Savory Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the best of Philly cheesesteak and comforting pasta, this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe is perfect. Bursting with savory flavors, gooey cheese, and tender macaroni, it’s an easy one-skillet meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a busy home cook or hosting a casual dinner, this dish delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

To make this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

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

Directions

1. Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions become soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, diced green bell pepper, uncooked macaroni, water, and beef broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Check to ensure the macaroni is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

3. Add Milk and Cream Cheese
Keeping the skillet over low heat, pour in the ½ cup of milk and add the cream cheese cubes. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.

4. Stir in Mozzarella and Provolone
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and half of the torn provolone cheese into the pan. Stir well to distribute the cheesy goodness.

5. Melt the Cheese Topping
Top the pasta with the remaining provolone cheese. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your savory Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Skillet Meal: Easy preparation and cleanup.
Rich and Cheesy: A perfect balance of creaminess and savory cheesesteak flavors.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions
Serve your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta hot and fresh from the skillet for the best taste and texture. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra indulgent touch, offer some garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up the cheesy sauce.

Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• Oven: Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

These tips ensure that your Philly Cheesesteak Pasta stays delicious even after it’s been stored!

Variations

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast. This version is lighter but still packed with flavor.

2. Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Omit the beef and use plant-based ground meat or diced mushrooms as a hearty substitute. Add extra bell peppers or even zucchini for more vegetables.

3. Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for extra spice.

4. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free. This makes the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. Extra Cheesy Version
Double the cheese quantities for an ultra-rich and indulgent dish. You can also experiment with cheddar or gouda for added depth of flavor.

6. Low-Carb Alternative
Replace the macaroni with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles (zoodles). This keeps the dish low-carb while retaining its delicious flavors.

7. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Turn this into a baked casserole by transferring the cooked pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden brown.

8. Add Mushrooms
Enhance the traditional Philly cheesesteak vibe by adding sliced sautéed mushrooms to the mix. They pair wonderfully with the beef and cheese.

These variations allow you to make this dish your own, catering to dietary preferences, flavor cravings, or just switching things up for a new experience!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni works well, you can substitute it with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta type.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the step where you add the cheese topping. Let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or oven, adding a little milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. It will still taste delicious and soak up the flavors of the sauce and cheese.

4. How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Ensure the skillet is on low heat when adding the cheese and stir it gently to distribute evenly. Using freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) also helps as it melts more smoothly.

5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for a skillet, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by cooking the beef and onions first, then combining all ingredients except the cheese. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, add cheese at the end, and stir until melted.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. Alternatively, you can microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between to avoid drying out.

7. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Add them at the same time as the bell peppers for optimal texture.

8. What type of cheese is best for this dish?
Provolone and mozzarella are ideal for their gooey texture and mild flavor, but you can experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even American cheese for a different taste.

9. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy, cheesy flavors are usually a hit with kids. If they’re sensitive to bold flavors, you can omit or reduce the Worcestershire sauce.

10. Can I freeze Philly Cheesesteak Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the pasta might be softer after thawing, but the flavors will still be delicious. Reheat gently with added liquid to restore creaminess.

These FAQs should answer common questions and help make your cooking experience even easier!

This Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best of two comfort food classics. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender macaroni, and savory beef, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Try it today and indulge in this mouthwatering fusion of flavors.

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