Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a flavorful, low-carb take on the classic Philly cheese steak, bringing all the familiar flavors into a comforting and easy-to-make bake. This casserole combines seasoned ground beef with tender bell peppers, onions, and a creamy egg mixture, then tops it off with melted Provolone cheese for that signature cheesiness.
The process is straightforward: after browning the ground beef, it’s mixed with sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic for a flavor base that echoes the classic Philly. Layered with Provolone and topped with a rich egg and cream mixture, the casserole bakes to perfection in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Once baked, the casserole is bubbly and golden, with a creamy texture that’s sure to satisfy. Serve it hot and enjoy all the taste of a Philly cheese steak in a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and deliciously low on carbs.
Why You’ll Love It:
Quick and Convenient: This one-dish meal cuts down on prep time and cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
Low-Carb Option: By skipping the sandwich roll, you get all the flavors of a Philly cheese steak in a lower-carb, keto-friendly version.
Family-Friendly: With its creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors, it’s a dish even picky eaters will love.
Adaptable: Feel free to customize it with different cheeses, veggies, or spices for a personalized touch.
Key Ingredients:
Lean Ground Beef: Opt for a leaner cut (90/10) to keep the casserole from becoming greasy, though you can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
Bell Peppers: Traditional Philly cheese steak usually includes green bell peppers, but feel free to mix it up with red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter, colorful twist.
Onion: Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth, though red onion would add a milder, slightly different flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Known for its creamy melt and mild flavor, Provolone is classic in Philly cheesesteaks, but mozzarella or even a cheddar blend can work if you’re looking for a stronger flavor.
Heavy Cream and Eggs: These give the casserole its fluffy, rich texture, similar to a quiche or frittata. They also help bind the ingredients together.
Seasonings: Seasoned salt adds an extra depth of flavor, while Worcestershire sauce lends a subtle umami and savory taste. A dash of hot sauce is optional but brings a slight kick that complements the richness of the dish.
How to Make Beef and Provolone Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Chop and Mince: Dice the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic for added flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add Vegetables to Skillet: Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, adding flavor and texture to the dish.
Step 5: Season
Season the Mixture: Stir in seasoned salt to the beef and vegetable mixture, adjusting to taste.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Layer slices of Provolone cheese on top of the beef mixture for a creamy, melty layer.
Step 7: Make the Egg Mixture
Prepare the Egg Base: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and cheese in the baking dish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy beef and Provolone casserole!
Serving Suggestions:
Crusty Bread: While this dish is low-carb, a slice of crusty baguette or garlic bread makes a delicious addition for those who aren’t watching carbs.
Salad: Serve with a light, crisp side salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
Potatoes: For a heartier meal, pair with roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
Pickles or Pepperoncini: Add a side of pickles or pepperoncini peppers to give it that deli-style finish.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Freezing: This casserole is also freezer-friendly! Portion it into individual servings, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To maintain its creamy texture, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave on medium heat until warmed through.
Variations:
Keto Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: This casserole is already quite low in carbs, but to make it even more keto-friendly, you could skip the onion or use a small amount of onion powder to cut carbs.
Mushroom Philly Cheese Steak: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for a meatier texture and extra flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Use a mix of Provolone and mozzarella for extra cheesiness, or try sharp cheddar if you prefer a more intense cheese flavor.
Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter, yet still hearty, take on the recipe.
Spicy Philly: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the egg mixture.
Cauliflower Philly: To lower the calories and carbs, replace half the ground beef with chopped cauliflower, which blends in seamlessly with the beef and adds extra fiber.
Conclusion:
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a perfect dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings without the fuss of assembling sandwiches. It brings the familiar flavors of a Philly cheese steak into a dish that’s easy to prepare, serve, and reheat. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping for meals ahead, this casserole brings a cozy, satisfying bite every time. Enjoy every cheesy, savory forkful!
