Philly Cheesesteak Low-Carb Rollups

This hearty keto Philly cheesesteak roll-up recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a low-carb delight that satisfies cravings without the guilt. The savory beef and melted cheese combination wrapped in a low-carb tortilla delivers all the authentic flavors you love while keeping carbs in check.

I first made these roll-ups during a family game night when everyone was craving something substantial but didn't want to break their low-carb commitments. The empty plate at the end of the evening told me everything I needed to know about this recipe's staying power in our meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef: ribeye provides ideal fat content for authentic flavor but sirloin works beautifully for a leaner option
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced: the traditional choice that melts perfectly and brings that signature tangy creaminess
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped: adds essential sweetness and vibrant color variety
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped: caramelizes beautifully to provide natural sweetness and depth
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: high quality oil makes a difference in flavor development
• 4 low carb tortillas: look for options with at least 4g fiber to keep net carbs minimal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:

Slice the beef into thin strips across the grain for maximum tenderness. Chop bell peppers into uniform pieces about ¼ inch wide. Slice onion thinly for quicker caramelization. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process seamless and prevents overcooking.

Sauté The Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking for a full 5-7 minutes until they soften completely and the onions begin to show golden edges. This slow cooking develops natural sweetness that balances the savory meat.

Cook The Beef:

Increase heat to medium-high which allows for quick browning without overcooking. Add the sliced beef in a single layer if possible, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook for just 3-5 minutes until browned but still tender. Ribeye will release more fat creating additional flavor for the vegetables.

Melt The Cheese:

Reduce heat to low immediately after beef is cooked to prevent toughening. Arrange provolone slices evenly across the entire mixture, allowing them to melt completely into the meat and vegetables. This creates pockets of cheese throughout rather than just a layer on top.

Assemble Roll-Ups:

Spoon the beef cheese mixture evenly between the four tortillas, placing it slightly off-center toward one edge. Roll each tortilla tightly tucking in the sides as you go to prevent filling from escaping. The warmth of the filling will make the tortillas more pliable.

Brown The Roll-Ups:

Return the rolled tortillas to the skillet with the seam side down first to seal them closed. Cook for approximately 1 minute per side until golden brown and slightly crisp. This final step not only adds texture but ensures the roll-ups hold together when cut.

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The provolone cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. While many Philly cheesesteak purists might argue for Cheez Whiz, the provolone provides that perfect stringy pull when you bite into the roll-up while adding rich flavor that commercial cheese sauces simply cannot match. My husband actually requested these for his birthday dinner last year instead of his usual steak dinner!

Make-Ahead Options

These roll-ups maintain their quality surprisingly well when prepared in advance. Assemble them completely but skip the final browning step. Instead, wrap individually in parchment paper then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, either brown in a skillet as directed or place in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside.

Perfect Pairings

While these roll-ups are satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with simple sides that maintain the low-carb profile. A fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar adds brightness to balance the richness. For something warm, roasted broccoli florets or cauliflower rice sautéed with garlic complements the flavors without overwhelming them. If you have extra carbs in your daily allowance, a small serving of sweet potato fries makes this meal feel extra indulgent.

Customizing Your Roll-Ups

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Mushrooms make an excellent addition for an earthy flavor boost simply sauté them alongside the peppers and onions. Pepper Jack cheese can replace some or all of the provolone for a spicy variation. For an elevated version, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese to the filling or a drizzle of hot sauce before rolling. Those not strictly following keto can use regular flour tortillas or lavash bread as an alternative wrapper.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the meat in these Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups?

Yes, you can substitute the ribeye or sirloin with ground beef, thinly sliced chicken breast, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The key is to slice whatever protein you choose very thinly so it cooks quickly and remains tender.

→ What can I use instead of low-carb tortillas?

If you want to keep it keto-friendly, you can use large lettuce leaves, egg wraps, cheese wraps, or even thinly sliced deli meat as the outer wrap. For non-keto options, regular flour tortillas or lavash bread work well.

→ How can I store and reheat these roll-ups?

Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave for 60-90 seconds (though this may soften the tortilla) or reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through for a crispier exterior.

→ Can I make these Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the filling, add cheese, and assemble the roll-ups. You can also fully assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before the final sear.

→ What sides pair well with these roll-ups?

For a keto-friendly meal, pair with cauliflower rice, a side salad with vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or zucchini fries. If carbs aren't a concern, sweet potato fries or a simple soup would complement these roll-ups nicely.

→ Can I freeze these Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after the final sear. Wrap each roll-up individually in parchment paper, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for best results.