I make this low carb Philly cheesesteak sandwich when we want something high protein low carb that feels like classic comfort food but still fits our goals.
You get juicy steak, caramelized peppers and onions, savory mushrooms, and melted provolone. Serve it on a low carb bun, gluten free bun, high protein cloud bread, or skip the bun entirely and enjoy it straight from the skillet. It is easy, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes.
If you're looking for more Philly cheesesteak recipes, you'll want to add our low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole and cheesesteak stuffed peppers to your dinner rotation.
Things to Know Before Making Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
- Slice steak very thin for the most tender texture. Freeze whole steak for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier.
- Ribeye gives the richest flavor, but sirloin strips or shaved beef work great.
- Cook the vegetables until fully softened for that classic cheesesteak taste.
- Skip the bun and melt the cheese directly in the skillet for a casserole-style option.
I have been creating easy high protein low carb dinners since 2018, and this Philly version is always a reader favorite.
For more low carb beef dinners, try Easy Low Carb Beef Stroganoff,Low Carb Pepper Steak, or Easy Crock Pot Italian Beef.
Ingredient Notes
- Sliced ribeye steak: The best flavor and tenderness. Sirloin strips or shaved beef also work well.
- Green bell pepper: Classic cheesesteak flavor. Use any color you prefer.
- Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Crimini mushrooms: Add savory flavor. White button or portobello slices work too.
- Olive oil: Helps caramelize the vegetables.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the beef.
- Provolone cheese: Traditional and melts beautifully. Swiss, Monterey Jack, or American are great alternatives.
- Hoagie rolls: Use low carb buns, gluten free buns, lettuce wraps, or serve without bread.
- Mayo and garlic: Combine for an optional 2 ingredient garlic aioli that adds extra flavor.
Full ingredient measurements are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Here's an overview of the recipe steps for making easy cheese steak sandwiches at home. Get the full instructions down in the printable recipe card.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sliced peppers, onion, and mushrooms. Cook 12 to 15 minutes until very soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a bowl to keep warm.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the thinly sliced ribeye for 4 to 5 minutes until just browned. Add a bit more oil if needed. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender. Return the vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 375F. Spread garlic aioli on the buns if using. Fill with the beef and vegetable mixture and top with provolone slices.
Step 5: Bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Helpful little tips
- If you purchased the whole steak that didn't come pre-sliced, freeze it for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut into thin pieces.
- You can double up the beef and onions to make a traditional steak and cheese sandwich instead of our variation that includes sliced bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Optional yet popular additions to the Philly cheesesteak sandwich include ketchup, banana peppers, hot peppers, dried oregano, or mayo.
- You can skip the bun entirely and add the melted cheese to the skillet to serve this casserole style. Or serve the filling over cauliflower rice
What to Serve with Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Pair with a simple cucumber salad, coleslaw, or green salad. You can also serve alongside cauliflower rice or keep it simple with lettuce wraps for a fully low carb meal.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store the filling separately from buns in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the beef and vegetable filling only for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Assemble fresh for best texture.
FAQs
Is this a keto Philly cheese steak?
Yes. The filling is naturally keto friendly. Use a keto bun, chaffle, cottage cheese flatbread, or skip the bread entirely to keep carbs low.
What is the best steak for Philly cheesesteak?
Ribeye is traditional and flavorful. Sirloin and shaved beef also work well.
Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Yes. Brown it fully and drain excess liquid before combining with vegetables.
More low carb beef dinners
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Recipe
Easy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced ribeye steak thinly sliced
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 1 red onion sliced
- ½ lb crimini mushrooms sliced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil put partially split sandwich rolls on the baking sheet and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers, onion, and mushrooms to the pan. Cook and stir occasionally until they're very soft and start to caramelize, which takes about 12-15 minutes.
- While the veggies are cooking, make the garlic mayo by combining the mayonnaise and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Season the vegetable mix with the salt and pepper.
- Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and cover it to keep them warm. Add another tablespoon to the pan and add the beef. Saute the meat until it's just cooked through and starting to brown, which takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Turn the heat off and add the vegetables back to the pan. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
- Open each roll, generously spread the garlic mayo on both sides of the hoagie rolls and fill it with the beef and vegetable mixture and top with provolone cheese slices. Bake the Philly cheesesteak sandwiches until the cheese is melted, for about 3-5 minutes.
Notes
- Optional garlic aoili: combine ½ cup mayo and 1 minced garlic clove.
- The macros for this recipe are just for the filling without the bun and without the aoili.
- Using a high-quality steak like ribeye, sirloin, or shaved beef will give you the best flavor. Stir fry meat can also be used but you might need to add extra seasoning since it's a milder flavor. Ground beef or chicken breast slices are great variations too.
- If you purchased the whole steak that didn't come pre-sliced, freeze it for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut into thin pieces.
- Eat the Philly mix on a low carb bun to make this a low carb keto friendly meal or eat it on a gluten free bun for a GF option.
- Skip the bun and serve the filling like a casserole. Just melt the cheese in the skillet by adding the cheese to the pan and putting the lid on to steam the cheese (or do a quick broil to melt the cheese if you have an oven-safe skillet.
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