If you’re a fan of the iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich but looking for a healthier or low-carb version, the Philly cheesesteak casserole is a perfect choice. This delicious, protein-packed dish offers all the flavors you love in a traditional cheesesteak—tender beef, melted cheese, sautéed onions, and bell peppers—without the bread and extra carbs. The casserole format makes it an excellent family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare, filling, and easily customizable for various dietary needs.
In this extensive blog post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this mouthwatering dish. From the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to different variations, serving suggestions, and nutritional information, this guide has it all.
So let’s dive into the world of Philly cheesesteak casserole, a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
If you’re looking for more low-carb recipes, you can find great options here to complement your meals.
What is a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
A Philly cheesesteak casserole is a savory dish inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The traditional cheesesteak sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and typically consists of thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all served in a hoagie roll.
However, for those looking to cut down on carbs, the Philly cheesesteak casserole offers a great alternative by removing the bread and focusing solely on the protein-rich fillings. This version is gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, making it ideal for a wide range of dietary preferences.
For more casserole inspiration, take a look at these gluten-free casseroles to expand your dinner options.
The History of the Philly Cheesesteak
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the history of the Philly cheesesteak. This iconic American dish was invented in the 1930s by Pat and Harry Olivieri, who ran a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia. One day, they decided to experiment by grilling some beef with onions and serving it on an Italian roll. The combination was an instant hit, and soon their hot dog stand evolved into a cheesesteak shop.
Since then, the cheesesteak has grown in popularity and become a staple in American cuisine. The dish has seen various adaptations, but the beef, cheese, and onion combination remains at the heart of every version—including the Philly cheesesteak casserole.
Why Philly Cheesesteak Casserole?
The Philly cheesesteak casserole takes everything you love about the original sandwich and transforms it into a convenient, low-carb meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Here are some reasons why this dish is so popular:
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: By eliminating the bread, this casserole is ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The rich flavors of the beef, cheese, and vegetables stand out even more without the hoagie roll.
- Protein-Packed: With plenty of beef and cheese, this casserole offers a high-protein meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
- Easy to Make: The casserole format makes this recipe a breeze to prepare. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in less than an hour.
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
The key to making a great Philly cheesesteak casserole is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients, along with some options for customization.
Main Ingredients:
- Beef: Thinly sliced beef is the star of the dish. Traditional options include ribeye, sirloin, or shaved beef steak. You can also use ground beef as a more affordable and convenient option.
- Cheese: The classic choice for Philly cheesesteak is provolone cheese, but other types of cheese such as mozzarella or white cheddar work well too. Cream cheese adds creaminess to the dish and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Onions: Sautéed onions are essential for adding sweetness and depth of flavor. You can use yellow, white, or red onions depending on your preference.
- Bell Peppers: Green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add a pop of color and crunch to the casserole. They also balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Mushrooms (Optional): While not traditional, mushrooms add an earthy flavor and extra texture to the dish. You can use white button mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce enhances the savory flavors of the beef and adds a tangy kick.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth provides moisture and additional flavor to the casserole, ensuring it’s not too dry.
- Garlic Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Philly cheesesteak casserole. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients List:
- 2 lbs thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or shaved beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms (optional), sliced
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or cheese slices)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet, season with garlic salt and black pepper, and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese melts and everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir everything together. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a casserole dish.
6. Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, or place cheese slices over the mixture.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Optional: Broil for a Crispy Top
- For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cheese is golden and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite low-carb side dish!
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Variations
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. Whether you want to make a budget-friendly version or cater to specific dietary preferences, the Philly cheesesteak casserole can easily be adapted to suit your needs.
1. Ground Beef Version
If you’re looking for a more affordable or quicker option, ground beef can be used in place of thinly sliced steak. Ground beef is easier to find and works just as well in the casserole. Simply brown the ground beef with seasonings and follow the same recipe.
2. Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
For a meatless version, swap the beef for a plant-based alternative such as tempeh, tofu, or a meatless ground beef substitute. You can also skip the meat entirely and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to create a veggie-packed casserole.
3. Keto and Low-Carb Variations
This casserole is already keto-friendly and low-carb, but you can make a few adjustments to ensure it fits your specific needs:
- Use full-fat cream cheese to increase the fat content and keep the dish creamy.
- Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains starches that can add unnecessary carbs. Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead.
- Pair the casserole with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
4. Dairy-Free Option
For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the cream cheese and provolone cheese with dairy-free alternatives. There are many great plant-based cheeses available that melt well and taste delicious in casseroles.
Nutritional Information for Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for a typical serving of Philly cheesesteak casserole. This information is based on the original recipe, but it may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 454 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 6g (Net Carbs: 5g)
- Fat: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 703mg
- Sugar: 3g
The casserole is high in protein and fat, making it an ideal option for those on a keto or low-carb diet. It’s also relatively low in carbs, thanks to the absence of bread.
For more low-carb dinner ideas, take a look at our Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, another flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.
What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
While the casserole is filling on its own, you may want to serve it with a side dish to round out the meal. Here are some low-carb and keto-friendly options:
1. Cauliflower Rice
This is a great alternative to traditional rice, especially for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Cauliflower rice is light, fluffy, and absorbs the flavors of the casserole perfectly.
2. Simple Green Salad
A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors of the Philly cheesesteak casserole. You can add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado to the salad for added texture and flavor.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus are excellent options for roasted vegetables. Their earthy flavors complement the savory casserole, and roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.
4. Low-Carb Bread or Rolls
If you miss the bread from a traditional Philly cheesesteak, consider serving the casserole with some low-carb bread or rolls. These can be homemade or store-bought, and they’re a great way to soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the great things about this recipe is that it makes excellent leftovers. The Philly cheesesteak casserole can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
2. Freezing Leftovers
- If you’d like to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
For more side dish ideas, you might like our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots, which pairs beautifully with this casserole.
FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
1. Can I use ground beef instead of shaved beef?
Yes, ground beef is a great substitute for shaved beef. It’s more affordable and easier to find, and it works just as well in the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives for both the cream cheese and provolone cheese. There are many plant-based cheeses available that melt well and taste great in this dish.
3. What are some good side dishes to serve with Philly cheesesteak casserole?
Great side dishes include cauliflower rice, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or low-carb bread.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store the casserole in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are the classic choices, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli to boost the nutritional content.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak casserole is a delicious, low-carb alternative to the traditional sandwich. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a family-friendly meal, or simply want to enjoy the rich flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the bread, this casserole has something for everyone.
With its versatility, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you use shaved beef or ground beef, add mushrooms or skip them, or go dairy-free, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So why not give it a try? Serve it with a side of cauliflower rice, a green salad, or some roasted vegetables, and enjoy a comforting, low-carb meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. For more comforting casseroles, check out our Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe, another favorite among casserole lovers.
