When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the savory goodness of a classic Philly Cheesesteak . But for those following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle, traditional cheesesteak sandwiches made with hoagie rolls can be off-limits due to their high carb content. Enter Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps , a delicious and creative alternative that swaps out the bread for nutrient-packed cabbage leaves. These wraps combine tender slices of beef, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in crisp yet tender cabbage leaves. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making these flavorful wraps, including tips, variations, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe for a low-carb meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps
1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
By replacing the bread with cabbage leaves, this dish is naturally low in carbs and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it perfect for keto, paleo, and gluten-free diets.
2. Flavorful and Satisfying
With thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese, every bite delivers the bold flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak.
3. Quick and Easy
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these wraps come together quickly, even for beginner cooks. Plus, they’re cooked in one skillet, which means less cleanup!
4. Customizable
Whether you prefer extra veggies, a spicy kick, or different cheeses, this recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps:
For the Wraps:
- 1 large head of green cabbage (or Savoy cabbage for softer leaves)
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak (or sirloin for a leaner option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella for a gooier texture)
- Optional: Hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor
For Serving:
- Optional toppings: Dijon mustard, hot sauce, or chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and carefully peel off 8–10 large leaves. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- If the leaves are too stiff, blanch them by boiling for 1–2 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This softens the leaves for easier wrapping.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add the thinly sliced steak to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the steak. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Spoon a generous portion of the steak and vegetable mixture onto the center of the leaf.
- Top with a slice of provolone cheese (or sprinkle shredded cheese if preferred).
- Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the wraps warm, garnished with optional toppings like hot sauce, Dijon mustard, or chopped parsley.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps
- Use Thinly Sliced Steak : Ask your butcher to thinly slice the ribeye or sirloin for you, or partially freeze the meat before slicing it yourself for easier cutting.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage : Blanching the leaves makes them pliable but still sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
- Experiment with Cheese : Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies : Sauté mushrooms or spinach along with the onions and peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make Ahead : Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble the wraps when ready to serve.
Variations to Try
While the classic version is divine, here are some creative twists to try:
- Spicy Version : Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Cheese Lovers’ Wraps : Use a mix of provolone, mozzarella, and cream cheese for an ultra-cheesy experience.
- Veggie-Friendly Option : Replace the steak with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Breakfast Wraps : Add scrambled eggs and swap the steak for sausage or bacon for a hearty breakfast-inspired twist.
- Gluten-Free Option : This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce if serving to someone with severe sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
These Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps are versatile enough to serve in a variety of settings:
- For Dinner : Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- At Parties : Cut the wraps into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers.
- For Meal Prep : Store individual wraps in airtight containers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.
- With Toppings : Serve with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals helps you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s an approximate breakdown per wrap (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 300–350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g (net carbs)
- Protein: 25g
These numbers may vary slightly depending on the brands of ingredients used. Always check nutrition labels for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese? A: Yes! Pre-shredded cheese works well, but freshly sliced cheese melts more evenly and creates a creamier texture.
Q: Can I make these wraps ahead of time? A: Yes! Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and reheat the wraps when ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of ribeye steak? A: Sirloin, flank steak, or even ground beef can be used as substitutes for ribeye.
Q: How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing? A: Blanching the leaves makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Handle them gently when assembling the wraps.
Q: Can I freeze these wraps? A: While the assembled wraps don’t freeze well, you can freeze the filling separately. Thaw and reheat before assembling with fresh cabbage leaves.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture to enjoy your favorite foods while sticking to a low-carb or keto diet. With their tender steak, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese, these wraps deliver all the comfort of a classic cheesesteak without the carbs. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe guarantees a result that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a batch of Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps that will leave everyone asking for more. Happy cooking—and happy indulging!
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Best Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps Recipe: A Low-Carb Twist on a Classic Favorite
Ingredients
8 large green cabbage leaves (from 1 head)
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
½ large onion, thinly sliced
2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. skirt steak, thinly sliced
6 slices provolone
Instructions
1. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch cabbage leaves for 30 seconds. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion and bell peppers, seasoning with oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add remaining oil to the skillet, then add steak in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until seared on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes for medium.
4. Return onion and peppers to the skillet, toss to combine, and top with provolone. Cover and cook until cheese melts, about 1 minute.
5. Place a scoop of the steak mixture onto the center of a cabbage leaf. Fold the short end over, then roll up like a burrito. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION:
Prep Time: 15 mins, Servings: 4, Calories: 350, Net Carbs: 6g, Fats: 22g, Protein: 30g