High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in a cheesy low-carb casserole — sugar-free and ready in 40 minutes
This high-protein Philly cheesesteak casserole captures everything you love about the classic sandwich without the bread. Seasoned beef, peppers, onions, and mushrooms are baked under a blanket of melted cheese for a satisfying meal that delivers 32 g of protein and only 5 g net carbs per serving.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why you’ll love this casserole
- 32g protein per serving — a complete high-protein meal
- Only 5g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- All the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- One-pan style with minimal cleanup
- Excellent for meal prep and leftovers
Health notes
- High protein: Ground beef (or steak) and cheese deliver solid protein.
- Low carb: No bread or rice — just meat, vegetables, and cheese.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar in the seasoning or sauce.
- Satisfying: Rich, cheesy, and filling without the carbs.
Key element — don’t overcrowd the pan
Cook the beef and vegetables in batches if needed so they brown properly instead of steaming. Good browning builds the best flavor.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (85–90% lean) or thinly sliced steak
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free if needed)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or steak seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, divided
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar for extra flavor
Swaps
- Higher protein: Use extra-lean ground beef or add an extra egg to the mixture.
- Chicken version: Swap for ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
- Extra veggies: Add diced zucchini or more mushrooms.
Instructions
| 1 | Cook the beef and vegetables. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or steak) until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire, seasoning, salt, and pepper. |
| 2 | Make it creamy. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream (or broth) until melted and smooth. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until combined. |
| 3 | Assemble. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese (and cheddar if using). |
| 4 | Bake and serve. Bake 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Rest a few minutes, then serve hot. |
Pro tips
- Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip draining the fat — it keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- For extra browning on top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch carefully).
- This reheats beautifully and is excellent for meal prep.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted broccoli for a complete low-carb meal.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Net carbohydrates | 5g |
| Total carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Total fat | 26g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Estimates based on 85% lean ground beef, cream cheese, provolone/mozzarella, and vegetables. Exact numbers vary with meat lean percentage and cheese brand.
Variations
Spicy Philly
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Chicken Philly
Swap the beef for thinly sliced or ground chicken.
Extra cheesy
Mix in extra provolone and top with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
Mushroom-heavy
Double the mushrooms for a more earthy, savory version.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Store covered |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in portions for easy reheating |
| Reheat | Oven or microwave | Cover to keep moisture; add a splash of cream if needed |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this Philly cheesesteak casserole
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. Why brown the beef well?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to store leftovers?
