Name: Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey); 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Low-carb tortillas or large lettuce leaves

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Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups are a delicious low-carb twist on the classic sandwich, and they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or meal prep. If you want the full recipe details and a printable version for your kitchen, check out the Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups recipe page for a quick reference.

Why make Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

These roll ups bring together the savory, satisfying flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the carb-heavy bread. They’re adaptable, fast to prepare, and friendly to common low-carb diets. If you’re short on time but craving something hearty, this recipe cooks up in under an hour and keeps well for leftovers.

Beyond convenience, this dish is crowd-pleasing. The combination of seasoned ground meat, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted Monterey Jack cheese is familiar and comforting. Using low-carb tortillas or crisp lettuce leaves makes the roll ups approachable for anyone cutting carbs without feeling deprived.

This recipe also plays well with variations: swap proteins, switch cheeses, or add spices to match your mood. That flexibility makes these roll ups a great staple in your recipe rotation for busy weeks, casual gatherings, or a satisfying snack after a workout.

How to make Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

Start by preheating the oven and prepping your vegetables. Sauté the bell peppers and onions until they soften and begin to caramelize—this step adds a touch of sweetness and deep flavor that contrasts with the savory meat. Once the veggies are tender, brown the ground meat with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully cooked and nicely flavored.

Let the meat mixture cool slightly so it’s easier to handle, then spoon it onto low-carb tortillas or crisp lettuce leaves. Top each portion with Monterey Jack cheese; the cheese melts during a quick bake, binding the roll up and adding creaminess. Roll each tortilla or leaf tightly and arrange them seam-side down in a baking dish. A short bake at 375°F (190°C) finishes the job—just long enough to melt the cheese and heat everything through.

Serve your roll ups warm, straight from the oven. They’re perfect on their own or with a simple dipping sauce like a keto-friendly mustard mayo or a low-carb marinara.

Ingredients

Ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
Monterey Jack cheese
Bell peppers
Onions
Garlic powder
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

Ground meat: The recipe works with beef, chicken, or turkey. For a heartier, more traditional flavor choose ground beef; if you want something leaner, use ground turkey or chicken. For a pork-free, vegetarian-ish alternative, try crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils (see tips below).
Cheese: Monterey Jack is creamy and melts beautifully. If you prefer a sharper taste, swap in provolone or sharp cheddar.
Tortillas vs lettuce: Low-carb tortillas give a familiar wrap texture, while large romaine leaves or butter lettuce keep this ultra-low-carb and gluten-free.
Olive oil: You can substitute avocado oil or a neutral oil for cooking if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the basics. Feel free to add smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onions and bell peppers, sauté until soft.
Add the ground meat and garlic powder, season with salt and pepper. Cook until meat is browned.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Lay out low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves and spoon the meat mixture onto each.
Top with Monterey Jack cheese.
Roll them up tightly and place in a baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Serve warm.

Pro Tips for Success Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

Use medium heat when sautéing vegetables to draw out their natural sweetness without burning them. This brings more depth of flavor into the roll ups.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet while browning meat—crowding causes steaming rather than browning. If needed, brown meat in batches for best texture.
If using lettuce leaves, pat them dry after washing to prevent sogginess. Crisp leaves make rolling easier and prevent leaks.
For even melting, shred the Monterey Jack yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese (pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting).
Let the meat mixture cool for a few minutes before assembling. Hot filling can make tortillas soggy or wilt lettuce leaves prematurely.
To keep tortillas from becoming too dry, lightly warm them before filling—either in a dry skillet for 10–15 seconds per side or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Flavor Variations Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

Spicy Sriracha Kick: Mix a teaspoon or two of sugar-free sriracha into the cooked meat before assembling, and add a few jalapeño slices to the peppers for extra heat.
Mushroom & Swiss: Replace Monterey Jack with Swiss cheese and include sliced cremini mushrooms in the sautéed vegetables for an earthy, classic combo.
Italian-Style Roll Ups: Season the meat with Italian seasoning and oregano, swap Monterey Jack for provolone, and serve with a side of warm low-carb marinara for dipping.
Bacon & Cheddar Upgrade: Add crumbled cooked bacon into the meat mixture and swap Monterey Jack for sharp cheddar for a smokier, richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

These roll ups work well for many occasions. Serve them as a main dish alongside a crisp salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light meal, or present them as handheld appetizers at gatherings. For a cozy dinner, pair them with roasted broccoli or cauliflower mash for a comforting low-carb combo.

