Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

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Craving the comforting taste of a Philly cheesesteak but tired of the same old sandwich routine? Elevate your dinner game with a delicious twist on this classic favorite – Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! This hearty dish combines tender ground beef, flavorful veggies, and gooey cheeses, all tossed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Let’s dive into this savory sensation and get ready to tantalize those taste buds!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • ½ yellow or sweet onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup of water
  • 14.5 ounce can of beef broth (or 2 cups beef broth)
  • ½ cup of 2% milk
  • 2 ounces of cream cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 to 8 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced and torn
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

  1. Sauté and Season: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for that signature Philly flavor.
  2. Add the Goodness: Stir in diced green bell pepper, uncooked macaroni, water, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Creamy Cheesy Bliss: Keeping the skillet over low heat, add milk and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and blends into a creamy sauce. Now, sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and half of the torn provolone. Stir until the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated.
  4. Cheese on Top: Finish off your masterpiece by topping it with the remaining torn provolone. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey goodness.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta!

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve with Style: Present your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finishing touch. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table.
  2. Family-Friendly Feast: This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, communal dining experience that brings everyone together.
  3. Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the ground beef and chop the veggies ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage. When ready to cook, simply thaw and follow the recipe steps for a quick and easy meal.
  4. Leftover Love: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
  5. Freeze for Future Cravings: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date and freeze for up to a month. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
  6. Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a nutritional boost, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also adjust the cheese blend to include your favorites for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Variations to Spice Up Your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta:

  1. Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free option, swap the ground beef with meatless crumbles or diced mushrooms. You can also amp up the veggie factor by adding additional vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
  2. Chicken Cheesesteak: Substitute the ground beef with diced or shredded cooked chicken breast for a lighter alternative. Add some sliced mushrooms and diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
  3. Spicy Kick: Turn up the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the ground beef. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish before serving.
  4. Creamy Dreamy: Make your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta even more indulgent by stirring in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt along with the cream cheese. This will add a creamy richness to the sauce that will take it to the next level.
  5. Cheese Lover’s Delight: Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own cheesy masterpiece. Try adding sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even blue cheese crumbles for a bold flavor profile.
  6. Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version of this dish, substitute the elbow macaroni with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. You can still enjoy all the delicious flavors of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta without the extra carbs.
  7. Tex-Mex Twist: Give your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta a Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the ground beef with taco seasoning and adding black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the skillet. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.
  8. Mushroom Madness: Replace the ground beef with a variety of sautéed mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a rich and earthy flavor. You can also mix in some caramelized onions for added sweetness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works perfectly in this dish, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
  2. I’m not a fan of ground beef. Can I use a different protein? Of course! You can easily swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even diced steak strips for a traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party? Yes, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
  4. I don’t have Worcestershire sauce. Can I omit it? While Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor to the dish, you can omit it if necessary. The recipe will still be delicious without it.
  5. Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack would work well in this dish.
  6. How long does leftover Philly Cheesesteak Pasta last in the refrigerator? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat before serving.
  7. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Indulge in this hearty and satisfying Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, grab your skillet and get ready to delight in every bite!