The magic happens when you transform a classic comfort food into a keto-friendly delight, and that’s precisely what these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups achieve. It’s the ultimate handheld experience, taking all the familiar flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and wrapping them up in a cheesy, satisfying package.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory roll up, bursting with tender steak, melted cheese, and perfectly caramelized onions and peppers. These aren’t just a low-carb alternative; they’re a flavor explosion that will have you forgetting all about the bread.
The Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups Difference
- Bold Reason 1 (Texture/Flavor): The combination of thinly sliced steak, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked vegetables creates an irresistible textural and flavor profile.
- Bold Reason 2 (Technique): Using cheese as the “wrap” provides a naturally keto-friendly and surprisingly sturdy base for all the delicious fillings.
- Bold Reason 3 (Result): These roll ups are incredibly satisfying, delivering all the comfort of a Philly cheesesteak without the carb overload.
The Essential Components
Using quality ingredients is key to achieving that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, even in a keto-friendly version. Don’t skimp on the steak or the cheese! Freshly ground spices also make a huge difference.
- Steak (Ribeye or Sirloin): Thinly sliced for tenderness and quick cooking (essential for that classic cheesesteak texture).
- Cheese (Provolone or Mozzarella): Provides the melty, gooey goodness that holds everything together (crucial for the roll up structure).
- Onions: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized (a must-have for authentic taste).
- Bell Peppers (Green or Mixed): Contribute a slightly bitter, crisp element that balances the richness of the steak and cheese (adds color and flavor complexity).
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and steak (provides a healthy fat source and enhances flavor).
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile (adds a subtle aromatic note).
- Onion Powder: Complements the fresh onions and adds depth (intensifies the onion flavor).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhances all the flavors (essential for seasoning).
Swaps & Alternatives
Sometimes you need to make a few changes based on what you have on hand, or dietary needs. Here are some easy substitutions.
- If you don’t have ribeye or sirloin, you can use flank steak or even pre-shaved steak.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese alternative, though the melting properties may vary.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add mushrooms for an earthier flavor.
- Use different colored bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
Level Up This Recipe
Want to take your Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups to the next level? Here are a few ideas to elevate the flavors and presentation.
- Add a Creamy Sauce: A drizzle of keto-friendly garlic aioli or a creamy horseradish sauce can add a luxurious touch.
- Caramelized Onions with Balsamic Glaze: Deglaze the pan with a touch of balsamic vinegar after caramelizing the onions for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Use Smoked Provolone: The smoky flavor adds depth and complexity to the roll ups.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
The Cooking Process
This recipe is surprisingly easy and quick to make. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. The whole process should take about 30 minutes from start to finish.
1. Prepare the Cheese Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, create 4 cheese circles, about 6 inches in diameter, using provolone or mozzarella slices. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
While the cheese is baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Cook the Steak
Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Add a little more olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to high. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook quickly, stirring constantly, until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Combine and Fill
Add the cooked vegetables back to the skillet with the steak and mix well. Once the cheese bases are ready, carefully remove them from the parchment paper. Place a generous portion of the steak and vegetable mixture onto each cheese circle.
5. Roll Up and Serve
Carefully roll up each cheese circle, encasing the filling. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty. Enjoy these delicious Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups! You could also try making Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls for a different take on this classic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bold Warning 1: Overcooking the Steak: Thinly sliced steak cooks very quickly. Overcooking will make it tough and dry.
- Bold Warning 2: Burning the Cheese: Keep a close eye on the cheese in the oven. It can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly.
- Bold Warning 3: Overfilling the Roll Ups: Too much filling will make the roll ups difficult to handle and they may fall apart.
Serving Ideas
These Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy coleslaw. For a complete meal, you could also add a bowl of keto-friendly soup. They would also go great with Philly Cheesesteak Bowls if you want to offer a variety.
You can also get creative with toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce can all add extra flavor and visual appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with a side of keto-friendly cheese sauce for dipping. You might also enjoy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
For a fun twist, try cutting the roll ups into smaller pieces and serving them as appetizers. They’re perfect for parties and gatherings, and they’re sure to be a hit with both keto and non-keto eaters alike. You can even try using ground beef instead of steak, like in this Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak recipe.
Consider making a batch of these roll ups for meal prepping. They store well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven. They’re a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner on busy weeknights. You could even try making Philly Cheesesteak Mac for another easy meal.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent option, try adding bacon to the filling. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the steak and cheese perfectly. You can also add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthier flavor. If you want to try something completely different, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Crockpot Pasta recipe.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.
What makes these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups different from a regular Philly Cheesesteak?
The main difference is that these roll ups use cheese as the “wrap” instead of bread, making them keto-friendly. They still deliver the same flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but without the carb overload.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the best results in these roll ups?
Provolone or mozzarella cheese is recommended. These cheeses provide the melty, gooey texture needed to hold the roll ups together.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups?
Avoid overcooking the steak, as thinly sliced steak cooks quickly and can become tough. Also, watch the cheese carefully in the oven to prevent burning. Finally, don’t overfill the roll ups, as this can make them difficult to handle and cause them to fall apart.
Are there any substitutions I can make based on dietary needs or what I have on hand?
Yes! You can use flank steak or pre-shaved steak if you don’t have ribeye or sirloin. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice, mushrooms for an earthier flavor, or different colored bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces provolone or mozzarella cheese slices
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper green or mixed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Create 4 cheese circles, about 6 inches in diameter, using provolone or mozzarella slices on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- While the cheese is baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Add a little more olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to high.
- Add the thinly sliced steak and cook quickly, stirring constantly, until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the cooked vegetables back to the skillet with the steak and mix well.
- Once the cheese bases are ready, carefully remove them from the parchment paper.
- Place a generous portion of the steak and vegetable mixture onto each cheese circle.
- Carefully roll up each cheese circle, encasing the filling.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty.
