Effortless Keto Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak

Ultimate Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto-Friendly & Flavorful)

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender slices of steak, perfectly seasoned and smothered in gooey, melted cheese, all complemented by sweet peppers, caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms. Now, imagine all of this being completely keto-friendly and cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. Our **Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)** recipe makes this dream a delicious reality. It’s an incredibly easy-to-make, low-carb dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser for any family dinner or gathering. Forget the high-carb bun; we’ve got you covered with an ingenious keto bun solution that ensures you don’t miss out on the full, satisfying Philly cheesesteak experience.

While traditional Philly cheesesteaks are often served with sides like Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges or Air Fryer Fries, this recipe focuses on keeping your meal low-carb without sacrificing flavor. We’ll explore plenty of delicious keto-friendly sides to complete your meal.

Delicious Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak filling with tender steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

Why Choose a Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak?

This **Philly cheesesteak crockpot recipe** is designed for maximum ease and minimal fuss. The prep work is quick and straightforward, allowing you to assemble your ingredients in a flash. One of the biggest advantages is its “set it and forget it” nature. Simply combine your ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic, transforming simple components into a deeply flavorful, tender meal. This makes it an ideal **simple, hands-off meal** solution for those hectic weeknights when you want a homemade dinner without being tied to the kitchen.

Beyond its convenience, this recipe is a standout because it’s both incredibly tasty and low-carb. With our accompanying **Keto Buns recipe**, there’s absolutely no need to compromise on any part of the classic Philly cheesesteak experience. You can enjoy every savory bite, from the seasoned steak to the melted cheese, all while staying true to your keto diet. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that truly delivers on flavor and dietary goals.

The Secret to Keto-Friendly “Buns”: Fathead Dough

A truly delicious keto Philly cheesesteak deserves a bun that won’t undo all your low-carb efforts. It would be incredibly disappointing to enjoy the savory filling only to encounter a high-carb bread. That’s why we’re introducing you to an amazing solution: **Fathead Dough Keto Buns!** This revolutionary dough is a game-changer for anyone on a low-carb journey, allowing you to enjoy the satisfying texture of a bun without the carb overload.

What Exactly is Fathead Dough?

Fathead dough is a beloved staple in the keto community, and for good reason. It’s a versatile, low-carb, and gluten-free dough that uses cheese as its primary base. This innovative recipe was originally created by a blogger known as “Fat Head” and has since become a go-to for keto pizza crusts, bagels, and, of course, sandwich buns. It’s known for being high in fat (hence “fathead”), which aligns perfectly with ketogenic macros, and surprisingly easy to work with.

The magic of fathead dough lies in its unique composition, primarily relying on melted cheeses combined with a nut flour (like almond flour), an egg, and a leavening agent. The result is a pliable dough that bakes into a remarkably satisfying texture, mimicking traditional bread more closely than many other low-carb alternatives. Even if you don’t have strict gluten or carb restrictions, fathead dough is a wonderfully fun and delicious dough to experiment with in your kitchen.

Ingredients For Keto-Friendly Fathead Buns:

  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
  • 1 cup Blanched Almond Flour
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Notice that instead of traditional wheat flour, this recipe skillfully utilizes almond flour, alongside the richness of cream cheese and other flavorful cheeses. This combination creates a dough that is not only low in carbs but also boasts a fantastic texture and taste, ensuring no settling or compromises are made with this incredible recipe!

Close-up of Fathead Dough for Keto Buns, showing its pliable texture before baking.

Quick Guide to Making Your Keto Fathead Buns:

  1. Preheat oven to 450F (232°C).
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave mozzarella, pepper jack, and cream cheese for 45 seconds, until melted and soft.
  3. Stir in almond flour, egg, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until a smooth dough forms. This may take a minute of persistent mixing.
  4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray.
  5. Using a rolling pin, flatten each piece into a rectangle, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  6. Transfer the dough on the bottom parchment paper to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden.

This dough is wonderfully easy to prepare. For more detailed, step-by-step instructions, refer to the full recipe card at the end of this article.

Various keto bun substitutions for sandwiches, including fathead dough, lettuce wraps, and portobello mushrooms.

Bun Substitutions: Your Kitchen, Your Rules

When aiming to reduce calories or maintain a low-carb diet, the bun can often be the trickiest part of enjoying a sandwich. But don’t let that deter you from savoring a delicious Philly cheesesteak! Remember, your kitchen, your rules – you are not obligated to use a traditional bun, or even our keto fathead buns, if you prefer an alternative. There are plenty of creative and equally delicious substitutions that can elevate your meal.

