Quick Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Bowl – All the Classic Flavors Without the Carbs
Key Info:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Difficulty level: Easy
Dietary tags: Low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, high-protein
Equipment Needed:
- Large nonstick skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Simple alternatives: Cast iron pan works great, oven + sheet pan for hands-off cooking
Ingredients:
Proteins:
– 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, sliced thin OR 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 4 slices provolone cheese (or 1 cup shredded cheddar)
Vegetables:
– 2 large bell peppers, sliced (280g) – any color works
– 1 medium yellow onion, sliced (150g)
– 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella)
Seasonings & Fats:
– 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil or avocado oil
– 2 tbsp (30ml) Worcestershire sauce (coconut aminos for paleo)
– 1.5 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Method:
1. Prep your steak and seasonings.
Slice sirloin against the grain into thin strips.
Mix all seasonings in a small bowl.
2. Marinate the meat.
Toss steak strips with half the seasoning mix and Worcestershire sauce.
Let it sit while you prep vegetables – 10 minutes minimum.
3. Cook the vegetables first.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Season with remaining spice mix.
Cook for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden but vegetables still have bite.
Transfer to a plate.
4. Sear the steak.
Add remaining oil to the same hot skillet.
Add marinated steak in single layer – don’t overcrowd.
Let it sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir.
Cook another 2-3 minutes until no pink remains.
Internal temp should hit 145°F for medium-rare.
5. Bring it all together.
Return vegetables to skillet with steak.
Toss everything together for 1 minute to heat through.
Top with cheese slices and cover pan.
Let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
6. Serve immediately.
Divide into bowls while cheese is still gooey.
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Crucial Tips:
- Don’t skip the marinating – even 10 minutes makes the steak more tender
- Cook vegetables until just tender – mushy peppers ruin the texture
- Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Let cheese melt with lid on – creates perfect gooey consistency
- Use high heat for proper searing – this creates the flavor you’re craving
Storage & Variations:
Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers
– Reheat gently in microwave or skillet with splash of broth
Scaling:
– Double recipe easily for meal prep
– Use two skillets if cooking for 8+ people
Common Mistakes:
– Overcrowding the pan (leads to steaming, not browning)
– Cutting steak with the grain (makes it tough)
– Overcooking vegetables until mushy
Variations:
– Budget-friendly: Use ground beef instead of steak
– Extra creamy: Make cheese sauce with cream cheese and almond milk
– Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños with the vegetables
– Meal prep friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice for extra bulk
You know what I love most about this recipe?
It delivers every single flavor you’re craving from that iconic Philadelphia sandwich – the savory beef, the sweet caramelized onions, those perfectly tender peppers, and that gloriously melted cheese.
But here’s the game-changer: you get 34g of protein and only 12g net carbs per serving.
No bread bloat, no afternoon crash, just pure comfort food satisfaction.
I’ve made this probably 50 times now, and my family still gets excited every time I pull out that skillet.
The smell alone – that sizzling beef hitting the hot pan, those onions getting golden and sweet – it transforms your kitchen into the best corner of Philadelphia.
The secret is in the technique.
Most people dump everything in the pan at once and wonder why it turns into a soggy mess.
Cook the vegetables first, then the meat.
This gives each ingredient time to develop its own flavor before they come together for the finale.
And please, do yourself a favor – don’t skimp on the cheese melting step.
Those two minutes under the lid create the gooey, stretchy cheese pull that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.
Trust me on this one.
Your low-carb lifestyle just got a whole lot more delicious.