For game day or parties, cut each roll up into bite-sized pinwheels and secure them with toothpicks. Offer dipping sauces on the side—garlic aioli, mustard-based dips, or a sugar-free ketchup all pair well. If you’re serving these as part of a larger spread, include crunchy veggies like celery and cucumber for variety.

If you’re meal-prepping, pack the roll ups in individual meal containers with a small sauce cup so they stay fresh and ready to reheat.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

Refrigerating: Store cooled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If assembled with lettuce leaves, expect the leaves to soften more quickly; for longer fridge storage, use tortillas instead.
Reheating: Reheat individual roll ups in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. For faster reheating, microwave on medium power for 60–90 seconds, then finish in a toaster oven for crispness.
Freezing: These roll ups freeze well if you use tortillas. Wrap each roll up tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven to restore texture.
Tip for best texture: Reheat uncovered in the oven to help the tortilla crisp slightly and to fully melt the cheese again. If your filling is frozen solid, allow partial thawing first to avoid overcooking the exterior while the center remains cold.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

Values are approximate and based on a typical batch using 1 lb ground beef (85/15), 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, 1 bell pepper, 1 medium onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 4 low-carb tortillas, divided into 4 servings.

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 28.5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 500 mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on the type of ground meat, the brand of tortillas, and exact serving sizes. For a leaner profile, use ground turkey or chicken and a reduced-fat cheese. For lower sodium, select a low-sodium cheese and keep added salt to a minimum.

FAQ About Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups

Are Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups really low in carbs?

Yes, when made with low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves, these roll ups are low in net carbs compared to a traditional Philly cheesesteak with bread. The primary carbohydrate sources are the tortilla and the vegetables, both of which can be minimized by choosing very low-carb wraps or swapping for lettuce. If you’re tracking net carbs, subtract fiber from total carbohydrates to calculate net carbs. Adjusting ingredients like cheese type and portion sizes will also change the carb count slightly.

Can I make these roll ups dairy-free or vegan?

You can adapt the recipe to be dairy-free by omitting the Monterey Jack and adding a dairy-free melting cheese alternative or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. For a vegan version, replace ground meat with seasoned crumbles, cooked lentils, or sautéed mushrooms and use a vegan cheese. Season generously with garlic powder and smoked paprika to keep the flavor bold. Keep in mind that melting and texture will differ from the original, but the savory elements still deliver satisfaction.

What is the best meat to use for flavor and texture?

For a classic, rich flavor similar to traditional Philly cheesesteak, ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works best because of its fat content and beefy taste. If you prefer leaner options, ground turkey or chicken are excellent—they cook quicker and reduce overall fat. If you want a closer texture to sliced steak, you could use thinly sliced steak instead of ground meat, but that changes the cooking method slightly: sauté the slices quickly over high heat until just cooked to preserve tenderness.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. The meat and vegetable filling stores well and can be prepared 2–3 days in advance in the refrigerator. Warm the filling briefly before assembling to make rolling easier, and drain any excess liquid if necessary to avoid soggy tortillas. For meal prep, you can also freeze the cooked filling in portions—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling the roll ups.

How do I keep tortillas from getting soggy?

A few practices help prevent soggy tortillas: warm the tortillas briefly before filling to make them more pliable, which reduces cracking and tearing. Don’t overfill; leave a small border to ensure tight rolling. Allow hot filling to cool slightly before spreading on the tortilla. If you’re storing assembled roll ups, wrap each one in parchment or foil and place them seam-side down to minimize liquid exposure. For the best long-term texture, consider storing filling separately and assembling right before eating.

Can I make these into bite-sized appetizers?

Yes—making pinwheel appetizers is simple. Roll each filled tortilla tightly and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up. Slice each roll into 1–1.5 inch rounds and secure with toothpicks. For party-ready bites, place them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like mustard aioli or a keto-friendly marinara. Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 2–3 days for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups are a flexible, flavorful option for anyone looking to enjoy cheesesteak flavors without the bread. Quick to assemble, friendly to meal prep, and easy to adapt, they work for busy weeknights, party hors d’oeuvres, or protein-packed lunches. Keep a few basic swaps in mind—different proteins, cheeses, or wraps—to match dietary needs or what’s in your pantry. With a handful of simple tips, you’ll have a reliable low-carb favorite that hits all the savory notes of the original while keeping things lighter and more customizable.

Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups