High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Oh my gosh, you guys—this High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is my latest obsession! I’ve been making it on repeat ever since I first threw it together on a busy weeknight. You know those days when you’re craving something indulgent but still want to stick to your health goals? This casserole is the answer. It’s got all that glorious Philly cheesesteak flavor—juicy beef, melty cheese, those perfect caramelized peppers and onions—but packed into an easy, protein-packed bake that won’t wreck your macros.

After testing this recipe more times than I can count (my family didn’t mind being taste testers!), I’ve nailed the perfect balance. The secret? Using lean ground beef keeps it high-protein without drying out, and that egg-and-cream mixture gives it an almost quiche-like richness while keeping carbs low. Trust me, even your carb-loving friends won’t miss the bread when they try this!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Let me count the ways this casserole will become your new weeknight hero:

• Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 40 minutes—even faster if you prep veggies ahead!
• Flavor bomb: All the garlicky, cheesy goodness of a Philly cheesesteak without the carb crash.
• Meal-prep magic: Tastes even better reheated, making lunches a no-brainer.
• Keto’s best friend: Just 8g net carbs per serving means you can indulge guilt-free.

Seriously, it’s like your favorite sandwich and a cozy casserole had the most delicious baby.

Ingredients for High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Okay, let’s gather our dream team of ingredients! I’ve learned through trial and error that quality matters here—especially with such a simple ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen:

• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef (trust me, that 7% fat makes all the difference for flavor without too much grease)
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin (I like mine about 1/4-inch strips for perfect texture)
• 1 medium onion, sliced (yellow works great, but if you’re feeling fancy, try a sweet Vidalia)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (baby bellas are my go-to for that umami kick)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best—none of that jarred stuff for this beauty!)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (the secret weapon for that authentic steakhouse flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher—it distributes better than table salt)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground if you can
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (whole milk melts like a dream)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (sharp gives a nice flavor punch)
• 2 large eggs (room temp blends better with the cream)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, packed (yes, packed—I eyeball it just over the line)

See? Nothing crazy or hard to find. Just real, simple ingredients that turn into something extraordinary. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this casserole! Just grab these basics from your kitchen:

• A trusty skillet (I use my well-seasoned cast iron, but any heavy-bottomed pan works)
• 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic—just give it a quick grease first!)
• Mixing bowl (medium-sized for whisking up that creamy egg mixture)

That’s it! Now you’re ready to roll.

How to Make High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Alright, let’s get down to business! I promise this casserole comes together so easily—even on those nights when you’re tempted to just order takeout. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, beefy masterpiece in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

First things first—preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your skillet and let’s get sizzling! I always start by browning the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with my wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no more pink—about 5-6 minutes should do it.

Here’s my pro tip: tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease (we want flavorful, not greasy!). Then toss in those beautiful sliced veggies—bell peppers, onions, mushrooms—and that heavenly minced garlic. Oh, the smell at this point is incredible! Cook everything until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5 more minutes. Don’t forget to stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper at the end—that’s what gives it that authentic Philly flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Now for the fun part! Transfer your meat and veggie mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until they’re completely combined—this is what gives our casserole that rich, almost quiche-like texture without adding flour or breadcrumbs.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the meat and veggies. Then comes the best part—the cheese! Sprinkle that mozzarella and cheddar evenly across the top. I like to use my fingers to make sure every bite gets cheesy goodness. No skimping here—this is a Philly cheesesteak, after all!

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Pop that beautiful dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all bubbly and golden—I usually start checking around the 20-minute mark. Here’s the hardest part: resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up perfectly so you get clean slices instead of a cheesy avalanche.

And there you have it—a High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The hardest part will be not going back for seconds!

Tips for the Best High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Want to take your casserole from good to “oh my gosh, can I have the recipe?” level? These little tricks make all the difference:

• Pat the beef dry after browning—it helps the egg mixture bind better.
• Slice veggies uniformly so they cook evenly (no crunchy pepper surprises!).
• Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if you like that gorgeous, bubbly golden crust.

See? Chef-level results with zero fuss!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Listen, I know we all have those days when we’re missing an ingredient or need to adapt for dietary needs. No worries—this casserole is crazy versatile! Here are my favorite swaps and twists:

• Ground turkey or chicken works if you’re not feeling beef—just add an extra drizzle of Worcestershire for that umami kick.
• Dairy-free? Use your favorite plant-based cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It won’t be *quite* the same, but still delicious!
• Spice lovers: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the veggies.
• Extra veggie boost: Throw in some spinach at the end—it wilts perfectly into the hot mixture.

The beauty of this recipe? It’s practically begging for your personal touch!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, let’s talk leftovers—because this casserole is *almost* better the next day! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container (or cover the baking dish tightly with foil) and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight—bonus!
• Freezer: If you’re a meal-prep pro, this casserole freezes like a dream. Cut it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. It’ll stay good for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: My favorite way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the cheese from drying out.

Pro tip: If you froze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Trust me, it’s worth the wait—it’ll taste just as good as the first time!

High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Nutritional Info

Now, let’s talk numbers—because I know how important it is to stay on track with those macros! Remember, these are estimates since brands and ingredient sizes can vary (my heavy cream pour isn’t always *exactly* 1/4 cup, if we’re being honest). But here’s the general nutrition breakdown per serving:

This casserole packs a serious protein punch while keeping carbs in check—perfect for keto, low-carb, or just anyone wanting a balanced meal. You’re looking at about 28g of protein per generous serving (hello, muscle fuel!), with only 8g net carbs. That comes from the veggies—no sneaky fillers or unnecessary starches here!

The healthy fats in the cheese and cream keep you satisfied, and since we’re using lean beef, you get all that rich flavor without overdoing the saturated fat. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent but actually fits your goals perfectly.

Important note: If you make substitutions (like turkey for beef or dairy-free cheese), your numbers will change. Always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely!

FAQs About High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

I get asked about this casserole ALL the time—so let’s tackle those burning questions! Here are the answers to what everyone wants to know:

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works great—just add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to boost the flavor. I’ve even made it with sliced chicken breast in a pinch (cook it first, then chop it up before adding to the casserole). It won’t taste exactly like a classic Philly, but it’s still crazy delicious!

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Oh honey, it’s a freezer DREAM! I always make a double batch to stash in the freezer. Just let it cool completely, slice into portions, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When that 3pm “What’s for dinner?” panic hits, just pop a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Tastes just as good as fresh!

What’s the best way to get crispy cheese on top?
My secret weapon? A quick broil at the end! After baking, switch your oven to broil for just 1-2 minutes—watch it like a hawk though, because it can go from golden to burnt in seconds. That extra crunch takes this casserole to a whole new level of yum.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
You’re speaking my language! This is one of my favorite meal prep staples. Assemble the whole casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold. The egg mixture actually soaks into the meat and veggies, making it even more flavorful!

Share Your Feedback

I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your High Protein Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole turns out! Did you add any fun twists? Maybe some extra spice or different cheeses? Drop me a note below—your tips might just help another home cook perfect their version!

And hey, if this casserole becomes a regular in your kitchen like it is in mine (my family would eat it weekly if I let them!), I’d be thrilled if you shared your thoughts. Nothing makes me happier than knowing my recipes are bringing joy to other people’s dinner tables!

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