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If you’re missing cheesy Philly cheesesteak, this is for you – the keto version and a casserole! ]Cheesy, savory, and filling with only 5 grams of net carbs. It’s gluten-free and high-protein.
People love the keto diet (and I’m one of them). It’s versatile, and it offers delicious meals. Just imagine enjoying rich, flavorful dishes that are not only delicious but also help you reach your weight loss goals.
One such delightful dish is the keto cheesy Philly casserole. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the benefits of a keto-friendly meal. And I love it for it!
The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved American classic that originates from Philadelphia. It’s traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, onions, and bell peppers, all served in a soft hoagie roll.
When you transform this into a casserole, I believe that it becomes an even more comforting and hearty dish. Perfect for a cold winter night or whenever you are feeling a bit down.
Now, to make a Philly casserole keto-friendly, you are going to need to swap out some ingredients for low-carb alternatives. After all, bread is not ideal for a low-carb diet.
However, you still want to maintain the rich flavors and textures of the original Philly casserole meal while keeping it low-carb.
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Pin ItAnd I’ve found the perfect solution!
First, replace the hoagie roll by adding more filling. Lean ground beef, onions, and bell peppers are naturally low in carbs and offer a punch of flavor.
Then, use cream cheese and Provolone cheese to add creaminess and richness without increasing the carb content.
Another great thing that I love about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste and needs.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Use regular olive oil when cooking.
1 large yellow onion, chopped – You can also use white onions, or if you are feeling a bit lazy, you can use onion flakes.
Lean ground beef (2 lbs) – You can also choose other options like chicken or turkey ground. For a plant-based option, use tofu or another plant-based meat.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp) – If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use chipotle powder.
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – Don’t skip this ingredient since it adds a lot of flavor to the meal.
Garlic powder (1 tsp) – You can also use garlic flakes.
3 large bell peppers, sliced into strips – You can use different colored bell peppers to add some color, flavor, and more nutrients to the meal.
Cream cheese (4 oz) – Be careful if you decide to use low-fat cream cheese. While it can reduce the calories of the meal, some of them contain more carbs, which can affect the end net carbs of the recipe.
Provolone cheese, grated (4 oz) – You can try a variety of cheeses like Colby Jack, Pepper jack, and mozzarella.
Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Keto Cheesy Philly Casserole
Step 1. Grab a baking dish and preheat the oven to 350F. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the onions.
Step 2. Cook the onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
Step 3. Add the ground beef, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Make sure you break the ground meat apart, and it’s all covered with the seasonings.
Step 4. Cook the meat until it browns. It should take roughly 7-10 minutes.
Step 5. Add in the bell peppers.
Step 6. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 7. Add the cream cheese.
Step 8. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 9. Transfer the ground beef mix to the baking dish. Grab a spatula and level everything out.
Step 10. Grab the Provolone cheese and sprinkle it on top of the ground beef mix.
Step 11. Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble.
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Pin ItBest Ways to Modify This Casserole
- Protein variations. While lean ground beef is the star of this recipe, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure you choose a high-quality (and low-carb) protein.
- Vegetable additions. While onions and bell peppers are a must, you can also add other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spice it up. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can consider adding some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different seasonings like cumin, coriander, or chili powder.
Sides for Keto Cheesy Philly Casserole
This dish is so great you are going to want to pair it with a side dish that is only going to elevate the meal. Here are some of my favorite sides that I’ve found that really complement this dish to perfection.
- Cauliflower rice. A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is light and fluffy and absorbs the flavors of the casserole.
- Zucchini noodles. These can add a fresh, crunchy texture to your meal. You can sauté them lightly with olive oil and garlic for a quick and tasty side.
- Green salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette is a refreshing and nutritious side to the rich casserole.
- Roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious, crunchy element to the meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Before you store the casserole in either the fridge or freezer, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation that can lead to soggy portions.
Now, to store it in the fridge, place the leftovers in an airtight container. I’ve found that this helps lock the moisture and prevent the casserole from absorbing the smells from other foods in the fridge.
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To keep the leftovers for a longer time, place them in a freezer-safe container. While they can last up to 3 months, they are best to eat within the month.
Other Keto Casseroles
- Low Carb Taco Casserole
- Keto Cauliflower Ziti
- Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Bake
Keto Cheesy Philly Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 large bell peppers sliced into strips
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 4 oz Provolone cheese grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add in the olive oil.
- Add in the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Now add in the ground beef, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Break the ground meat apart and cover it with seasonings. Cook until browned, around 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in the peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and stir well to combine all of the ingredients.
- Transfer all of the mixture into a baking dish, level it out, and cover with grated Provolone cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until all the cheese has melted and serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
