low carb keto philly cheese steak casserole with spicy peppers

Craving a Philly cheesesteak but sticking to a low-carb or ketogenic diet? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness you love, transformed into a comforting and satisfying casserole. Get ready to ditch the bread and indulge in a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

The Keto-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: A Spicy Twist

This recipe amps up the classic Philly cheesesteak with a kick of spicy peppers, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. We’ll use lean steak, plenty of cheese, and a blend of spices to create a dish that’s both delicious and compliant with your low-carb lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Steak: Ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced (approximately 1 pound). You can often find pre-sliced steak at the grocery store.
• Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend will also work. About 8 ounces.
• Peppers: A mix of sweet bell peppers (green, red, yellow) and spicy peppers like jalapenos or serranos, chopped. Adjust the amount of spicy peppers to your preferred heat level.
• Onion: One medium onion, thinly sliced.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
• Butter or Olive Oil: For sautéing.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This adds creaminess and richness.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak: If you didn’t buy pre-sliced steak, partially freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Steak: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the sliced steak and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the steak in batches. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Combine and Assemble: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
6. Top with Cheese: Arrange the provolone (or your cheese of choice) slices over the top of the steak and vegetable mixture.
7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Broil (Optional): For a more browned and bubbly cheese topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Keto Cheesesteak Casserole

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos or serranos to your preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the steak mixture.
• Vegetable Variations: Add sliced mushrooms or other keto-friendly vegetables to the mix.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for added heat.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole on its own, or with a side of cauliflower rice, a green salad, or your favorite keto-friendly vegetables.

Enjoy a Delicious and Keto-Friendly Meal

This low-carb keto Philly cheesesteak casserole with spicy peppers is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak without the carbs. It’s a flavorful, filling, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to indulge in a guilt-free, cheesy, and spicy delight!