Description
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a delightful mashup of two comfort food classics: the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich and creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish combines tender beef, caramelized onions, bell peppers, and a rich cheese sauce with pasta, creating a hearty, savory meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s an easy one-pan dish that offers the bold flavors of the iconic sandwich but in a comforting pasta form.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Brown ground beef and onion in skillet until meat is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Worcestershire, green bell pepper, macaroni noodles, water, and beef broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once water comes to a boil reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Check to ensure the pasta has fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed/evaporated.
- Keeping the skillet over low heat add the ½ cup of milk and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has been incorporated.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese into the pan and stir to distribute.
- Top with the remaining provolone cheese. Put the lid back on the skillet for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Beef Selection:
- Ribeye is the preferred choice for its tenderness and flavor, but you can also use sirloin or flank steak for a leaner option.
- Thinly slice the beef to ensure quick and even cooking. You can also use ground beef for a faster, budget-friendly version.
- Cheese Sauce:
- Provolone and American cheese work beautifully for this dish, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
- Add reserved pasta water to the sauce gradually to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Avoid high heat when melting the cheese, as this can cause the sauce to become greasy or clumpy.
- Vegetable Options:
- Traditional Philly cheesesteak includes onions and bell peppers, but you can add mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini to boost the vegetable content.
- To maintain texture, sauté the vegetables just until tender with a slight bite.
- Customizations:
- This dish can be made with chicken or ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute mushrooms or plant-based protein for the beef.
- If you want to add some heat, toss in jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Making it Healthier:
- Use whole wheat pasta, lean meats, and low-fat cheeses to reduce the calorie count.
- Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach increases fiber and nutrients without adding too many calories.
- Leftovers:
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping. However, the cheese sauce may thicken when cooled, so adding a little water or broth while reheating helps restore the creamy texture.
- Make Ahead Tips:
- You can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce, then combine everything for a quick meal.