There’s nothing quite like a classic Philly cheesesteak—that perfect harmony of thinly sliced, juicy steak, savory sautéed onions and peppers, and a river of melted cheese, all cradled in a soft hoagie roll. But what if you could capture that incredible flavor without the carbs? Enter the Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wrap! We’ve taken everything you love about the iconic sandwich and given it a fresh, low-carb makeover. By swapping the bread for crisp, sturdy romaine leaves and using real, high-quality melted cheese, we’ve created a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and guilt-free. Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
• 2 8-oz / 225-g boneless rib-eye steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• ½ white onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups / 220 g shredded full-fat cheese (a mix of provolone and Gruyère is excellent)
• 8 large romaine lettuce leaves
• Special Equipment
• Cocktail skewers
Instructions
1. Prep the Steak: Place the rib-eye steaks in the freezer for 30-40 minutes. This firms up the meat, making it much easier to slice thinly. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the steak into thin, bite-sized strips.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Set a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are beautifully golden and caramelized. Remove the veggies from the pan and set them aside.
3. Cook the Steak: In the same hot pan, add the sliced steak. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, searing the meat until it’s browned and cooked through.
4. Get Cheesy: Return the cooked peppers and onions to the pan with the steak and stir to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly.
5. Assemble and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. To build your wraps, stack two romaine leaves for extra sturdiness. Spoon a quarter of the cheesy steak mixture into the center. Roll the lettuce tightly around the filling, slice in half, and secure with cocktail skewers to hold everything together. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 42 g
• Net Carbs: 6 g
Pro Tips
• For the thinnest steak slices, make sure your knife is very sharp. Slicing against the grain will also ensure the most tender bite.
• Don’t be afraid to mix up the cheese! While provolone is classic, a mix of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add amazing flavor.
• To prevent soggy wraps, use the crispest, innermost leaves of the romaine heart. You can also use iceberg or butter lettuce cups for a different texture.
• For an extra layer of savory, umami flavor, sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the peppers and onions.
FAQ
Q: What is the best steak for cheesesteak lettuce wraps
A: Boneless rib-eye is the best choice for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor. For the easiest and thinnest slices, place the steak in the freezer for 30-40 minutes before cutting against the grain with a very sharp knife.
Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese
A: Yes, you can easily customize the cheese. While provolone and Gruyère are recommended, other great options include sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination.
Q: How do I keep my lettuce wraps from getting soggy
A: To ensure a crisp wrap, use the sturdiest inner leaves of romaine lettuce. The recipe also suggests stacking two leaves together for extra support. Letting the hot steak and cheese mixture cool for a few minutes before assembling also helps prevent wilting.
Q: Is this Philly cheesesteak recipe keto-friendly
A: Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly. By swapping the hoagie roll for lettuce, each serving contains only 6 grams of net carbs, making it a perfect guilt-free meal.
