Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, merging the flavors of savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and creamy cheeses with comforting pasta. This dish is a step-by-step recipe that delivers comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. It’s not only easy to prepare but also nostalgic, as it brings the flavors of Philadelphia directly to your kitchen.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients that contribute to its rich and satisfying flavor profile:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) – Offering a rich, fruity taste to enhance the overall dish.
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef – Juicy and flavorful, the heart of this pasta dish.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided) – Brings out the flavors in the meat and vegetables.
• ½ medium yellow onion (thinly sliced) – Aromatic and sweet, it adds depth to the dish.
• 1 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced) – Sweet and vibrant, contributing color and flavor.
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced) – A nice contrast to the red bell pepper, adding sweetness.
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (stemmed and quartered) – Earthy and meaty, bringing a nice texture.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Adds a punch of flavor that complements the beef.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic pepper – This seasoning elevates the garlicky aroma.
• 10 ounces dry rotini pasta (about 3 cups) – The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce and mix well with the other ingredients.
• 3 cups low sodium beef broth – Provides a rich base for cooking the pasta.
• 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese – Creamy with a hint of spice, it melts beautifully into the dish.
• 4 ounces provolone cheese (6 slices) – Creamy and mild, perfect for layering on top for that classic cheesesteak finish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep, 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef along with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is crumbled and browned. Drain off any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Then stir in the bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic pepper. Stir everything well and cook for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta

Stir the uncooked rotini pasta into the mixture, making sure to mix it evenly. Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir the shredded pepper jack cheese into the mixture until it melts beautifully. Layer the provolone cheese slices in a circle over the top of the dish, cover, and cook until the cheese is fully melted. Serve hot.

Tips & Tricks

• For a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce when cooking the beef.
• You can customize the vegetables based on your preference; zucchini or spinach works beautifully in this dish.
• If you like it spicy, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta pairs excellently with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even as a game-day treat. For a refreshing drink, consider pairing it with iced tea or lemonade.

Nutritional Information

This hearty dish contains approximately 550 calories per serving. It is packed with protein from the beef and cheese, along with fiber from the pasta and vegetables. Balance is key, so enjoying it alongside a fresh salad can make it a well-rounded meal.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Variations include using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, or substituting the beef with grilled chicken for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a delightful blend of comfort and nostalgia, bringing together the best elements of a classic sandwich in a delicious pasta format. It’s easy to make and offers a satisfying meal for any occasion. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts and memories associated with it! Let the savory aromas and cheesy goodness fill your home and hearts.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, you can swap it for any pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or an assortment of vegetables like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu.

3. What can I do if I don’t have beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a similar flavor base.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy cheese and tender pasta make it a favorite among kids. You can also adjust the spices according to your children’s taste preferences.

5. How can I add more flavor?

Feel free to experiment with seasonings. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of soy sauce can enhance the overall flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also add a fresh touch right before serving.

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

A delightful twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak, this pasta dish merges savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and creamy cheeses for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 10 ounces dry rotini pasta About 3 cups
• 3 cups low sodium beef broth

For the Meat and Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt Divided
• ½ medium yellow onion Thinly sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper Thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper Thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms Stemmed and quartered
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic pepper

For the Cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 4 ounces provolone cheese 6 slices

Method

 

Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep, 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the ground beef along with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is crumbled and browned.
3. Drain off any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate. Set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
2. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
3. Stir in the bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Combine and Cook

1. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Sprinkle in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic pepper.
3. Stir everything well and cook for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

Incorporate the Pasta

1. Stir the uncooked rotini pasta into the mixture, mixing it evenly.
2. Pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to bring to a boil.
3. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Add the Cheese

1. Once the pasta is cooked, stir the shredded pepper jack cheese into the mixture until it melts.
2. Layer the provolone cheese slices in a circle over the top of the dish, cover, and cook until the cheese is fully melted.
3. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce when cooking the beef. Customize vegetables to preference; zucchini or spinach works well. For spiciness, consider adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.