Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
There are some food combinations that just belong together—steak, onions, peppers, and lots of melty cheese are definitely on that list.
I started thinking about how good those flavors would be piled onto a pizza, and honestly, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So instead of reaching for a regular pizza crust, I made a Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pizza with a simple low-carb crust and loaded it with thinly sliced beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and plenty of gooey provolone and mozzarella.
The first time I made it, the kitchen smelled like a cheesesteak shop. Everyone kept wandering in asking when dinner would be ready!
Traditional Philly cheesesteak flavors commonly center around thin-sliced beef, onions, peppers, and melted cheese, while keto versions simply swap out the carb-heavy bread for a low-carb base.
And that’s exactly what makes this pizza so satisfying. You still get the savory beef, buttery vegetables, and stretchy cheese you’re craving—just in pizza form.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Keto Pizza
Big cheesesteak flavor in every bite
Low-carb and keto-friendly when using suitable ingredients
Loaded with protein and cheese
No traditional pizza dough required
Great for weeknight dinners
Easy to customize with mushrooms, jalapeños, or extra cheese
Perfect when you’re craving pizza but want something different
🍕 What Is Philly Cheesesteak Pizza?
Philly cheesesteak pizza is basically the best of two comfort foods in one.
Instead of tomato sauce and traditional pizza toppings, the crust gets a creamy garlic-cheese base, followed by thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and a generous layer of cheese.
For this keto version, we’re keeping the same delicious idea while using a low-carb crust.
The result is cheesy, savory, hearty, and incredibly comforting.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Keto Pizza Crust
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 large egg
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesesteak Topping
1 pound thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Pizza Base
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella
4–5 slices provolone cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, optional
👩🍳 How to Make Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
If you’re using a pizza stone, let it preheat in the oven.
Step 2: Make the keto crust
Place the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in short 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each one, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Let it cool for a minute or two so it’s easier to handle.
Add the egg, almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
If the mixture feels very sticky, let it sit for a couple of minutes. The almond flour will absorb some of the moisture.
Step 3: Shape the crust
Place the dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Using lightly greased hands or another piece of parchment, press the dough into a round pizza crust about 1/4-inch thick.
You can make it thicker if you prefer a softer crust or thinner if you want extra crispiness.
Try to keep the thickness fairly even so it cooks evenly.
Step 4: Pre-bake the crust
Bake the crust for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until it looks set and lightly golden around the edges.
Remove it from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the topping.
🥩 Make the Cheesesteak Filling
Step 5: Cook the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
Step 6: Cook the steak
Increase the heat slightly and add the thinly sliced steak to the same skillet.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
For the most tender texture, don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir.
Return the peppers and onions to the pan and toss everything together.
Cook for another minute.
Remove from the heat.
🧄 Make the Creamy Pizza Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together:
softened cream cheese
heavy cream
garlic powder
black pepper
Mix until smooth.
If the cream cheese is difficult to spread, warm the mixture for a few seconds and stir again.
This creamy layer gives the pizza an extra-rich finish without needing traditional tomato sauce.
🧀 Assemble the Pizza
Step 7: Add the sauce
Spread the creamy garlic mixture over the pre-baked crust.
Leave a small border around the edges.
Step 8: Add the cheesesteak mixture
Spread the cooked steak, peppers, and onions evenly over the pizza.
Don’t worry if it looks generously loaded. That’s exactly what we want!
Step 9: Add the cheese
Top everything with shredded mozzarella.
Arrange the provolone slices over the top.
Finish with a little Parmesan if you’re using it.
🔥 Step 10: Bake
Return the pizza to the oven.
Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
For an extra-browned cheesy top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes.
Watch it closely because cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Let the pizza rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
That short resting time helps the crust firm up and makes the pizza much easier to serve.
✨ My Best Tips for Perfect Cheesesteak Pizza
Slice the steak very thin
Thin steak cooks quickly and gives you that classic cheesesteak texture.
If your steak is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes first. It becomes much easier to cut into thin strips.
Don’t overcook the beef
Because the steak is sliced so thinly, it doesn’t need much time.
Cook it just until browned and cooked through.
Don’t skip the pre-bake
The crust needs time to set before you add the wet toppings and cheese.
This helps prevent a soggy pizza.
Use provolone
Mozzarella gives you that classic pizza cheese pull, but provolone brings the unmistakable cheesesteak flavor.
Using both gives you the best of both worlds.
Let the pizza rest
I know it’s tempting to cut into it immediately.
