Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Savory, and Satisfying
If you’re craving the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want to stick to a low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet is a game-changer! It brings the deliciously savory beef, creamy cheese, and vibrant vegetables together in a one-pan dish that satisfies those cheesesteak cravings—without the carbs. With only 8.72g of net carbs per serving, you won’t miss the bread one bit!
2. One-Pan Wonder
Who doesn’t love an easy, quick meal with minimal cleanup? This Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet comes together in just 40 minutes and uses just one skillet. The minimal prep and cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want comfort food without the hassle.
3. Packed with Protein and Veggies
This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients. With 42.74g of protein per serving, it provides you with a hearty dose of muscle-building goodness. The cauliflower and mushrooms add fiber and vitamins, making this a nutritious yet indulgent meal that supports your keto goals.
4. Customization Friendly
Whether you prefer extra mushrooms, want to add some heat with sliced jalapeños, or prefer a different cheese, this recipe is fully customizable. The combination of beef, veggies, and provolone cheese is always a hit, but you can make it your own by adding or swapping ingredients. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, try swapping it for zucchini or another keto-friendly vegetable.
Introduction
When you’re on a keto diet, comfort food can feel a little out of reach—especially when it comes to something as hearty as a Philly cheesesteak. We all love that savory, cheesy, beefy goodness served in a warm, crispy roll, but traditional Philly cheesesteaks are loaded with carbs from the bread. Enter the Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet—all of the classic flavors of a cheesesteak, minus the bread, and packed into a deliciously satisfying skillet meal.
This skillet brings together ground beef, provolone cheese, and all the classic Philly cheesesteak veggies, including onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Plus, cauliflower takes the place of the usual bread or roll, giving you a hearty base that’s low in carbs but full of flavor and texture.
It’s a quick and easy dish that will satisfy your cheesesteak cravings and keep you on track with your keto lifestyle. Let’s get started on this drool-worthy, low-carb comfort food that’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Ingredients with Measurements
To make the perfect Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet, gather the following ingredients:
- 🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 🧅 1 medium onion, halved
- 🧄 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 🌶️ 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🧂 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 🧄 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 🧅 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 🍖 ½ cup beef broth
- 🥦 1 pound cauliflower florets
- 🍄 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 🥛 ¼ cup half and half
- 🧀 10 slices provolone cheese
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed meal that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing half the onion and thinly slicing the other half. This will give you both a finely chopped texture and some larger, caramelized onion pieces that add depth of flavor to the dish. Dice the bell pepper and set it aside. These veggies will cook up nicely in the skillet and form the foundation for the rich cheesesteak flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced half of the onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the veggies for about 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step is essential for unlocking the natural sweetness of the vegetables, which will complement the savory beef.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Once the onions and peppers are softened, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is fully cooked, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Season the Meat Mixture
Season the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Stir everything together so that the beef is well-seasoned. The seasoning will infuse the beef with savory, umami goodness that is classic to a Philly cheesesteak.
Step 5: Add Broth and Veggies
Next, pour in the ½ cup of beef broth. This will help deglaze the pan and create a rich, flavorful base for the dish. Add the cauliflower florets, remaining onion slices, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Stir the mixture to combine and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the cauliflower will soften and break down into smaller pieces, creating a wonderful, chunky texture that mimics the filling of a traditional cheesesteak sandwich.
Step 6: Add Half and Half
Once the cauliflower is tender and the flavors have melded together, turn off the heat. Stir in ¼ cup of half and half to add creaminess to the mixture. This step takes the dish to the next level, making it rich and satisfying while still keeping it low-carb.
Step 7: Top with Provolone Cheese
Now it’s time to add the provolone cheese. Arrange 10 slices of provolone on top of the beef and veggie mixture, making sure the cheese covers the surface evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. The cheese will become perfectly gooey and create that classic cheesesteak experience without the bread.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, it’s time to dish out your Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet. Give it a final sprinkle of salt and pepper if you’d like, and then serve it up! The combination of tender beef, caramelized veggies, and melty cheese is sure to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings in a low-carb, keto-friendly way.
Different Ways to Serve and Present the Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
This dish is perfect on its own, but there are plenty of ways you can serve it for different occasions or for a fun twist!
1. Keto-Friendly “Sub” Style
While you can’t use traditional bread for this keto version, you can still get the feel of a Philly cheesesteak sub by serving it in low-carb tortillas or keto bread. Simply spoon the mixture into the wrap or bread and fold it up for a handheld meal that mimics a classic Philly cheesesteak.
2. Serve Over Zucchini Noodles
For an extra dose of veggies, try serving this Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet over zucchini noodles. The zucchini adds a light and fresh base that complements the rich beef and cheesy topping.
3. Pair with a Keto Salad
Pair your skillet with a simple keto salad on the side—something fresh like a Caesar salad or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the cheesesteak skillet perfectly.
4. Top with Jalapeños or Hot Sauce
If you like a little heat, top your dish with fresh jalapeños or drizzle some keto-friendly hot sauce on top. The spiciness adds a nice contrast to the creamy cheese and savory beef.
How to Store and How Long Does It Last?
Storing the Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
If you happen to have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing the Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
You can also freeze this dish for future meals. Once cooled, transfer the skillet mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The cheese may not be as melty as when it’s freshly made, but it will still be delicious.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
A1: Yes! You can swap provolone for mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss cheese. Just make sure it melts well!
Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A2: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would be great alternatives if you prefer a leaner protein.
Q3: Can I add more veggies to this recipe?
A3: Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers to make it your own.
Q4: Can I make this in advance?
A4: Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and add the cheese.
Q5: Is cauliflower necessary for this dish?
A5: Cauliflower helps give this dish a hearty, low-carb texture that mimics the feel of a sandwich filling. However, you can substitute it with other keto-friendly veggies like zucchini or even roasted eggplant.
Q6: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A6: To make it dairy-free, you can swap out the provolone cheese for a dairy-free cheese option and use coconut cream or almond milk in place of the half and half.
Q7: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A7: Yes, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring the heat!
Q8: How can I make the cauliflower softer?
A8: To make the cauliflower extra soft, you can steam it before adding it to the skillet, or simmer it for a little longer in the pan.
Q9: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of sliced mushrooms?
A9: Yes! Fresh mushrooms will work just fine. Just slice them yourself before adding them to the skillet.
Q10: How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
A10: The beef should be browned with no pink remaining. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (160°F for ground beef).
This Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet is a winning recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein, veggies, and gooey cheese! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s a low-carb alternative to a traditional Philly cheesesteak that will have everyone coming back for more!

Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5
Description
Savory beef, creamy cheese, and vibrant veggies create pure bliss!
Ingredients
🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
🧅 1 medium onion, halved
🧄 2 teaspoons minced garlic
🌶️ 1 cup diced green bell pepper
🥩 1 pound ground beef
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🧂 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🧄 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
🍖 ½ cup beef broth
🥦 1 pound cauliflower florets
🍄 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
🥛 ¼ cup half and half
🧀 10 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Dice half the onion and thinly slice the other half.
Preheat a large skillet and add olive oil.
Once heated, add half the onion, garlic, and half the green bell pepper.
Sauté until softened. Add ground beef, season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and half the black pepper.
Cook until beef is fully cooked. Stir in beef broth, cauliflower, onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Simmer for 15 minutes, smashing cauliflower into smaller pieces.
Turn off heat, stir in half and half, and season with remaining spices.
Top with provolone slices, cover, and let cheese melt before serving.