Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting an irresistible philly cheesesteak pasta brings together classic sandwich flavors in a comforting, hearty dish.

Tender strips of beef mingle with caramelized onions and bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Melted provolone cheese coats each strand of pasta, promising a creamy, indulgent experience.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the perfect balance of meaty richness and cheesy goodness.

Weekends or busy evenings call for something special that satisfies deep cravings.

Grab a fork and prepare for a culinary adventure that celebrates delicious simplicity.

Ingredients For Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Main Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and helps create a smooth sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Brings a stretchy, melty quality to the pasta.
  • Provolone Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy cheese flavor characteristic of a traditional Philly cheesesteak.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Classic Philly cheesesteak vegetables that add depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
Pasta and Liquid Base:
  • Macaroni Noodles: The pasta that serves as the foundation of this one-skillet meal.
  • Beef Broth, Water: Provide the cooking liquid for the pasta and help create a cohesive sauce.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the cheeses smoothly.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and adding a subtle background flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Gives a classic zip and depth to the Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, final touch to the dish.

How To Prepare Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Combine ground beef and onions, cooking until the meat turns completely brown and onions become soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Create the Pasta Base

Add the following ingredients to the skillet:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Green bell pepper
  • Macaroni noodles
  • Water
  • Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes. Verify the pasta is fully cooked and most liquid has been absorbed.

Step 3: Incorporate Creamy Elements

Keep the skillet on low heat. Pour in milk and add cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese completely blends into the mixture.

Step 4: Add Cheese Layers

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese into the pan. Stir to distribute the cheeses evenly throughout the pasta.

Step 5: Melt the Topping Cheese

Spread the remaining provolone cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the dish for a fresh finish.

Pro Tips:
  • Prepare ground beef in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
  • Cook onions longer than peppers to achieve the perfect texture.
  • Worcestershire sauce adds classic Philly cheesesteak flavor, but can be omitted for picky eaters.

Pro Tips For Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Prep Beef in Advance: Cook ground beef beforehand and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for a month, making weeknight meal prep super quick and easy.
  • Pepper Placement Matters: Add green bell peppers after onions are soft to maintain their crisp texture and prevent overcooking, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
  • Sauce Swap for Picky Eaters: Skip Worcestershire sauce if strong flavors aren't popular with kids, allowing the cheesy pasta to remain mild and crowd-pleasing.
  • Cheese Melt Magic: Let residual heat help melt cheese by covering skillet with lid, creating a gooey, creamy topping that blends seamlessly with the pasta.

Flavorful Variations Of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautĂ©ed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the rich, hearty flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute macaroni noodles with riced cauliflower or cauliflower pasta to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy cheesesteak essence.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a fiery kick that transforms the classic comfort dish into a zesty meal.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this cheesy, savory pasta creation.

Best Pairings For Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy craft beer such as an amber ale or Pennsylvania-brewed lager to enhance the cheesy, savory elements of the dish and cut through its creamy texture.
  • Fresh Green Salad Side: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy main course.
  • Zesty Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Add quick-pickled peppers or giardiniera on the side to introduce a bright, acidic note that will contrast with the pasta's creamy and meaty profile.

Storage Tips For Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Place completely cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or beef broth to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

  • What are the key ingredients that make this pasta taste like a Philly cheesesteak?

The key ingredients are ground beef, onions, green bell peppers, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, which capture the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta type cooks similarly in liquid to maintain the recipe’s consistency.

  • Is this dish spicy or kid-friendly?

The dish is not spicy. The Worcestershire sauce adds a mild tangy flavor, and you can even omit it if your kids are sensitive to bold tastes. The creamy cheese and simple ingredients make it generally kid-friendly.

What Makes Philly Cheesesteak Pasta A Comfort Food Favorite

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: One-pan meal that combines the beloved Philly cheesesteak flavors with pasta, reducing cleanup and cooking steps.
  • Customize for Picky Eaters: Flexible recipe allows easy omission of Worcestershire sauce for kids who prefer milder tastes, making it a family-friendly option.
  • Quick Weeknight Champion: Requires minimal ingredients and cooks in a single skillet, perfect for busy households needing a satisfying meal without complex preparation.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Ground beef can be cooked in advance and stored, providing a convenient shortcut for faster weeknight cooking and saving precious time.
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Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary innovation in this irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, blending classic sandwich flavors with creamy, hearty pasta perfection. Melted provolone, tender beef strips, and caramelized onions create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 6 to 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced and torn into pieces
  • 12 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 12 yellow or sweet onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, diced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 14.5 ounce can of beef broth, or 2 cups beef broth
  • 12 cup 2% milk
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef and onions in olive oil over medium heat until meat browns and onions become translucent, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  2. Add Worcestershire sauce, green bell peppers, macaroni, water, and beef broth to the skillet. Elevate heat to high and bring to a robust boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow pasta to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring noodles are fully cooked and liquid has mostly evaporated.
  4. Maintain low heat and incorporate milk and cubed cream cheese, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
  5. Remove skillet from heat source and fold in mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese, distributing evenly throughout the pasta mixture.
  6. Sprinkle remaining provolone across the top and replace skillet lid, allowing residual heat to melt cheese for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Culinary Tips:

  1. Precooked ground beef can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for one month.
  2. Add bell peppers later in the cooking process to maintain their crisp texture while allowing onions sufficient time to caramelize.
  3. Worcestershire sauce provides authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor; however, can be omitted for more sensitive palates.

Notes

  • Prep ground beef in advance to slash cooking time, storing it safely in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for a month.
  • Add green peppers later in the cooking process to maintain their crisp texture while allowing onions to caramelize perfectly.
  • Skip Worcestershire sauce if kids prefer milder flavors, keeping the dish kid-friendly without compromising overall taste.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or provolone blend for a personalized cheesy twist that elevates the classic Philly cheesesteak profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 525 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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