Fantastic Low-Carb Bun Alternatives:

  • Fathead Dough. As detailed above, our simple Keto Bun recipe is your best bet for a satisfying, bread-like experience without the carbs. It’s perfect for holding all that glorious steak and cheese.
  • Cauliflower Bun. Cauliflower truly is a magical ingredient in the low-carb world. You can create another fantastic low-carb bun by combining riced cauliflower with nut flour, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. These buns offer a neutral flavor that allows the Philly cheesesteak filling to shine, along with a satisfying texture.
  • Eggplant Slices. Who says a sandwich needs bread? For a wonderfully savory and naturally low-carb option, slice an eggplant into approximately 1-inch thick rounds. Grill or bake these slices until tender, then use them as sturdy and flavorful bun replacements. They add a lovely earthiness to the dish.
  • Crisp Lettuce Wraps. One of the simplest and most refreshing ways to cut down on calories and carbs is to replace the bun with large, crisp lettuce leaves. Think of popular lettuce wraps, but for your Philly cheesesteak! Nestling your flavorful filling between two crunchy pieces of romaine or iceberg lettuce adds a delightful texture and a fresh contrast to the rich steak and cheese. Plus, lettuce is already a common topping for many sandwiches, making it a natural fit.
  • Portobello Mushroom Caps. If you’re a mushroom lover, this is an excellent choice. Large portobello mushroom caps can be grilled or roasted and used as robust, earthy “buns.” Their meaty texture and umami flavor complement the Philly cheesesteak filling beautifully, creating a hearty and completely bun-free option.

With these diverse and delicious options, there are no excuses for feeling limited by high-carb choices when craving a fantastic sandwich. You have the freedom to customize your meal to perfectly fit your dietary preferences and taste!

A close-up shot of the savory Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak filling, rich with steak, melted cheese, and vegetables.

Essential Ingredients for Your Keto Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak

Just thinking about the incredible flavors of this Philly cheesesteak crockpot recipe is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Let’s delve into the star ingredients that bring this delectable dish to life. We focus on fresh, high-quality components to ensure every bite is bursting with authentic taste.

For the Savory Filling:

  • 2 lbs Beef Sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 Green Bell Peppers, sliced
  • 4 oz Fresh Mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 large Onion, sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1/3 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth
  • 2 tsps Steak Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper
  • ¼ tsp Paprika

For the Irresistible Toppings:

  • 8 slices Provolone Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley for Garnish

*(Ingredients for the Keto Buns are listed in the previous section dedicated to fathead dough.)*

Prep shot of thinly sliced beef sirloin, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms ready for the crockpot.

Crafting Your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks: Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Get ready for an incredibly straightforward cooking experience. This dish is so easy, you might just wonder why you haven’t been making it this way all along! Here’s how you bring your delectable Philly cheesesteak filling to perfection with minimal effort.

Preparing the Flavorful Filling:

  1. Begin by thinly slicing your beef sirloin, bell peppers, fresh mushrooms, and onion. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
  2. Into your slow cooker, add all the filling ingredients: sliced beef, peppers, mushrooms, onion, butter, low-sodium beef broth, steak seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the meat and vegetables are well coated with the seasonings.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on the tenderness of the beef. It should be fork-tender and easily pull apart.

While your savory filling is slow cooking, this is the perfect time to prepare your homemade Keto Buns. You can find the ingredients and detailed instructions for these delicious low-carb buns in the dedicated section above, or refer to the complete recipe card at the end of this article.

Assembling Your Keto Philly Cheesesteaks:

  • Once both the filling is cooked and your keto buns are baked, arrange the baked buns on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the hot, flavorful Philly cheesesteak filling onto each bun.
  • Top each portion of filling with two slices of provolone cheese, ensuring full coverage for that classic gooey finish.
  • Broil in the oven for approximately 2 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. It’s crucial to watch closely during this step to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor, then serve immediately as open-faced keto Philly cheesesteaks. Enjoy the warm, savory goodness!

A perfectly assembled open-faced Keto Philly Cheesesteak with melted provolone and fresh parsley garnish.

Meal Prep Made Easy: Can These Be Prepared Ahead?

Absolutely! One of the many benefits of this crockpot Philly cheesesteak recipe is its incredible flexibility for meal preparation. Whether you’re looking to get a head start on dinner for the day or planning meals for the entire week or month, this recipe can be easily adapted to your schedule.

For a quick head start, simply slice and dice all your ingredients – the beef, peppers, onions, and mushrooms – earlier in the day. Combine them with the seasonings and beef broth in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to transfer the mixture to your crockpot for cooking. This significantly cuts down on evening prep time, making dinner even more effortless.

