If you’re craving the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the carbs, this keto-friendly Philly cheesesteak casserole is the perfect solution. By swapping out the bread for a hearty casserole format, you can enjoy all the deliciousness without compromising your low-carb lifestyle. This recipe is packed with savory steak, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Keto Cheesesteak Casserole
1. Preparing the Steak and Veggies To begin, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Next, add the shaved steak meat and season it with steak seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the steak until it is fully cooked, ensuring it is well-browned and flavorful. Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set it aside for later.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers (both green and red). Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, then sauté them until they start to soften. The goal is to have tender yet slightly crisp veggies that complement the steak perfectly.
2. Creating the Rich Cheese Sauce In a separate saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened. Once the base sauce is ready, stir in half a cup of shredded Italian blend cheese. This will create a rich and creamy cheese sauce that coats every bite of the casserole.
3. Assembling the Casserole Now that the steak, veggies, and cheese sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a well-greased 9×9-inch baking dish, layer the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, ensuring that all ingredients are well-coated. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining half-cup of shredded cheese over the top.
4. Baking to Perfection Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling. The cheese should form a delicious crust, adding texture and flavor to the dish. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This step helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve.
5. Garnishing and Serving For a fresh and vibrant finish, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile. The casserole can be divided into five servings, with each slice containing approximately 526 calories and only 4 net carbs, making it an ideal low-carb meal option.
The Creative Twist on a Classic: Making It Your Own
While this casserole already takes a creative departure from the traditional Philly cheesesteak, there are several ways to customize it further:
- Mushroom and Banana Peppers: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms and banana peppers for extra flavor and texture. Both are traditional cheesesteak toppings and keep the dish keto-friendly.
- Keto Sandwich Option: If you miss the bread, you can transform this recipe into a classic sandwich. Prepare the steak, veggies, and cheese sauce as directed, but instead of baking them in a dish, layer them onto slices of low-carb bread, such as coconut flour or almond flour bread. This variation provides the handheld experience of a traditional cheesesteak while maintaining low-carb benefits.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this casserole’s success lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The juicy steak pairs perfectly with the tender-crisp vegetables, while the creamy cheese sauce brings everything together. By baking the ingredients, you achieve a cohesive dish where every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness. The addition of parsley not only brightens the presentation but also adds a subtle herbaceous note that elevates the overall taste.
This keto Philly cheesesteak casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic American dish without the carbs. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Low-Carb Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
5
servings10
minutes40
minutes526
kcal50
Quick and Simple Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb shaved steak meat
1 tsp steak seasoning
½ cup green bell pepper, sliced
½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
½ cup onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
3 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until just tender.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream and cream cheese until melted and thickened. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Place the cooked steak and veggies in a greased 9×9 baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over and mix. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Net Carbs: 4g
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 526kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
