Philly Cheesesteak In A Bowl
Dinner

Philly Cheesesteak In A Bowl

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This Low Carb Keto Philly Cheesesteak in a Bowl recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious low-carb twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Featuring tender ribeye steak smothered in a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce along with sautéed onions and bell peppers, this one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for keto, meal prep, or anyone craving that iconic cheesesteak flavor without the bun.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cheese Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese

  • 6 ounces provolone cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Bowls:

  • 1 pound ribeye steak

  • Steak seasoning (to taste)

  • 3 tablespoons mild-tasting oil (avocado, vegetable, safflower, sunflower, or peanut oil recommended)

  • 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced and deseeded

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Pat the ribeye steak dry and season generously with steak seasoning. Let it rest for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for better flavor.

  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Sauté the onions and bell peppers with salt and pepper until soft and onions are caramelized, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.

  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk as the cream cheese melts.

  4. Once melted and simmering gently, remove from heat and stir in provolone, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Set aside.

  5. Place steak in the freezer for 10-20 minutes to firm up for easier slicing. Slice thinly against the grain.

  6. Add remaining oil (1 tablespoon) to the skillet and cook the steak slices until lightly browned, about 45-60 seconds per side.

  7. Divide cooked veggies and steak into 4 bowls. Pour the cheese sauce over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: 618 kcal

  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Net Carbs: 8g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Protein: 37g

  • Fat: 48g

  • Sodium: 1423mg

  • Sugar: 5g

Why Ribeye Steak is Ideal

Using ribeye steak in this recipe is a smart choice because it offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Ribeye is well-marbled with fat, which keeps the meat juicy and tender when cooked quickly. This fattiness also pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both indulgent and fulfilling. The steak’s robust flavor stands up well to the boldness of the sautéed onions and bell peppers, making every bite savory and satisfying.

Creamy Cheese Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

A defining element of this recipe is the luscious, creamy cheese sauce that envelops the steak and veggies. Made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and provolone, this sauce brings richness and smoothness to the dish. The cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess that complements the mild provolone, while the heavy cream ensures a silky texture. The addition of garlic powder, hot sauce, and seasoning elevates the sauce with layers of flavor, adding just the right amount of heat and savoriness without overpowering the other components.

This sauce replaces the traditional melted cheese you’d find on a cheesesteak, but its creamy consistency makes it even more decadent and satisfying. It also keeps the dish low in carbs while maximizing fat content, aligning perfectly with keto dietary goals.

Sautéed Vegetables Add Sweetness and Depth

Onions and bell peppers are staples in the classic Philly cheesesteak, and here they shine through sautéed to perfection. Cooking the onions until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness, adding a rich complexity to the dish. Bell peppers add vibrant color and a slight crunch, providing a nice contrast to the tender steak and creamy sauce.

These vegetables not only enhance the flavor profile but also add nutritional value with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Their inclusion helps balance the richness of the meat and cheese, making the bowl more rounded and enjoyable.

Quick and Simple Preparation

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how quick and straightforward it is. With a total cook time of under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal or a quick lunch option. The use of one skillet for most of the cooking reduces cleanup and streamlines the process.

The preparation starts with seasoning the steak, which can be done in advance to deepen the flavor. The vegetables cook while the cheese sauce simmers gently on the side, allowing multitasking without stress. Freezing the steak briefly before slicing ensures thinner, more manageable slices, which cook rapidly for the perfect sear and tenderness.

This efficiency makes the recipe appealing to those who want wholesome, keto-friendly meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits and Keto Suitability

From a nutritional standpoint, this recipe fits well within the parameters of a ketogenic diet. It is high in fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates, providing the right macronutrient ratio for ketosis. The use of healthy oils like avocado oil contributes beneficial fats while maintaining a neutral flavor that lets the steak and cheese sauce shine.

Each serving delivers a hearty 37 grams of protein, which supports muscle maintenance and repair. The fat content, primarily from cheese and cream, helps keep you full and provides sustained energy. The low net carb count, at just 8 grams per serving, means it won’t spike blood sugar or kick you out of ketosis, making it a reliable choice for anyone following low-carb protocols.

Customizable and Adaptable

While this recipe is delicious as is, it lends itself well to customization. For those who enjoy a bit of extra spice, adding more hot sauce or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce can intensify the heat. Alternatively, swapping the provolone for another melting cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack can offer subtle flavor variations.

Vegetables can also be tailored to preference. Some might enjoy adding mushrooms for an earthy depth or substituting different colored bell peppers to brighten the bowl visually. The recipe’s flexibility allows it to be adjusted based on what’s available or what suits individual tastes best.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Because it holds up well when refrigerated, this dish is an excellent option for meal prep. The components can be cooked in bulk, stored in individual containers, and reheated throughout the week. The creamy cheese sauce remains smooth and luscious even after refrigeration, and the steak slices retain their tenderness when gently reheated.

This convenience factor is a major plus for busy individuals or families who want to maintain a keto lifestyle without daily cooking. It’s a satisfying, wholesome meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes.

Conclusion

The Low Carb Keto Philly Cheesesteak in a Bowl offers a delicious and practical twist on a classic American favorite. By replacing the traditional bun with a creamy, cheesy base and emphasizing tender ribeye steak alongside sautéed onions and bell peppers, it captures all the flavors and textures of a Philly cheesesteak in a keto-friendly format. Quick to prepare, rich in nutrients, and easily customizable, this recipe is ideal for those who want indulgent, comforting meals without compromising their low-carb or ketogenic goals.

Whether you’re a longtime keto enthusiast, someone trying low-carb for the first time, or simply a fan of hearty, flavorful food, this dish delivers satisfaction and convenience in equal measure. It’s a perfect example of how classic comfort foods can be adapted to fit modern dietary needs without losing their delicious appeal.

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