For ultimate convenience, this meal can be prepared even further in advance and frozen for later use. This makes it an ideal choice for building up a stash of delicious, ready-to-cook keto meals.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for the Filling and Buns:

Freezing the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak Filling (Uncooked):

  • Slice all meat and vegetables as directed in the recipe. Do not cook them yet.
  • Combine all filling ingredients (meat, veggies, butter, beef broth, and seasonings) in a large freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.
  • Label the bag with the recipe name and date, then lay it flat in the freezer to save space. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
  • When you’re ready to cook, remove the bag from the freezer and allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Once defrosted, transfer the mixture to your crockpot and cook as normal, following the high or low cooking times.

Freezing Keto Buns (Dough):

  • Prepare the fathead dough as described in the recipe, up to the point of dividing it into balls.
  • Instead of flattening and baking, roll the dough into a single ball or individual smaller balls.
  • Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
  • When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Then, proceed with the rest of the directions for flattening and baking the buns.

While many traditional side dishes might be off-limits on a low-carb diet, there’s no shortage of delicious and satisfying keto-friendly options that pair perfectly with a rich Philly cheesesteak.

Selection of delicious keto-friendly side dishes, including soup, asparagus, and guacamole, perfect with Philly Cheesesteak.

Perfect Keto-Friendly Sides to Complete Your Meal:

Elevate your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak experience with these fantastic low-carb side dishes that complement its rich flavors without adding unnecessary carbs.

  • Easy Keto Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of rich, low-carb tomato soup makes for a comforting and classic pairing.
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: The crisp saltiness of bacon with tender asparagus adds a delightful texture and savory note.
  • Dill Dip with Cucumbers: A refreshing and creamy dill dip served with crisp cucumber slices offers a cool contrast.
  • Easy Guacamole with Bell Peppers: Creamy guacamole paired with crunchy bell pepper strips is a flavorful and healthy choice.

For even more low-carb side options and snack ideas, be sure to check out our extensive collection of Keto Snacks. Any of these would beautifully round out your Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) meal!

A Must-Try for Any Dinner Rotation: Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)!

Whether your goal is strict carb counting or simply enjoying an incredibly easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this **Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)** recipe is the perfect choice. With minimal prep required, a hands-off cooking process, and a delightful low-carb profile, it’s a dish that caters to both convenience and taste. Featuring tender steak, savory vegetables, and plenty of gooey cheese, all served on our amazing keto-friendly buns, this recipe truly offers the full Philly cheesesteak experience without compromise. Make it a staple in your dinner rotation and savor the ease and deliciousness it brings to your table!

Other Great Keto-Friendly Dishes to Explore:

  • Keto White Chicken Chili
  • Breakfast Hash (Keto)
  • Keto Chicken Biryani
  • Keto Pizza
  • Keto Meatballs Skillet
The finished Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) presented as a recipe card image.

Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto)

Whether you are counting carbs or just want an easy, delicious meal, this crockpot Philly cheesesteak recipe is the perfect option. Minimal prep, flavorful meal, and low carb too, this Crockpot Philly cheesesteak (Keto) is a must add to your dinner rotation.

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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crock pot, philly cheese steak, sheet pan philly cheese steak recipe, Slow Cooker, keto, low carb, fathead dough
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 889kcal

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 lbs beef sirloin sliced thin
  • 2 green bell peppers sliced
  • 4 oz fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tsps steak seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp paprika

Keto Buns

  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 cup Blanched Almond Flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

The Rest

  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

Filling

  1. Add all the filling ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to mix well.
  2. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours, until beef is tender.

Buns

  1. Meanwhile, prepare the buns by pre-heating the oven to 450F (232°C).
  2. Add mozzarella, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, or until melted.
  3. Remove cheese mixture from microwave, and add egg, blanched almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.
  4. Continue to mix until the dough is smooth and comes together. It may take a minute of continuous stirring.
  5. Once smooth, divide the dough into 8 even-sized pieces.
  6. Lay each piece of dough on a piece of parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray. Then cover with a second sprayed piece of parchment paper.
  7. Use a rolling pin to flatten out the dough until it is ¼ inch to ½ inch thick, and shaped into a rectangle.
  8. If the shape isn’t perfect, simply remove the top piece of parchment paper and use greased hands to gently shape it into the desired form.
  9. Transfer the dough (still on its parchment paper) to a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Assemble

  1. Once both the buns and filling are ready, lay 4 of the baked buns out on a baking sheet. Top each bun generously with the Philly cheesesteak filling, then cover each with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
  2. Broil in the oven for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately as open-faced keto Philly cheesesteaks. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 889kcal |
Carbohydrates: 17g |
Protein: 82g |
Fat: 56g |
Saturated Fat: 25g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g |
Trans Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 262mg |
Sodium: 879mg |
Potassium: 1294mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 1390IU |
Vitamin C: 51mg |
Calcium: 835mg |
Iron: 7mg

Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information. Always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.

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Pinterest pin for Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak (Keto) recipe, showing the finished dish and ingredients.