Keto Steak and Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Tender seared sirloin with sauteed green pepper and onion, topped with melted provolone and served in toasted keto sandwich rolls.
Contains: Milk · Wheat
This recipe uses provolone and wheat-based keto sandwich rolls. Keto roll formulations vary and may also contain egg, soy, sesame, tree nuts or additional allergens, so check the label of the rolls you use.
WHY IT WORKS
Why This Recipe Works
01
Thin Steak Cooks Fast
Thinly sliced sirloin browns quickly in a hot skillet, keeping the steak tender while developing plenty of savory flavor.
02
Cook in Stages
Cooking the peppers and onions before the steak prevents the pan from becoming crowded and helps both the vegetables and beef brown properly.
03
Melt the Cheese in the Pan
Dividing the hot filling into portions and melting the provolone directly over each pile gives every sandwich an even layer of gooey cheese.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
THE RECIPE
Ingredients & Method
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Ingredient quantities have been scaled. Cooking time, oven temperature, pan size and method timings are unchanged.
My Notes
Ingredients
- Steak and Vegetables
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Tools
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- Sandwiches
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Method
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Pat the steak dry and slice it very thinly across the grain. Toss it with the garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
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Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Place the keto rolls cut-side down in the dry skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly golden. Transfer them to plates.
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Add 1 tablespoon (tbsp) olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
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Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (tbsp) olive oil and cook the steak in two batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per batch, turning and stirring just until browned. Return all the steak and the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss together.
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Divide the steak and vegetable mixture into 4 portions in the skillet. Top each portion with 2 ounces (oz) provolone. Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
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Transfer each cheesy steak portion to a toasted keto roll and serve immediately.
COOKING GUIDANCE
Practical Cooking Notes
Make Ahead
The steak, pepper and onion can be sliced up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated separately in covered containers. The cooked filling can also be prepared ahead, chilled promptly and reheated in a skillet before the cheese is melted over it.
Recipe tools
Adapt This Recipe
Change the quantities, measurements, pan, cooking method or ingredients, then turn what you need into a shopping list.
Dietary options
Make This Recipe Work for You
Only straightforward swaps are offered automatically. If changing a defining ingredient would effectively create a different dish, that conversion is left out.
Make It Dairy-Free
Change the following ingredients:
Replace8 ounces (oz) sliced provolone cheese
With8 ounces (oz) sliced dairy-free cheese
Replace225 grams (g) sliced provolone cheese
With225 grams (g) sliced dairy-free cheese
Replace4 wheat-based keto sandwich rolls, split
With4 dairy-free wheat-based keto sandwich rolls, split
Replace4 wheat-based keto sandwich rolls, split
With4 dairy-free wheat-based keto sandwich rolls, split
Choose a dairy-free sliced cheese that melts well and use keto rolls labelled dairy-free.
Make It Gluten-Free
Change the following ingredient:
Replace4 wheat-based keto sandwich rolls, split
With4 gluten-free low-carb sandwich rolls, split
Replace4 wheat-based keto sandwich rolls, split
With4 gluten-free low-carb sandwich rolls, split
Use gluten-free low-carb sandwich rolls that suit your carbohydrate target.
For allergies, intolerances or strict dietary requirements, check the labels of the specific products you use. These swaps do not certify a recipe or ingredient as allergen-free.
Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes
Sirloin gives a good balance of tenderness, flavor and leanness. Slice it thinly across the grain for the most tender filling. Keto sandwich rolls vary widely in size and nutrition, so choose rolls that fit your preferred carbohydrate target.
Useful Substitutions
Ribeye can replace the sirloin for a richer sandwich, while flank steak also works when sliced very thinly across the grain. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can replace the provolone if preferred, although the flavor will be milder.
INGREDIENT QUALITY
Quality Note
Slice the steak as thinly as practical across the grain and cook it in batches. Thin slices brown quickly, while an uncrowded skillet prevents the beef from steaming and becoming tough.
SPEND LESS
Cost-Saving Tip
Sirloin is usually less expensive than ribeye while still working well for this sandwich. Buying a larger sirloin steak and slicing it yourself can also be better value than purchasing pre-sliced steak.
COOKING TIPS
Tips
Start with Cold Steak
Well-chilled steak is firmer and easier to slice thinly. If needed, place it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
Do Not Crowd the Pan
Cook the steak in two batches so it sears instead of steaming. Return everything to the skillet only after the beef has browned.
Toast the Rolls
A quick toast on the cut sides helps keto rolls hold up better against the juicy steak and melted cheese.
Cover to Melt
Cover the skillet briefly after adding the provolone. The trapped heat melts the cheese without overcooking the steak.
MAKE IT LAST
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Storing
Refrigerate the cooked steak, vegetables and cheese filling in a covered container within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days. Store the rolls separately so they do not become soggy.
Freezing
Freeze the cooled steak and vegetable filling without the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the filling in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot throughout, adding the cheese near the end if it was stored separately. Toast and fill the rolls just before serving.
ESTIMATED PER SERVING
Nutrition
1 sandwich
Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.
QUESTIONS
Keto Steak and Cheese Sandwich FAQs
What steak is best for a steak and cheese sandwich?
Sirloin works well because it is flavorful, relatively lean and easy to slice thinly. Ribeye is richer and more tender, while flank steak is a good alternative when sliced very thinly across the grain.
How do I keep this steak and cheese sandwich low carb?
Use a keto or low-carb sandwich roll that fits your carbohydrate target and avoid sweet sauces. The steak, cheese, peppers and onions in this recipe are prepared without added sugar.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the steak and vegetables, cool them promptly and refrigerate them in a covered container. Reheat the filling in a skillet, melt the cheese over it and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Can I leave out the peppers or onions?
Yes. Either vegetable can be reduced or omitted without changing the cooking method. If you are closely managing carbohydrate intake, reducing the onion will lower the carbohydrate contribution from the vegetables.
What cheese works best?
Provolone melts smoothly and has enough flavor to stand up to the steak. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack also melt well if you prefer a milder sandwich.
Looking for Something Else to Cook?
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