Looking for a bold, juicy, and cheesy steak sandwich experience that brings all the flavor of your favorite takeout—without buns, gluten, or unnecessary carbs? This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is exactly what you need. With its soft meat base, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and signature cheese topping, this low-carb version delivers all the richness of classic Philadelphia street food—in a keto-approved, grain-free format.
Perfect for weeknight dinners , meal prep , or when you’re craving something hearty but staying in ketosis, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients like ground beef, almond flour, and real cheese to bring bold East Coast flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re doing strict ketosis , following a low-carb lifestyle , or simply love savory sandwiches with depth and richness, this ground beef Philly cheesesteak will quickly become a go-to comfort dish in your weekly rotation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this perfect keto Philly cheesesteak from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
This isn’t just any old burger—it’s a savory, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold texture and taste together beautifully—in under 30 minutes!
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🥩 Juicy beef base : Made with seasoned ground beef for deep umami and savoriness.
- 🧅 Sweet onion finish : Natural caramelization adds depth without sugar spikes.
- 🧀 Cheesy richness : Melted provolone or cheddar gives stretch and satisfaction.
- 🍴 No bun required : Serve open-faced, wrapped in lettuce, or over cauliflower rice!
- 🥣 Easy to make : Just brown, sauté, and layer—no fancy tools needed!
- ⏱️ Ready in under 25–30 minutes
- 🧁 Great for batch cooking or freezer meals
- 🧼 Minimal cleanup : One skillet = zero mess!
Whether you’re making it for yourself after work, your kids for lunch, or guests at a weekend brunch, this Philly cheesesteak will quickly become a go-to comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small green or red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Use grass-fed beef for better flavor and nutrition.
For Serving:
- Lettuce wraps (butter lettuce or romaine)
- Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower
- Provolone or cheddar cheese slices
- Optional: Mushrooms, hot cherry peppers, or jalapeños for extra flair
- Optional: Sugar-free steak sauce or horseradish for kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes ).
Break apart using a wooden spoon as it browns.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet.
Cook for 4–5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.
Add garlic powder and stir in well.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the skillet with the veggies.
Stir to combine and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Place cheese slices over the meat mixture and let melt slightly.
Turn off the heat and cover the skillet for a few minutes to help the cheese soften.
Optional: Broil briefly for a bubbly top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with:
- A side of roasted mushrooms or zucchini
- Cauliflower mash or riced cauliflower
- Tzatziki or aioli for extra flair
- A drizzle of hot sauce or lemon-garlic butter
Pair with a side salad or keto coleslaw for a full meal.
Enjoy every soft, cheesy bite of your Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak !
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~18 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7 g |
| Cholesterol | ~60 mg |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1 g |
| Net Carbs | ~3 g |
| Protein | ~18 g |
Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
- Use quality cuts of beef – An 80/20 blend keeps it juicy and rich.
- Don’t skip caramelizing the onions – Builds natural sweetness and depth.
- Layer cheese right before serving – Keeps it gooey and melty.
- Make ahead and store – Keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Double the batch for future meals – Great for freezing and reheating later.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Chicken Philly Style
Replace beef with shredded cooked chicken and add bell peppers and cheese.
Turkey or Pork Version
Use ground turkey or pork for different protein options.
No-Bake Energy Bowl
Chill the mixture and serve cold with sour cream and pickled vegetables.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based ground “beef,” vegan cheese, and egg replacer.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Press into a cast iron skillet and top with mozzarella for a pizza-style twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only ~3g net carbs per serving , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use regular flour tortillas or buns?
Not recommended—standard bread and tortillas are high in carbs. Stick with lettuce wraps or low-carb bread.
How do I store leftover cheesesteak?
Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
What kind of cheese works best?
Provolone gives the richest flavor, but mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar also work great.
Can I slow-cook this cheesesteak?
Yes! Transfer everything to a slow cooker and simmer on low for 4–6 hours for deeper flavor.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The ground beef gives hearty protein power , keeping you full longer without heaviness.
- The onions and peppers add vibrant contrast , balancing the richness naturally.
- And the cheese melts into a golden blanket , completing the Philly-inspired experience.
It’s the kind of dish that makes eating clean feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your keto Philly cheesesteak beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
In Lettuce Cups
Wrap warm bites in large lettuce leaves for handheld eats.
Over Greens
Top arugula or kale with warm cheesesteak and a splash of balsamic glaze.
With Dipping Sauces
Try chipotle mayo, ranch, or tzatziki for extra flair.
At a Brunch
Cut into mini bites and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer servings.
As Leftovers
Crumble over scrambled eggs or mix with Greek yogurt for fusion-style breakfast bowls.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:
Grass-Fed Ground Beef
High in iron and B vitamins—supports muscle growth and satiety.
Bell Peppers
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants—great for immunity and skin glow.
Onions
Natural prebiotic fiber—boosts digestion and heart health.
Even though this is a sandwich-style dish, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a snack—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish for Steak Lovers
This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak proves that going low-carb doesn’t mean missing out on bold, comforting flavors. With its soft meat center, crispy veggie finish, and signature cheesy goodness, it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple skillet meal into something magical—even without bread.
Whether you’re new to keto, looking for a fast weeknight dinner idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, this Philly cheesesteak deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with family, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.
Print
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Recipe – Savory, Gooey & Perfectly Low-Carb!
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
Savory, cheesy, and loaded with vibrant veggies — a quick and hearty low-carb twist on a classic favorite!
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 cup sweet pepper strips (red, orange, yellow) 2 cups green bell pepper strips
¼ cup onion, sliced
½ cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 oz provolone cheese (sliced) 3 oz shredded gruyere or swiss cheese
1 tablespoon steak seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and sprinkle with steak seasoning. Reduce heat to medium and cook until browned and fully cooked.
While the beef is cooking, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sauté until tender.
Combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked beef and mix well.
Top the mixture with provolone and shredded gruyere or swiss cheese.
Place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Serve hot on its own, over lettuce, in low-carb wraps, or with hoagie rolls if not following low-carb. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 439
- Fat: 27.7g
- Carbohydrates: 5.4g
- Protein: 37.9g