Unbelievably Easy Keto Philly Cheesesteak Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind!

This keto Philly cheesesteak recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that aligns with a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. It captures the essence of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich without the carb-heavy hoagie roll. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a quick, easy, and delicious dinner option.

Introduction

The Philly cheesesteak, traditionally made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, has been reimagined to fit the keto diet. By eliminating the bread and focusing on the savory combination of meat, cheese, and vegetables, this recipe delivers a guilt-free version of a beloved classic. Whether you're strictly following a keto diet or simply looking for a high-protein, low-carb meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Protein

Ground Beef: This keto ground beef Philly cheesesteak is an easy and tasty dinner you can whip up on busy weeknight dinners. Using ground beef instead of steak makes this dish more affordable and perfect for busy weeknights. I always have ground beef in the freezer and so this is a tasty low carb dinner I put together quickly.
- Alternatives: While ground beef is a cost-effective and convenient option, you can substitute it with thinly sliced steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), ground turkey, or even sliced chicken for a different flavor profile.
Steak: Select the best Steak - You want to select meat that has reasonable amount of fat on it. You also want it thinly sliced. I always check with my butcher at the meat market for assistance.

Vegetables

Bell Peppers: A mix of colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, and green) not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a variety of flavors.
Onions: Yellow or white onions are essential for that authentic Philly cheesesteak taste.
Mushrooms: While not everyone's favorite, mushrooms add an earthy depth to the dish. Feel free to omit them if desired.

Cheese

Provolone: Known for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, provolone cheese is a classic choice for cheesesteaks.
Gruyere/Swiss Blend: A shredded gruyere/Swiss cheese blend adds a nutty and slightly tangy flavor.
Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even Cheez Whiz, depending on your preference. Different cheeses have different carbs counts. I wanted to use provolone and gruyere for the taste but you can use whatever kind of cheese you want. Some carb counts for 1 cup of cheese are: shredded mozzarella (2.5g), shredded gruyere (0.4g), shredded cheddar (1.4g) and 1 oz provolone slice (0.6g).

Seasoning

Steak Seasoning: This blend of spices gives the ground beef a more pronounced steak-like flavor.
Alternatives: If you don't have steak seasoning, a generous mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder will do the trick. Add in the Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meat

Heat up a large oven proof skillet (like a cast iron skillet) to medium high heat and add in the ground beef. Sprinkle the steak seasoning on top and turn the heat down to medium heat. Brown the meat until cooked through.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In the meantime heat up another large skillet and add in the olive oil and vegetables while the beef cooks. Saute until the vegetables are cooked through.

Combining and Melting the Cheese

Pour the cooked vegetables onto the ground beef mixture and mix well. Sprinkle cheeses over top.
Set in the oven, under the broiler until the cheeses are melted and starting to brown.

Serving Suggestions

As-Is: Enjoy the keto Philly cheesesteak as is, straight from the skillet.
Salad Topping: Top a bed of crisp lettuce with the cheesesteak mixture for a satisfying salad.
Stuffed Peppers: Spoon the mixture into pre-baked bell peppers for a fun and flavorful twist.
Low-Carb Buns: Use keto-friendly buns made from fathead dough, cauliflower, or almond flour for a sandwich experience.
Mushroom Caps: Use portobello mushroom caps as the bun.
Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the cheesesteak filling in lettuce leaves for a refreshing and low-carb option.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Keto Philly Cheesesteak

Thinly Slice the Steak: If using steak, ensure it is thinly sliced for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Don't Overcook the Vegetables: Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to retain their texture and flavor.
Use a Hot Skillet: A hot skillet ensures that the meat browns properly and the cheese melts evenly.
Broil for Extra Flavor: Broiling the cheesesteak after adding the cheese creates a delicious browned and bubbly topping.
Make it Creamy: If you want a creamier texture to your Philly Cheesesteak add in a block of cream cheese.

Nutritional Information

This low carb, high protein dinner has only 3.9g net carbs and 37.9 grams of protein!

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Variations and Add-Ins

Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate cream cheese for a creamier and richer flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Include Other Vegetables: Experiment with adding other low-carb vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or jalapeños.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead: Prepare the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions in meal prep containers for quick and easy low-carb lunches.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #philly #cheesesteak #recipe