If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that fits perfectly within a low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Packed with tender top sirloin steak, vibrant veggies, and a creamy cheesy sauce, this dish brings all the flavors of a classic Philly Cheesesteak straight into a convenient bowl. The Instant Pot makes the process so quick and fuss-free, turning a usually time-consuming favorite into a weeknight miracle. Every bite offers an irresistible blend of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients that come together to create amazing texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays an important role, from the tender steak to the rich cream cheese blend, making every spoonful a satisfying experience.
- 1 ¼ lb Top Sirloin Steak: Choosing a lean yet tender cut ensures juicy, flavorful meat when sliced thinly.
- ⅛ tsp Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the steak.
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil (or Butter): Provides the perfect fat for sautéing and complements the steak’s flavor without overpowering it.
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced): Adds a fragrant punch that lifts the whole dish.
- ¾ Cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped): Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- ½ Cup Onion (chopped): Offers sweetness and depth when caramelized during sautéing.
- ⅔ Cup Mushrooms (sliced): Adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture to complement the steak.
- 1½ Cup Beef Broth: Creates rich moisture for pressure cooking and intensifies umami.
- 1 Tbsp GF Worcestershire Sauce: Brings brightness and a touch of tangy complexity.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasonings: Adds aromatic herbs that balance savory and fresh notes.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky character for authentic Philly vibes.
- ½ tsp Sea Salt: Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened): Creates a luscious, creamy texture that binds everything together.
- ⅓ Cup Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- ⅔ Cup Shredded Cheddar or Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully to enhance cheesiness.
- 5 Slices Provolone Cheese: The final indulgent topping that melts wonderfully on each bowl.
How to Make Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steak for Easy Slicing
Start by placing your top sirloin steak in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This little trick helps firm it up so you can slice it into medium-thin strips effortlessly, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and remains tender inside your bowl.
Step 2: Sear Your Steak and Veggies
Preheat your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add your avocado oil or butter. Toss in the minced garlic first to infuse the fat with flavor. Then add your sliced steak along with chopped onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes until the steak is nicely browned and the veggies start to soften. This builds the foundation of deep flavor for the dish.
Step 3: Deglaze and Season
Once browned, press cancel to turn off the sauté. Pour in your beef broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot by scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together so every ingredient is well distributed for that signature Philly cheesesteak taste.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and flip the pressure release valve to sealing. Set your pot to pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to keep the meat tender before performing a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Once the lid is safely removed, stir in the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar or jack cheese directly into the hot mixture. Stir until everything is melted together into a rich, creamy sauce that wraps around every bite of steak and veggie.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Spoon the cheesy steak mixture into bowls and lay two slices of provolone cheese on top while still hot. The provolone will melt perfectly, adding that irresistible gooey finish to your Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe.
How to Serve Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowls by adding fresh garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or green onions. These add a burst of color and a subtle freshness that brightens the savory, creamy bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands alone really well, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. These lighten the meal perfectly and add extra crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, colorful twist. Alternatively, you can plate it over a bed of cauliflower rice for extra volume and texture while keeping it low-carb.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesesteak mixture without the provolone topping in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy sauce smooth. Add fresh provolone slices on top when reheating for that freshly melted finish you crave.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Though top sirloin is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute ribeye or flank steak as long as you slice it thinly. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure tenderness.
Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese and cream cheese for its signature rich flavor, so it is not dairy-free. However, you could try replacing dairy ingredients with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the flavor and texture will change.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
Freeze the steak for 20 to 30 minutes first, as that firms it up and makes slicing thin strips much easier. Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. You can prepare this on the stovetop by sautéing the ingredients and then simmering everything covered with broth until the steak is tender and the flavors meld, but it will take longer than using an Instant Pot.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Provolone is the classic topping that melts beautifully and adds authentic flavor. For the shredded cheese mix, cheddar or Monterey Jack both melt smoothly and blend well with the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about making this Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe and enjoying a flavor-packed bowl that feels indulgent but stays on point with your keto goals. It’s quick, comforting, and full of all the tastes you love from a Philly cheesesteak, without the carbs. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your meal rotation—you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
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Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls Recipe
This Keto Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Bowls recipe is a low-carb, flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, made quickly and easily using an Instant Pot. Tender slices of top sirloin steak are cooked with garlic, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, then simmered in a seasoned beef broth before being blended with creamy cheeses for a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for keto dieters and anyone looking for a delicious, comforting bowl full of savory goodness without the bread.
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 ¼ lb Top Sirloin Steak (sliced)
- ⅛ tsp Salt and Black Pepper (or to taste, for seasoning the steak)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- ¾ Cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- ½ Cup Onion (chopped)
- ⅔ Cup Mushrooms (sliced)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1½ Cup Beef Broth
- 1 Tbsp Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce
Spices
- 1 tsp Italian Seasonings
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Sea Salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
Fats and Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil (or Butter)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- ⅓ Cup Mayonnaise
- ⅔ Cup Shredded Cheddar or Jack Cheese
- 5 Slices Provolone Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Place the top sirloin steak in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier. Then slice the steak into medium-thin to thin strips and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Saute’ function to preheat.
- Sauté Vegetables and Steak: Add avocado oil or butter to the heated Instant Pot. Then add minced garlic, sliced steak, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté with occasional stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the steak is browned.
- Deglaze the Pot: Press ‘Cancel’ to turn off the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the pot, loosening all browned bits.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasonings, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper into the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and lock it. Set the pressure release valve to sealing. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ on high pressure and set the timer for 6 minutes.
- Natural and Quick Release: After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes without touching the valve. Then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Finish with Cheese: Once the lid is safely removed, stir in the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar or jack cheese until completely melted and blended throughout the mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesesteak mixture into bowls, then top each bowl with slices of provolone cheese. Serve immediately for a warm, cheesy keto meal.
Notes
- Freezing the steak slightly before slicing helps achieve thin, even strips.
- Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to keep the dish gluten-free and keto-friendly.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Feel free to substitute avocado oil with butter if preferred.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature to help it blend smoothly into the dish.
- Natural release helps keep the steak tender by retaining moisture.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto