Irresistible Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe – Easy Low-Carb Dinner Delight!

This article provides a comprehensive guide to preparing a keto-friendly Philly cheesesteak skillet. It covers ingredient selection, step-by-step cooking instructions, variations, and serving suggestions, ensuring a tasty and satisfying low-carb meal for the whole family.

Introduction

The keto Philly cheesesteak skillet is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that brings the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich to your table without the carbs. This recipe is perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, or anyone looking for a tasty and satisfying dinner option. Using readily available ingredients and requiring minimal cleanup, this skillet meal is ideal for busy weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe substitutes traditional hoagie rolls with a skillet-based approach, making it naturally low in carbs. Ground beef is used instead of steak, making it a more affordable and accessible option. The combination of beef, peppers, onions, and cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients

Protein

Ground Beef: 85% ground beef is recommended for a balance of flavor and minimal excess grease. Ground turkey or ground chicken can also be used as substitutes. For a more traditional flavor, thinly sliced steak can be used instead of ground beef. Ribeye or sirloin are good choices, but freezing the steak for about 15 minutes before slicing can make the process easier.
Steak: Flank steak, ribeye, skirt steak, or flat iron steak can be used.

Vegetables

Peppers: A mix of colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange) and green peppers is used for both visual appeal and taste.
Onions: Yellow or white onions are essential for the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Mushrooms: Optional, but they add a delicious earthy flavor. Canned mushrooms or fresh oyster mushrooms can be used. If using canned mushrooms, rinse and drain them well to reduce FODMAPs.
Cauliflower: Adds bulk and nutrition to the skillet.

Cheese

Provolone Cheese: Sliced provolone is preferred for its flavor and melting properties.
Gruyere/Swiss Cheese Blend: Adds a nutty and complex flavor.
Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella is a good choice for its mild flavor and melting ability.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and savory flavor.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Seasoning

Steak Seasoning: Gives the ground beef a more steak-like flavor. If you don't have steak seasoning, use a generous amount of salt and black pepper or another seasoned salt.
Onion Powder: Enhances the onion flavor in the dish.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic Italian flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and vegetables.
Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent garlic flavor.

Other

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables. Garlic-infused olive oil can be used to add garlic flavor while keeping the recipe low FODMAP.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the skillet.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used as substitutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor. Italian dressing can be used as a substitute.
Coconut Aminos: A soy-free soy sauce substitute that is low FODMAP.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess to the dish.

Equipment

Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron skillet recommended)
Small saucepan
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Dice half of the onion, then thinly slice the other half. Slice the peppers and mushrooms. Thinly slice the steak into ⅛-inch thick strips, or crumble the ground beef. Shred the cheeses.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with steak seasoning. Brown the meat until cooked through, then drain off any excess grease. If using steak, cook it in batches to ensure it gets crispy on the edges. Transfer the cooked steak to a dish and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are cooked through and starting to soften, about 10 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce (Optional): In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and heat until bubbles begin to form around the edges of the pan, but do not allow to boil. Whisk in grated provolone a little at a time until it is fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat.
Combine and Bake: Pour the cooked vegetables onto the ground beef mixture and mix well. Stir in the beef broth, cauliflower (if using), Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. If using cream cheese, stir it in until melted and well combined.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the cheeses over the top of the mixture.
Melt the Cheese: Set the skillet in the oven under the broiler until the cheeses are melted and starting to brown, about 2-5 minutes. Alternatively, cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted.

Tips for Success

Slice the Steak Thinly: For the best texture and flavor, slice the steak as thinly as possible. Freezing the steak for a short time before slicing can make this easier.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that each piece gets cooked evenly and develops a nice crust.
Adjust Vegetable Amounts: You can adjust the amounts of vegetables to lower the carb count.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination.
Add a Creamy Texture: Add a block of cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Select the Best Steak: Choose meat that has a reasonable amount of fat and is thinly sliced.
Make it a Casserole: Prepare the meat and peppers as indicated in the skillet, then place in a casserole dish to melt the cheese in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

As Is: Eat the skillet as is for a tasty and satisfying keto meal.
Over Lettuce: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb salad.
In a Bowl: Create a Philly cheesesteak bowl by serving the skillet over cauliflower rice or another low-carb base.
With Hoagie Rolls: For those not following a low-carb diet, serve on hoagie rolls or hamburger buns.
With Rice: Serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad.

Variations

Change the Protein: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or sliced chicken instead of ground beef.
Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as spinach, jalapeños, or banana peppers.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
Low FODMAP: Use garlic-infused olive oil, green bell pepper, and canned mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, this keto ground beef Philly cheesesteak typically contains around 3.9g net carbs and 37.9 grams of protein per serving.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: Place in an air tight container and place in the refrigerator. Once you are ready to serve, place back in the skillet and heat then top with your cheese and melt as indicated in the recipe.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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