Craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the deliciousness of pasta? If so, this Cheesy Philly-Inspired Pasta Dish is exactly what you need. The combination of tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce makes this dish a family favorite. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something flavorful but easy to whip up. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that blends the familiar taste of a Philly cheesesteak with the versatility of pasta!
Ingredients:
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 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
- 1 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:
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions turn soft and translucent. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference. The beef should have a nice brown color, and the onions will offer a sweet, savory base. - Incorporate the Worcestershire Sauce and Peppers
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, followed by the diced green bell pepper. Mix everything well so the peppers absorb some of the savory flavors from the meat mixture. The peppers will retain a slight crispness, which adds texture to the final dish, balancing the richness of the sauce. - Cook the Pasta and Liquid
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, water, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat to a simmer, and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed or evaporated. Keep an eye on it to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan, stirring occasionally. - Add Creamy Ingredients
With the skillet still over low heat, pour in the milk and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy base. The creaminess of the sauce will help bind the flavors together, enriching the dish with a velvety texture. - Melt the Cheese and Combine
Once the cream cheese has dissolved, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the mozzarella melts into the sauce. Afterward, scatter the torn pieces of provolone cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes, allowing the provolone to melt beautifully, creating a deliciously cheesy topping. - Garnish and Serve
After the provolone cheese has melted to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This simple step enhances the visual appeal of the dish and provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Tips for Success:
- Prep Ahead for Busy Nights: To save time on hectic weeknights, consider pre-cooking the ground beef mixture in advance. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer-term storage. When you’re ready, simply reheat the beef and continue with the recipe.
- Maintain Crunchy Peppers: For the best texture, add the bell peppers a bit later in the cooking process. This keeps them crisp, offering a nice bite that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
- Adjust for Picky Eaters: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce. This adjustment will tone down the dish’s seasoning for those with more sensitive palates, particularly younger children.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Philly-Inspired Pasta Dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak to the table in an easy-to-make pasta form. It’s the perfect comfort food, whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or hosting friends. The rich, savory flavor of the beef, combined with the creaminess of the sauce and the melty cheese, will leave everyone coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this delicious twist on a beloved favorite!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, enjoy this dish fresh and hot. The cheese will be melty, and the flavors will be at their peak. Serve directly from the skillet for a comforting meal straight from the stove.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and freshness. It helps balance the richness of the cheese and adds a nice, vibrant touch to the dish.
- Pair with a Light Salad: This cheesy, creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing side salad. Opt for a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta and add some greens to the meal.
- Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to help restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
- Freezing for Later: This dish can also be frozen for future meals. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label each container with the date and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Customize with Toppings: Want to take the flavor up a notch? Try adding extra toppings such as crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes. These add a crunchy texture and new layers of flavor to the dish.
By following these tips, you can ensure your Cheesy Philly-Inspired Pasta stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy any time.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow or sweet onion diced
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup water
- 14.5 ounce beef broth
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 6 to 8 ounces provolone cheese sliced and torn into pieces
- to taste chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and diced green bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni, water, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add milk and cubed cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese has melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with torn provolone cheese, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap out elbow macaroni for any other pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter or different flavor, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein options like Beyond Meat or tofu crumbles. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components of this dish ahead of time. Cook the ground beef mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage. You can also cook the pasta separately and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef mixture, combine it with the pasta, and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! This dish can be easily adapted to suit picky eaters. You can omit the Worcestershire sauce to make it milder and even sneak in some veggies like diced carrots or mushrooms if your kids are open to them. With creamy cheese and tender pasta, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
By following these tips and making small adjustments, you can customize this recipe to fit your family’s tastes while ensuring it remains a hit at the dinner table. Enjoy this Philly-inspired pasta creation!