Give it five minutes.
Trust me—the slices will hold together much better.
🧅 Easy Variations
Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Add 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and peppers.
Cook until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
Spicy Philly Pizza
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steak mixture.
You can also drizzle a little hot sauce over the finished pizza.
Extra Cheesy
Add another layer of provolone underneath the mozzarella.
If you love cheese, there’s really no reason to hold back.
Garlic Butter Crust
Brush the edges of the baked crust with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley before serving.
Ground Beef Version
If thin-sliced steak isn’t available, you can use ground beef.
Ground beef is a convenient alternative for cheesesteak-style recipes and cooks quickly; it also works particularly well with peppers, onions, and melted cheese.
🥗 What to Serve With Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
This pizza is filling enough to serve on its own, but I like pairing it with something fresh and crunchy.
Try:
Simple green salad
Caesar salad
Roasted broccoli
Garlic butter green beans
Cucumber salad
Avocado salad
Air-fried zucchini
Crispy Parmesan zucchini chips
For a casual weekend dinner, a big salad and this pizza make a pretty perfect combination.
🧊 Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare several components ahead of time.
Cook the steak, peppers, and onions up to 2 days ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator.
The cream sauce can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated.
When you’re ready to make dinner, prepare the crust, assemble the pizza, and bake.
This makes the recipe especially convenient for busy weeknights.
🥡 How to Store Leftovers
Let the pizza cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, reheat slices in:
Air fryer
Toaster oven
Conventional oven
Heat at about 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.
The microwave works when you’re in a hurry, but the crust won’t be as crisp.
❄️ Can You Freeze Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pizza?
Yes.
Let the baked pizza cool completely.
Slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice well before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philly cheesesteak pizza keto?
This version is designed to be keto-friendly by replacing traditional wheat pizza dough with a low-carb almond-flour and cheese crust. Be sure to check the labels on your cheese, sauces, and other packaged ingredients if you track carbohydrates closely.
What steak is best for Philly cheesesteak pizza?
Ribeye is my first choice because it’s flavorful and tender. Sirloin is another good option if you prefer something a little leaner.
Can I use leftover steak?
Absolutely. Thinly slice cooked steak and warm it briefly with the peppers, onions, and Worcestershire sauce before assembling the pizza.
Can I use ground beef?
Yes. Brown the ground beef first, then add the onions, peppers, garlic, and seasonings. Ground beef is also a popular shortcut for keto cheesesteak-style meals.
Can I use only mozzarella?
Yes, but provolone adds a more classic cheesesteak character. A combination of mozzarella and provolone gives you excellent flavor and melt.
Why is my keto crust soft?
Keto cheese-based crusts can be softer than traditional flour crusts. Bake the crust until set before adding toppings, avoid piling on excessive sauce, and allow the finished pizza to rest before slicing.
Can I make the crust thinner?
Definitely. A thinner crust will become crispier and more pizza-like.
Just keep an eye on it during the pre-bake because a thin crust can brown quickly.
Can I make this without bell peppers?
Of course. If you’re going for a more minimalist cheesesteak flavor, simply use steak, onions, and cheese.
📝 Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-inspired / Keto
Ingredients
Crust
2 cups mozzarella
2 tbsp cream cheese
1 egg
3/4 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
Topping
1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 green bell pepper
1/2 yellow onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Base
3 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese
1 cup mozzarella
4–5 slices provolone
2 tbsp Parmesan, optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Melt mozzarella and cream cheese for the crust.
Mix with egg, almond flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Shape into a 1/4-inch-thick pizza crust.
Pre-bake for 10–12 minutes.
Sauté peppers, onions, and garlic.
Cook thinly sliced steak with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Return vegetables to the skillet and combine.
Mix the creamy garlic base.
Spread sauce over the crust.
Add steak, peppers, and onions.
Top with mozzarella and provolone.
Bake 8–12 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Keto Philly Cheesesteak Pizza is exactly the kind of dinner I love when I can’t decide whether I want pizza or a cheesesteak.
Thankfully, you don’t have to choose.
You get tender steak, sweet sautéed onions, colorful peppers, creamy garlic sauce, and that gorgeous blanket of melted provolone and mozzarella—all sitting on a crispy, cheesy low-carb crust.
It’s hearty enough for dinner, fun enough for a weekend, and satisfying enough that nobody has to feel like they’re eating “diet food.”
Sometimes keto cooking is all about finding clever ways to keep the foods you love.
And this one is definitely a keeper.