Introduction
Casseroles are a fantastic way to gather flavors and textures in one dish, making them perfect for family meals or potlucks. This delightful recipe brings a taste of Philadelphia right into your kitchen. It is hearty, filling, and incredibly satisfying. With the allure of tender meat, melty cheese, and a harmony of vegetables, the Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is an ideal option for those looking to enjoy comfort food without the carbs.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to try this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. First and foremost, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish while keeping your carb intake in check. Packed with seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, and layers of gooey cheese, this casserole is comfort food done right. It also comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you have picky eaters at home or just crave a flavorful meal, this dish is versatile and appealing to many.
Moreover, it’s easy to adapt for various dietary needs. If you’re trying to follow a low-carb lifestyle, this recipe hits the spot without missing out on flavor. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which makes it convenient for busy days. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the rich textures will entice your senses and leave everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Preparing this casserole is straightforward, making it accessible even for those new to cooking. Below are the details to guide you in creating this tasty dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed, diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. It’s essential to prepare your baking dish first to ensure easy cleanup later on.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil will give your vegetables a lovely flavor while allowing them to soften beautifully.
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Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the hot oil. Cook them for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. The aroma of the onions and peppers cooking together will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Make sure to stir constantly during this step to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
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Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula while it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, ensuring it’s completely browned with no pink remaining.
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If there’s excess fat in the skillet, drain it. This step helps keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
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Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, coating the meat mixture for enhanced flavor. This sauce adds depth and richness to the beef.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir it until it completely melts and blends into a creamy mixture.
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Transfer this flavorful mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom to ensure that every bite is full of flavor.
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Layer torn pieces of provolone cheese over the beef mixture, making sure to cover it well. Then, top it with the shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible cheesy top that everyone loves.
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Bake in your preheated oven for about 22 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. The aroma will fill your home with warmth and comfort.
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Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Serving this casserole is as easy as it is to prepare. You can dish it out directly from the baking dish, making it ideal for family-style dining. Pair it with a light side salad for a balanced meal or serve it alongside steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
This casserole can also be enjoyed as leftovers the next day. Reheating it in the oven or microwave will keep the cheese gooey and the flavors intact. It’s delicious enough to serve at gatherings or potlucks, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Store Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
To store your leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheating individual portions in the microwave is straightforward and quick.
For longer preservation, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into serving sizes and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. When stored properly, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
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Beef Choice: Choose an 80/20 fat ratio for ground beef. This offers great flavor and keeps it tender. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10, but this could affect the overall texture.
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Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix up the bell peppers. Choose your favorites, or add poblano peppers for a little kick. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
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Cheese Choices: While provolone and mozzarella are traditional, you can mix cheeses for a unique twist. Cheddar or pepper jack can add a spicy kick to the dish.
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Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your casserole during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want the top to burn.
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Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it one night ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh the next day.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider making a Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers version. Simply use halved bell peppers as your base, remove the seeds, and fill them with the meat and cheese mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly for a different presentation while keeping the same fantastic flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef as alternatives. Adjust cooking times as required, especially if you’re using leaner meats.
2. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses no bread or traditional thickeners. Always check labels on sauces and cheese if gluten is a concern.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or include a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture. You can also swap out mozzarella for spicy pepper jack cheese.
With its robust flavor profile and comforting textures, this casserole is an ideal candidate for quick meals that don’t skimp on taste. Enjoy each savory bite with family or savor it on your own—either way, this dish promises to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Print
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A hearty and satisfying casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, colorful peppers, and layers of gooey cheese, perfect for low-carb diets.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio preferred)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 large bell peppers (diced, green, red, or mixed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers; cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up while cooking; season with salt and pepper and cook until browned (about 7 to 8 minutes).
- If needed, drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese; stir until melted and combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer torn provolone cheese pieces over the beef mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
