baking dish a good spray with non-stick spray. This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese without burning it while ensuring everything heats through evenly.

Cook the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add those diced onions and peppers, cooking them until they start to soften and become translucent, about 5-6 minutes. The vegetables should release their sweet flavors but still maintain some texture. Add the garlic in the last 30 seconds to prevent it from burning.

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef to the vegetables, breaking it into small chunks with your spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Keep cooking and breaking up meat until no pink remains and you start to see some caramelization, which adds tremendous flavor.

Build flavor:

Pour the Worcestershire sauce over the meat mixture and stir well to incorporate. This is where the magic happens as the sauce deglazes the pan and adds that distinctive savory flavor that makes a Philly cheesesteak recognizable.

Add creaminess:

Reduce your heat to low and drop in chunks of softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until completely melted and integrated. The mixture should look creamy and cohesive with no white streaks of cream cheese remaining.

Assemble casserole:

Transfer your beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges. Press down slightly with your spatula to create a level surface for the cheese topping.

Layer the cheese:

Arrange provolone slices in a single layer across the meat mixture, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the provolone to create a beautiful melty cheese blanket.

Bake to perfection:

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be completely melted with some golden spots appearing on top. The edges should be bubbling gently.

Rest and serve:

Let the casserole rest on the counter for 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute and makes serving much cleaner.

Save This

The Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I accidentally left it out once and my husband immediately noticed something was missing. Now I always keep a bottle in my pantry specifically for this casserole.

Storage Instructions

This casserole stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or place the entire casserole covered with foil in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The cheese may not be quite as stretchy on reheating, but the flavor remains delicious.

Smart Substitutions

While traditional Philly cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye, ground beef makes this casserole more accessible and affordable. If you prefer a more authentic approach, substitute 2 pounds of thinly sliced ribeye steak. For a lighter option, ground turkey works beautifully though the flavor will be milder. Dairy free? Try dairy free cream cheese and your favorite melting vegan cheese substitutes. The Worcestershire sauce can be replaced with coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor if you need to avoid the ingredients in traditional Worcestershire.

Serving Suggestions

Keep it low carb by serving this casserole with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. For family members not following low carb diets, offer toasted hoagie rolls on the side to make mini sandwiches with the casserole as filling. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus makes excellent vegetable sides that complement the rich flavors. For a complete Philly experience, offer small dishes of hot cherry peppers or pepper relish for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their cheesesteak.

Common Queries

→ Can I use thinly sliced steak instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute 2 pounds of thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak for an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor. Cook the sliced steak until just browned before combining with the vegetables.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

For a complete low-carb meal, serve with a simple side salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted cauliflower. If carbs aren't a concern, garlic bread makes a delicious accompaniment.

→ Can I add mushrooms to this dish?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms make an excellent addition. Add 8oz of sliced mushrooms when cooking the peppers and onions, and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

While the cheese is a key component, you could try dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor profile will change, but it would still make a tasty casserole.