Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) is the answer for everyone who dreams of savoring all those iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors, without the carbs or the time commitment. Think juicy seasoned ground beef mingling with sweet peppers, mushrooms, and gooey cheese – all coming together in 30 minutes flat! Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just want a super-satisfying, comforting skillet meal, this cheesy, colorful, one-pan wonder is about to become your weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) recipe is that the ingredients are simple, but each one brings its own flair – from the rich, savory ground beef to the irresistible melt of provolone and Gruyere. The mix of veggies gives the dish crunch, color, and a fresh sweetness that balances the cheesy, hearty vibe.
- Ground beef (1 ½ lbs): The star of our skillet; opt for 80/20 for juicy results packed with flavor.
- Sweet pepper strips (1 cup): Using red, orange, or yellow peppers adds vibrant color and a delicate sweetness.
- Green bell pepper strips (2 cups): Give the dish that classic Philly flavor and a fresh, slightly tangy crunch.
- Onion, sliced (¼ cup): A little bit goes a long way, imparting a sweet, caramelized undertone without too many carbs.
- Mushrooms, thinly sliced (½ cup): Bring earthy notes and that velvety, savory bite we love in cheesesteaks.
- Provolone cheese (3 oz): Use slices for a creamy, melty topping that stretches just the way you want.
- Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded (3 oz): Adds depth, nuttiness, and extra gooeyness; swap for cheddar or mozzarella as desired.
- Steak seasoning (1 tablespoon): This gives the beef that “fresh off the grill” punch; no steak seasoning? Salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic work!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): To sauté veggies for the perfect tender-crisp texture and glossy finish.
How to Make Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your large ovenproof skillet (a cast iron pan is perfect here) over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and sprinkle the steak seasoning over the top. Dial the heat down to medium and break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown fully, soaking up those delicious spices, and cook until no pink remains. This forms the rich, savory base of your Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the beef is working its magic, grab a second skillet and heat up the olive oil on medium-high. Scatter in the sweet peppers, green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Let these cook together, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and just starting to turn golden at the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure cheesesteak nostalgia!
Step 3: Combine Beef and Veggies
Once both the ground beef and the vegetables are done, bring them together by pouring the sautéed veggies into the skillet with the beef. Give everything a good mix, making sure all those colors and flavors are beautifully combined and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Broil
Evenly sprinkle the shredded Gruyere or Swiss over the skillet, then drape the provolone slices across the top. Slide your skillet under the oven broiler for just a few minutes, keeping a watchful eye. When the cheese is bubbling, melty, and just beginning to brown, it’s ready. This is where the Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) really shines!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, let it rest for a minute, and then dish it up hot. You’ll see those satisfying cheese pulls and get a whiff of all the savory goodness in one bite. Serve as is, or pile over lettuce for an easy keto bowl.
How to Serve Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)
Garnishes
Give each serving a flourish with fresh chopped parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. A spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of sugar-free sriracha is a great way to make it extra special, especially if you want to add a cool or spicy kick to your Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto).
Side Dishes
To keep things low-carb, serve alongside crisp lettuce cups or a simple salad dressed in vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, or sautéed green beans are also fantastic partners that keep meals filling and balanced. If you’re feeling fun (or your family isn’t keto), classic hoagie rolls or even a scoop of rice will make it a cheesy, satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stuff the cheesy beef and pepper mix into halved bell peppers for a colorful, hand-held dinner, or serve in a sizzling mini skillet for individual portions. You can even use it as a topping for low-carb flatbreads or wrap up in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy bite. The Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) is just as at home piled high in a bowl as it is layered into meal prep containers for busy weeks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the skillet cool, then scoop portions into airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so leftovers actually taste even better!
Freezing
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) freezes beautifully. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture of the veggies and cheese stays as close to freshly made as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm in a skillet over medium-low until heated through. If you want to revive that melty cheese top, pop your serving under the broiler for a minute after reheating – it’s worth the extra step!
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)?
Absolutely! While provolone and Gruyere give a classic flavor and gooey melt, feel free to use cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or whatever cheese makes your taste buds dance. Just keep an eye on carb counts if that matters for your keto goals.
Is it necessary to use two types of peppers?
Not at all! The mix of sweet and green bell peppers brings both color and flavor, but if you only have one, go ahead and use what you have. Adjust to your carb preference or whatever is in your crisper drawer.
Can I substitute chicken or turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey are excellent lean protein substitutes. The dish will still be richly flavored thanks to all the veggies, seasoning, and cheese. Just check that your seasoning still packs a punch and adjust to taste!
How can I make this spicier?
Stir in chopped jalapeño with your peppers, use pepper jack cheese, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step for a spicy variation of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto).
Why use ground beef instead of steak?
Using ground beef keeps the recipe budget-friendly and fast. It’s easier to cook, mixes well with veggies, and still brings that hearty, cheesesteak flavor without needing to slice or marinate steak. Quick, tasty, and wallet-friendly!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving those classic Philly flavors without the carbs or hassle, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) is the answer. It’s savory, colorful, easy enough for any weeknight, and honestly a dinner that never disappoints. Grab your skillet and give it a try – you’re going to put this on repeat!
