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Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole - Comforting, Low-Carb, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean) or thinly sliced sirloin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (green or a mix of green and red), thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a deeper flavor)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check for low-sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor and browning)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little oil or butter.
  2. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Add the onions and peppers. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned. If using mushrooms, add them in the last 4–5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and the ground beef (or sliced sirloin). Break up the beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Season the meat: Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Turn heat to low.
  5. Make it creamy: Stir in cream cheese until melted and silky. Add heavy cream, Worcestershire, and Dijon. Simmer gently 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Layer the casserole: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with the sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
  7. Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded provolone (or mozzarella) evenly over the top, then add Parmesan if using. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup cheese for later.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
  9. Finish and broil: Remove, add the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, and switch the oven to broil. Broil 1–2 minutes until the top is golden and spotty brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit 5–10 minutes so it sets. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli.