This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy all the classic flavors of a beloved sandwich in a convenient, low-carb, and high-protein dinner.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole: Easy High Protein Low Carb Dinner 16

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss. This dish comes together quickly and is sure to become a family favorite. Each serving provides about 30 grams of protein.

This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. It’s designed to be straightforward, using readily available ingredients, and promises a comforting meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb eating plan.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a weeknight warrior for good reason. It’s incredibly simple to assemble, making it perfect for busy parents, students, or anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors are universally appealing, combining savory steak, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese, which means even picky eaters are likely to enjoy it. You can serve this casserole as a standalone meal, making dinner planning a breeze. It’s an excellent choice for a satisfying family dinner, a casual get-together, or even meal prepping for healthy lunches throughout the week. Its low-carb and high-protein profile also makes it a great option for those following specific dietary plans.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this casserole is straightforward. Most items are common pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store. The key is to use good quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup beef broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup shredded provolone cheese

For substitutions, you can easily swap out the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or even ground turkey for a different flavor profile, though it won’t be a classic “Philly Cheese Steak” then. Any color of bell pepper works well, so feel free to use what you have on hand or what’s on sale. If you don’t have provolone, you can use all mozzarella or a blend of other mild, meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack. For a slightly richer flavor, you could use heavy cream instead of beef broth, adjusting for thickness.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a simple process. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
Cook the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Season the Mixture: Return the cooked onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly seasoned.
Create the Creamy Base: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and beef broth until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the shredded provolone cheese.
Combine and Bake: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can chop the bell peppers very finely or even omit them if your children aren’t fans, focusing on the savory beef and cheese. You could also add a touch of ketchup or a mild BBQ sauce to their portion for a familiar flavor.

To make it more substantial, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing, or a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli. For a party or buffet, you can prepare the casserole in individual ramekins for easy serving. Optional toppings can elevate the experience: a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color, a dash of hot sauce for a kick, or even some crispy fried onions for added texture. You can also offer a side of sugar-free marinara sauce for dipping, echoing the classic “pizza steak” variation.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. One frequent mistake is overcooking the beef and vegetables. Thinly sliced beef cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming tough. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Another error is not draining the beef properly. Excess grease can make the casserole greasy and less appealing. Always drain the fat after browning the beef for a cleaner, better-tasting dish.

Not softening the cream cheese before mixing can lead to a lumpy sauce. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, creamy base. Finally, not seasoning adequately can result in a bland casserole. Don’t be shy with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper; taste and adjust as needed before baking. These small adjustments make a big difference in the final outcome.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole stores wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, usually 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. For larger portions or to reheat the entire casserole, cover it loosely with foil and bake in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Adding a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water before reheating can help keep it moist.

You can also prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the entire casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak? Yes, you can. While thinly sliced steak is traditional for Philly cheesesteak, ground beef works well in a casserole format. Just be sure to brown and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the vegetables.

Is this casserole spicy? No, this recipe as written is not spicy. If you prefer a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Mushrooms are a popular addition to Philly cheesesteak and would be delicious in this casserole. You could also try adding finely chopped spinach or a handful of frozen peas.

What kind of cheese is best for melting? Mozzarella and provolone are excellent choices for their meltability and classic flavor. Other good melting cheeses include Monterey Jack or even a mild cheddar, though they will alter the traditional taste slightly.

How do I make sure the beef is tender? The key is to use thinly sliced beef and avoid overcooking it. Cook it quickly over medium-high heat until just browned, then combine it with the other ingredients.

**Can I freeze this

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.